About the Cord Stitch
The Cord Stitch is a rope-like stitch that is made with tightly placed Cross Stitches. These Stitches overlap each other, leaving no ground space. The result is a beautiful braid-like texture and is lovely to use on outlines. This stitch is adapted from hand sewing, here the Cord Stitch is used to close the fabric’s edges. I will work between two closely placed parallel lines, using six strands of thread to create a prominent stitch
How to do the Cord Stitch
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| Fig 1: The parallel lines must be placed close to each other. Begin the cross-stitching | Fig 2: Come out very close to your earlier stitch to keep the stitches tight. |
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| Fig 3: Make your next Cross Stitch by passing the needle very close to the earlier stitches | Fig 4: To finish the Crosses, you will be passing the needle through the fabric that goes under the earlier stitches. |
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| Fig 5: You might have to angle the stitches more as you stitch along. | Fig 6: Continue with this process for the entire row. |
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| Fig 7: This is what your Cord Stitch will look like. |
Learn this Stitch along with 305 other stitches from our 600-page eBook.
Sarah has been researching and sharing hand embroidery lessons for over 18 years, making it accessible to everyone around the globe.
Do you have illustrations showing how to create the rope (cord) stitch using the stab method? I’m working on a hoop that is “drum tight.” There isn’t enough play to use a sewing stitch.
Hi Marty,
Just to clarify, are you referring to the stitch in this page, or this one: https://www.embroidery.rocksea.org/stitch/chain-stitch/rope-stitch/
I do not have the instructions for the stitch using the stab method. But, here is the trick- places where the needle go in through the fabric, pull out the needle completely down. Then, come out from the fabric before pulling the needle and thread out completely. Hope I have given you the idea clearly. ☺️
You are correct. I was referring to the stitch page. That helps. Thanks, Marty