Double-running stitch (Holbein stitch)

The Double-running, or Holbein, stitch is the basic stitch of blackwork embroidery. This stitch is reversible – that is, it looks the same on the back and the front. Running stitch is the most basic stitch and the simplest one. It is also called the quilting stitch. It is used to create wonderful quilt patterns in Indian Kantha embroidery.

Although superficially similar to Back Stitch the Holbein stitch produces a smoother line and a pattern that is identical on both sides of the fabric. It can be worked in straight lines, diagonally, or in a stepped fashion to make a zigzag line and is well suited to creating outlines or intricate filling patterns.

Historically, double-running stitch is a very early stitch and it is a very versatile stitch as well. It works well to make strong seams in construction of garments, it is thread saving and creates a reversible design if done to follow a pattern line.

Blackwork can be stitched in double running stitch or backstitch. If you haven’t tried double running stitch now is your chance.

It has two main benefits.

Firstly it is reversible, so the back of your work will look the same as the front.

Secondly it uses less thread. Are you like me and stitch to the very end of your strand so you don’t waste any thread?

To work this stitch one just has to move the needle over and under the fabric at regular spaces along the embroidery line. Neatness comes with the regularity in the stitch size over and beneath the cloth.

Holbein stitch is usually worked on on an even-weave fabric where the threads can be counted to ensure perfect regularity and is worked in two stages. Firstly, a row of evenly spaced running stitches is worked along the line to be covered. Then the return journey is completed, filling in the spaces between stitches made on the first journey and sharing the same holes.