Double running stitch is also known as Holbein stitch or Roumanian and Chiara stitch. It is a simple stitch that is identical on both sides of the fabric and can be worked in straight, curved  or zig zag  lines in traditional European embroidery and cross stitch, blackwork from Spain  or Assisi work from Italy.

It can be used effectively as a delicate outline stitch or as a filling stitch to create complex goemetric patterns.

Double running stitch is worked in two journeys. On the outward journey you mark out the design and on the return trip you fill in the empty spaces.

The stitch can be worked either by  placing the stitch made on the return journey above and below the outward stitch. This replicates the natural twist of the thread.

or by  splitting the outward stitch with the stitch made on the return journey

Here we see the outward journey followed by both methods on the return trip.

Start the stitch with a waste knot and when both journeys have been completed work both ends of the threads into the reverse of stitches laid. A sharp neeedle enables you to pierce the threads to give a professional and reversible finish.

Have fun with this useful little stitch, experiment with different coloured threads and shapes to create exciting designs.