Double Running Stitch – a basic and reversible stitch explored

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.

Double Running Stitch also known as the Holbein Stitch, Roumanian Stitch or Chiara Stitch tutorial

 

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

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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.

Double Running Stitch also known as the Holbein Stitch, Roumanian Stitch or Chiara Stitch tutorial

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.

Double Running Stitch also known as the Holbein Stitch, Roumanian Stitch or Chiara Stitch tutorial

or by  splitting the outward stitch with the stitch made on the return journey
Double Running Stitch also known as the Holbein Stitch, Roumanian Stitch or Chiara Stitch tutorial

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

Double Running Stitch also known as the Holbein Stitch, Roumanian Stitch or Chiara Stitch tutorial

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.Double Running Stitch also known as the Holbein Stitch, Roumanian Stitch or Chiara Stitch tutorial

 

 

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

 

3 thoughts on “Double Running Stitch – a basic and reversible stitch explored

  1. Nicola I love your Hands Across the Sea Blog. The Reversible Running Stitch article is very nice and extremely useful! Thanks Kay Lynn

  2. Thank you Nicola for this Double Running stitch article. It will help me ‘perfect’ my stitching! I discovered the “world” of reversible running stitch about 12 months ago. I struggled in the beginning to work out the stitching paths but now I am loving this stitch and the patterns that can be created. I think working these kind of patterns is the most relaxing stitching for me at this time. Best Wishes to you, Dianne

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