Whipped running stitch

How to work it

1. Work a row of running stitch

   

   Stitch the whole line in running stitch first. Keep the stitches even and equally spaced, with short gaps.

2. Bring up a second thread at the start

   

   Thread a blunt needle with the whipping thread. Bring it up at A, in the hole at the start of the first stitch. Whipping is shown here worked from right to left.

3. Slide the needle under the first stitch

   

   Pass the needle under the first running stitch from the top side of the line to the bottom. Go between the stitch and the fabric. Do not pick up any fabric.

4. Whip the next stitch the same way

   

   Pull the thread through gently. Carry it across the gap and slide the needle under the next stitch, from top to bottom again.

5. Wrap every stitch, then go down

   

   Whip each stitch in turn, always from the same side. After the last one, take the needle down at B, at the end of the last stitch, and fasten off.

At a glance

Also called

cordonnet stitch

Used for

outlines; two-color lines; quick decorative lines; fillings worked in rows

Thread

Any weight works for both threads. The line can be bold or delicate, depending on the thread you choose.

Needle

An embroidery (crewel) needle for the running stitch. A blunt tapestry needle for the whipping thread.

Tips

• Use a tapestry needle for the whipping thread. Its blunt tip slides under the stitches without catching the fabric.
• Always go under the stitches from the same side. If you alternate sides you get a wavy line, which is a different stitch called threaded running stitch.
• Keep the gaps in the base row short. The closer the running stitches, the stronger the twisted look.
• A whipping thread in a different color or texture changes the look of the line.

When it goes wrong

The needle catches the fabric

Use a blunt tapestry needle, or pass the needle under the stitches eye first.

The line looks wavy, not twisted

The needle went under some stitches from the other side. Pass it from top to bottom every time.

Left-handed

Whip from left to right and mirror the diagrams. Keep passing the needle under the stitches from the same side each time.

Variations

• Whipped back stitch. The same wrapping worked over back stitch. The two look much alike.
• Threaded running stitch. The second thread goes under one stitch from above and the next from below, making a wavy line. It is also called laced running stitch.
• Holbein stitch. Another way to close the gaps in running stitch: a second pass of running stitch fills them.