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Algerian eye stitch icon
Algerian eye stitch

  • Square daisy stitch
  • Star stitch
Algerian eye stitch main image

A square shaped stitch with eight stitches radiating out from one central hole.

For a subtly different version see Algerian eye stitch variation.

The Victoria and Albert Museum, London holds two 16th century pieces which feature this stitch: an Italian linen cover and an English pillow cover.  It also features on several samplers in the including one which dates from the 17th century where the stitch is used to form the letters of the stitcher’s name. 

This stitch is similar to square eyelets: the difference is in the number of stitches radiating from the centre and how open the centre of the stitched is pulled.

 

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Pattern Filling Embellishment Eyelet Canvaswork Counted Thread Whitework Hardanger Wessex Stitchery Pulled Thread Algerian eye stitch variation

Algerian eye stitch is generously sponsored by Mrs Annette Dyer-Steel

Method

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Algerian eye stitch method stage 1 illustration
Algerian eye stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Work four stitches diagonally from four corners of the square into the central hole.

Algerian eye stitch method stage 2 illustration
Algerian eye stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Work a second set of four stitches horizontally and vertically in between the first four diagonal stitches.

Algerian eye stitch method stage 3 illustration
Algerian eye stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

The Algerian eye stitch is worked with just eight stitches going into the central hole.

Algerian eye stitch

Structure of stitch

Pattern

Common uses

Filling Embellishment Eyelet

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork Counted Thread Whitework Hardanger Wessex Stitchery Pulled Thread

Variant Stitches

Algerian eye stitch variation

Related Stitches

Algerian eye stitch variation Square eyelet (pulled thread)

References