About RSN Stitch Bank
Algerian eye stitch (pulled thread)
- Star eyelet stitch
- algerian eye stitch filling
This stitch is a pulled thread version of Algerian eye stitch: it consists of eight straight stitches radiating out from a central hole to form a square shape. The stitches are worked in diagonal rows, spaced so that the corners of each stitch share holes.
For more information about the background to the stitch, see the link above to Algerian eye stitch. For a version where the eyelets fill a diamond rather than a square shape and are worked more closely together, see diamond eyelet (pulled thread). For an eyelet with many more radiating threads see square eyelet (pulled thread.
This stitch is first documented under the name Algerian eye stitch filling by Thérèse de Dillmont in her 1886 Encyclopedia of needlework.
This stitch is awaiting a sponsor.
Method
Bring your needle up towards the top right corner of your design area and take it down three threads below. Count three threads left from the starting point, bring it back up and pull taut.
Take your needle down in the same hole as the first stitch and bring it back up three threads to the left. Pull taut.
Continue working stitches anticlockwise around the central hole to fill a square area.
Continue in this way. The stitches should be worked in diagonal rows and spaced so that diagonal corners share holes.
Continue working the stitch.
A completed area of Algerian eye stitch (pulled thread).
The reverse of Algerian eye stitch (pulled thread).
Algerian eye stitch (pulled thread)
Common uses
Embroidery Techniques
Identifying Algerian eye stitch (pulled thread)
This stitch can be differentiated from other eyelets by the fact the stitches fill a square area with sufficient tension to pull the centre of the eyelet open. The main image at the start of the entry shows how the stitch looks when worked on a loosely-woven linen.