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Braid stitch filling icon
Braid stitch filling

  • Braid stitch
Braid stitch filling main image

This pulled work stitch uses double back stitch to form rows of diamonds interspersed with parallel lines.  The rows are offset so that the diamonds fit into the gaps in the previous row.  The reverse side of the stitch is formed by closed herringbone stitch which forms a solid, textured line resembling a simple braid - this may account for the name.

The stitch lends itself to larger design areas.

The first mention of this stitch is in Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, published in 1934. 

add_circleMy Stitches
Pulled Embellishment Filling Pulled Thread Whitework

Braid stitch filling is generously sponsored by Jane Kwiecinski

Method

In the example below, the thread is not pulled too tight in order to show clearly where the needle goes.
Work from right to left.  Using a frame or hoop helps to avoid the threads distorting.
The long stitches on the reverse of the fabric mean this stitch isn’t suitable for all functional items.

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Braid stitch filling method stage 1 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 1 photograph
1

Work a small back stitch over two fabric threads.

Back stitch
Braid stitch filling method stage 2 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 2 photograph
2

Bring the needle up at two threads to the left and two down, and make another back stitch. This completes a double back stitch.

Double back stitch
Braid stitch filling method stage 3 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 3 photograph
3

Work from right to left and make five double back stitches. Then, come up at four threads to the left and four up, and insert the needle to join the top row of stitches.

Braid stitch filling method stage 4 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 4 photograph
4

Now come up at two threads to the left and four down, and insert the needle to join the bottom row of stitches.

Braid stitch filling method stage 5 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 5 photograph
5

Then bring the needle up at four threads to the left and six up, and insert it to join the top diagonal stitch.

Braid stitch filling method stage 6 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 6 photograph
6

Continue in this way to make double back stitches as shown.

Double back stitch
Braid stitch filling method stage 7 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 7 photograph
7

Keep working double back stitch to create a hexagon shape.

Braid stitch filling method stage 8 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 8 photograph
8

When a hexagon shape is complete, bring the needle up at four threads to the left and four up.

Braid stitch filling method stage 9 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 9 photograph
9

Work another row of five double back stitches. Continue until you fill the area.

Braid stitch filling method stage 10 illustration
Braid stitch filling method stage 10 photograph
10

Continue to fill the area. Refer to the diagram to see how the rows fit into each other.

Braid stitch filling method stage 11 photograph
11

Braid stitch filling when the thread is pulled tightly.

Braid stitch filling method stage 12 photograph
12

Braid stitch filling - reverse side

Braid stitch filling

Structure of stitch

Pulled

Common uses

Embellishment Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Pulled Thread Whitework

Related Stitches

Back stitch Double back stitch

References

  • Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (1934) , p.14–5
  • Moyra McNeill, Pulled thread (1971) , p.81