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Cobbler filling stitch icon
Cobbler filling stitch

A pulled thread stitch creating negative spaces that resemble small windows.

A sequence of straight stitches over four threads of the canvas that form a series of squares

The late Isobel Lattimore

Method

1

Using a tapestry needle, bring the thread up to the surface and then back down over 4 threads of the canvas creating a vertical stitch

2

Make an identical parallel stitch 4 threads to the left increasing the tension during the up stitch to pull the fabric threads together

3

Repeat the parallel stitch 2 threads to the left, again increasing the tension during the up stitch

4

Repeat the parallel stitch 4 threads to the left, again increasing the tension during the up stitch

5

Repeat this sequence to the end of the row

6

Start the row below by bringing the needle up 6 threads below the bottom of your last stitch

7

Complete the row by working back in the opposite direction with the same vertical stitches over 4 threads, each stitch should be directly underneath those of the row above

8

Complete any further rows using the same sequence of straight stitches

9

To complete the pattern, join the previous vertical stitches with horizontal ones to create squares.

Cobbler filling stitch method stage 10 photograph
10

Cobbler filling completed using a white thread to pull the fabric threads together shows off the negative space created.

Cobbler filling stitch

Structure of stitch

Embroidery Techniques

Identifying Cobbler filling stitch

Rows and columns of four threads pulled together to create a ‘window pane’ pattern in between each.

References

  • Sarah Whittle, The Needlecraft Stitch Directory (2012)
  • Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (1934) , p.50–1