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Detached wheatear stitch icon
Detached wheatear stitch

Detached wheatear stitch consists of a detached open chain stitch with the addition of two slanting stitches underneath the chain stitch; (as the name suggests) the stitch resembles a wheatear.

Detached wheatear stitch bears a strong resemblance to Tête de boeuf stitch (both stitches consist of a detached chain stitch plus two extra small stitches) and over time some embroidery sources have swapped the names of the stitches in error.  However, the strong resemblance of this stitch to an ear of wheat (and that of Tête de boeuf to a bull’s head) suggests that this version is the correct way to stitch it.

add_circleMy Stitches
Looped Composite Isolated Embellishment Powdered filling Surface Crewelwork

Detached wheatear stitch is generously sponsored by Donna Hughes-Barton

Method

The top of the stitch can be varied by crossing, closing or opening the loop.

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Detached wheatear stitch method stage 1 illustration
Detached wheatear stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Bring the needle and thread to the surface, take the needle back down close by, leaving a loop on the surface.

Detached wheatear stitch method stage 2 illustration
Detached wheatear stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Bring the needle up through the loop and tighten the loop against the needle.

Detached wheatear stitch method stage 3 illustration
Detached wheatear stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Secure the loop with a straight vertical stitch of your preferred length

Detached wheatear stitch method stage 4 illustration
Detached wheatear stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Add a straight stitch either side at a 45° angle

Detached wheatear stitch

Structure of stitch

Looped Composite Isolated

Common uses

Can be used in isolation or scattered as a filling stitch.

Embellishment Powdered filling

Embroidery Techniques

Surface Crewelwork

Related Stitches

Detached chain stitch Chain stitch Open chain stitch Tete-de-boeuf stitch

References