clear navigate_before

Drawn square stitch icon
Drawn square stitch

Drawn square stitch main image

This pulled work stitch consists of a counted satin stitch border around a square eyelet.  It is always worked over an even number of threads, although that number can vary.  It is traditionally worked as a whitework stitch.

 

The first published references to this stitch are in the early 20th century.

add_circleMy Stitches
Composite Framed Isolated Embellishment Filling Whitework Pulled Thread

Drawn square stitch is generously sponsored by Sarah Farmer

Method

The example below is worked over 12 fabric thread square with the outer stitches over two fabric threads. The outer stitches can be worked over three fabric threads if a larger, more prominent square is required.  Use a thread which is strong enough to hold the pulled stitches and a tapestry needle in order to avoid splitting the fabric threads.

pan_tool
1
Drawn square stitch method stage 1 illustration
Drawn square stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Work 9 vertical satin stitches over two horizontal fabric threads. Pull each stitch tightly.

2
Drawn square stitch method stage 2 illustration
Drawn square stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Start forming the corner of a square by working three diagonal stitches which share a hole with the previous straight stitch.

3
Drawn square stitch method stage 3 illustration
Drawn square stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Work 9 horizontal satin stitches over two vertical fabric threads to form the next side of the square. Pull each stitch tightly.

4
Drawn square stitch method stage 4 illustration
Drawn square stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Continue in this way to create the outer square.

5
Drawn square stitch method stage 5 illustration
Drawn square stitch method stage 5 photograph
5

Sharing the inner holes of the satin stitches, work a square eyelet with 16 stitches radiating around a central hole.

Square eyelet (pulled thread)
Drawn square stitch

Structure of stitch

Composite Framed Isolated

Common uses

Embellishment Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Whitework Pulled Thread

Related Stitches

Algerian eye stitch Algerian eye stitch (pulled thread) Square eyelet (pulled thread)

References

  • Mrs Archibald Christie, Samplers and Stitches (1921) , p.106
  • Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (1934) , p.82