About RSN Stitch Bank
Elizabethan plaited braid stitch (cherry variation)
This braid stitch is simpler and less densely worked than other Elizabethan braid stitches. It has three entry and exit points in each repeated element; for a similar braid stitch with four entry and exit points see Elizabethan plaited braid stitch.
We are indebted to Jacqui Carey for her work in identifying this stitch in extant Elizabethan pieces, and diligent documenting of the working method. See the References sections for details of her books which describe this and many other Elizabethan stitches. N.B. the names used are descriptive names assigned by Jacqui Carey as historic records do not give us the names by which they were known.
Elizabethan plaited braid stitch (cherry variation) is generously sponsored by Charlotte Watkinson
Method
Draw two parallel lines. Working from the base up, bring the needle up centrally between the lines. Take the needle down above on the left line, making a diagonal stitch.
Bring the needle to the surface directly opposite on the right line.
Slide the needle under the diagonal stitch from top right to bottom left.
Pull the thread through and arch the working thread to the right. Slide the needle from bottom right to top left, under the last stitch but over the working thread.
Pull through. The edges of the braid should now hide the drawn lines.
Take the needle down above on the left line, making a diagonal stitch parallel to the first stitch.
Bring the needle to the surface directly opposite on the right line, this will create a straight stitch on the back.
Inserting your needle into the centre of the braid, slide your needle under the diagonal stitch and the arched thread.
Pull through, and again arch the working thread to the right.
Count back two entry points on the right hand side and slide the needle from bottom right to top left, under three threads and over two (including the working thread).
Pull through.
Take the needle down above on the left line, making a diagonal stitch parallel to the one below.
Bring the needle to the surface directly opposite on the right line, this will create a straight stitch on the back.
Slide the needle from right to left, under the diagonal stitch and the arced thread.
Pull through, and again arc the working thread to the right.
Count back two entry points on the right hand line and slide the needle from bottom right to top left, under both the RHS diagonal stitches but over the working thread.
Repeat the last three steps and continue to complete the desired length of braid.
Elizabethan plaited braid stitch (cherry variation)
Embroidery Techniques
Related Stitches
Identifying Elizabethan plaited braid stitch (cherry variation)
This stitch is characterised by the repeating V-shape which is formed by overlapping stitches along a line through the centre of the braided stitch.
In common with most braid stitches, on the reverse this stitch has parallel straight stitches.