About RSN Stitch Bank
Integrated double bar
This stitch resembles a braid stitch, but it is actually formed by working detached buttonhole stitches over two parallel bars. The detached buttonhole stitches are worked over each bar in turn, each time with the needle pointing outwards and so the angle of the stitches changes which forms a textured stitch.
We are indebted to Jacqui Carey for her work in identifying this stitch in the original medieval bookbinding, and diligent documenting of the working method. See the References sections for details of her books which describe this and stitches from the same bookbinding. 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.
Integrated double bar is generously sponsored by K. Hendrie
Method
Make a pair of parallel stitches which will form the core of the integrated double bar.
Bring up the needle to the left end between the two core stitches. Keep the working thread above the upper core, and take the needle under the upper core and over the working thread without piercing the fabric to form a detached buttonhole stitch.
Now move the working thread so it lies below the lower core from left to right. Take the needle under the lower core and over the working thread without piercing the fabric to form another detached buttonhole stitch.
Keep repeating steps 2 and 3 to make detached buttonhole stitches, each stitch is worked with the needle pointing outwards.
When the cores are covered, take the needle down into the fabric to finish off.
Integrated double bar
Structure of stitch
Common uses
Embroidery Techniques
Related Stitches
References
Examples of Integrated double bar
English folding almanac in Latin
Integrated double bars are used to form the diagonal lines on this section of this 15th century embroidered bookbinding. The whole piece is approximately 16.5cm long.
Image courtesy of Wellcome Collection
Accession number: MS.8932
https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a2y8zd6x
