About RSN Stitch Bank
Integrated overcast bar
Visually, these overcast bars resemble bullion knots but their working method is simpler. They are formed by making a long stitch into the fabric then bringing the thread back up at one end and wrapping the thread around the stitch before taking the needle back down.
These bars feature across the medieval book binding, both as isolated bars but also worked in pairs which cross each other.
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.
Further Reading
Integrated overcast bar is generously sponsored by Tudor Rose Sampler Guild
Method
Make a long stitch, which becomes the core of the integrated overcast bar. Bring the needle up at the left end just above the core stitch.
Start covering the core stitch by taking the needle under the core.
Pull the thread gently and take the needle under the core right next to the first wrap.
Continue wrapping the core without piercing the fabric.
When the core is covered, take the needle down into the fabric.
Integrated overcast bar
Common uses
Embroidery Techniques
References
Examples of Integrated overcast bar
English folding almanac in Latin
The crosses which embellish the intersections of the grid are worked as integrated overcast bars. The whole almanac, dating from the 15th century, is approximately 16.5cm long.
Image courtesy of Wellcome Collection
Accession number: MS.8932
https://wellcomecollection.org/works/a2y8zd6x
