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Plaited braid stitch icon
Plaited braid stitch

Plaited braid stitch main image

This stitch consists of interlocking loops of thread which form a solid raised line of zigzag threads.  The majority of the thread remains on the surface of the stitch.

N.B. Braid stitches have been popular through history, particularly in the Elizabethan era where many versions were used, but they were not well-documented.  This means that historical references to ‘braid stitch’ may refer to any of the many versions (including Heavy chain stitch), rather than specifically this stitch.

However, research has shown that this plaited braid stitch has its origins in the Bronze Age – a woman buried in South Jutland, Denmark in approximately 1300BC wears a blouse embellished with this stitch.  More recently, this stitch was used extensively in Elizabethan embroidery, most commonly using metal threads.  The Victoria and Albert Museum, London holds many examples, including a coif and forehead cloth which show a quintessentially Elizabethan design of flora with curvilinear lines executed in plaited braid stitch using metal thread.

add_circleMy Stitches
Looped Plaited Raised Border Embellishment Outline Stems Surface Elizabethan

Plaited braid stitch is generously sponsored by The Embroiderers’ Guild ACT (Australian Capital Territory)

Method

This stitch can initially be confusing as it involves some intricate moves, but when the structure has been understood it is very satisfying to work. 

Steps 1 and 2 creates a framework for the stitch which resembles a pretzel; Motion 1 and Motion 2 are repeated alternately to form the body of the stitch.  Motion 1 goes under the central cross of the pretzel without piercing the fabric; Motion 2 pierces the fabric and goes under two diagonal threads.  The needle is always inserted from the same direction.

You may find a mellor or tapestry needle useful to manipulate the loops of thread.

The example stitching has been deliberately left quite loose so that the structure of the stitch can be seen.  The step-by-step method is worked on a looser frame to allow the needle to go into and out of the fabric in one motion; in the video this has been split into two movements.

Use a thread which holds its shape easily, such as a metallic thread.  A thread which cannot be divided can be an advantage as it is easy to accidently split a thread.

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Plaited braid stitch method stage 1 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Bring your needle up at the end of the bottom guideline and make a loop with your thread. Take your needle down inside the loop on the top guideline (a short distance from the end), and back up on the bottom guideline, over your working thread.  Your needle should emerge level with where it went down.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 2 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Use your needle to manipulate both sides of the braid so it resembles a pretzel.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 3 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Motion 1: Slide your needle under where the threads form a cross, from top to bottom, without piercing the fabric.  Your needle should go over the top outer loop of the pretzel, under the cross and over both your working thread and the bottom outer loop of the pretzel.  Pull your thread through.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 4 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Use your needle to manipulate both loops of the braid so it resembles a pretzel.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 5 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 5 photograph
5

Motion 2: Take your needle into the fabric on the top guideline, inside two loops of thread.  Bring it back up on the bottom guideline over your working thread and the outer loop.
Ensure that the needle emerges outside of the diagonal thread of the pretzel.  You may find it helpful to use a tapestry needle or mellor to open up the second loop in order to bring your needle up.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 6 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 6 photograph
6

Continue working the braid by repeating Motion 1 and Motion 2, alternately.  Adjusting the loops of the pretzel after each motion makes it easier.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 7 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 7 photograph
7

When you have reached the desired length, bring your needle out next to one of the loops and anchor it with a small stitch.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 8 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 8 photograph
8

Repeat the small anchoring stitch on the other loop.

Plaited braid stitch method stage 9 illustration
Plaited braid stitch method stage 9 photograph
9

A completed length of plaited braid stitch.

Plaited braid stitch

Structure of stitch

Looped Plaited Raised

Common uses

Border Embellishment Outline Stems

Embroidery Techniques

Surface Elizabethan

Identifying Plaited braid stitch

This stitch can be identified by the pattern of braiding: two diagonal threads form a central V shape, encased by curved edges.
The majority of the thread is on the surface of this stitch: the reverse only shows parallel horizontal stitches (like the rungs of a ladder) which span the width of the braid.

References