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Sorrento bar icon
Sorrento bar

  • corded bar
  • twisted bar
  • whipped bar
Sorrento bar main image

This stitch is a simple bar where a thread is laid across an open area and whipped on the return journey.  The bars can be worked in various permutations - three bars are usually worked close together.

N.B. The alternative name of corded bar is also used for overcast bar. Both are bars with a wrapped thread, but for the overcast bar the wrapping thread completely hides the laid thread whereas for the Sorrento bar the thread is loosely whipped.

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Bar Whipped Insertion Open Filling Whitework Needlepoint lace Cutwork

Sorrento bar is generously sponsored by Diana Stephenson

Method

Work from right to left for the first straight laid thread, and on the return journey work from left to right and wrap the thread. Three Sorrento bars are usually placed close together at equal distance between each group. The example below shows two groups of three bars.

The example below shows a cutwork aperture with a buttonhole edge but these bars can be worked over any void.

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1
Sorrento bar method stage 1 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 1 photograph
1

Work from right to left. Hide the holding stitch under the buttonhole edge. Lay a straight thread across the open area.

2
Sorrento bar method stage 2 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 2 photograph
2

Secure the thread on the far side and work back towards the starting point.
Take your working thread over and back under the laid thread to whip it.

3
Sorrento bar method stage 3 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 3 photograph
3

Continue whipping the thread loosely around the laid thread. The laid thread should be visible between the whipping.

4
Sorrento bar method stage 4 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 4 photograph
4

Take the needle down on the edge.

5
Sorrento bar method stage 5 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 5 photograph
5

This completes one Sorrento bar.

6
Sorrento bar method stage 6 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 6 photograph
6

The bars are usually worked in a close group of three, so come up just next to the starting point and work the second bar.

7
Sorrento bar method stage 7 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 7 photograph
7

Continue in the same way for the third bar.

8
Sorrento bar method stage 8 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 8 photograph
8

Repeat for the next group of three Sorrento bars.

9
Sorrento bar method stage 9 illustration
Sorrento bar method stage 9 photograph
9

Three Sorrento bars are usually placed close together with an equal distance between each group.

Sorrento bar

Structure of stitch

Bar Whipped

Common uses

Insertion Open Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Whitework Needlepoint lace Cutwork

Identifying Sorrento bar

Sorrento bars can be identified by their single laid thread which is loosely whipped.  Traditionally they are worked in groups of three across a void.

References

  • Isabella Mary Beeton, 'Beeton’s Book of Needlework', Beeton's Book of Needlework (1870). Available at: http://www.beetonsbookofneedlework.com/ (Accessed: 01 December 2021)
  • S. F. A. Caulfeild, Blanche C. Saward, The Dictionary of Needlework (1882) , p.518