This canvaswork stitch is a small vertical stitch which, if desired, can be trammed (stitched over a long laid stitch to provide a raised effect).

​This is the vertical version of Gobelin stitch (see Oblique Gobelin stitch for the slanted version).  Historically, the name Gobelin stitch has been used for both this version and the oblique version.

The name Gobelin is credited with originating from the 17th century Gobelins tapestry factory in Paris, but whether the name is connected with the factory or purely a reference to the stitch’s tapestry-like appearance is unclear.  The stitch itself was certainly in use from the 17th century, as the Victoria and Albert museum holds several pieces which feature it from this and subsequent centuries.