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Victorian step stitch icon
Victorian step stitch

This is a diagonal stepped stitch worked in vertical stitches on an even weave canvas which resembles the treads of a staircase in profile.  It is made up of a long vertical stitch, followed by three short ones - the long stitch forms the riser of the step and the short ones the tread.

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Flat Filling Shading Canvaswork

Victorian step stitch is generously sponsored by Susan Trafford

Method

The steps can be made longer or shorter by increasing or decreasing the number of smaller stitches in each step

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Victorian step stitch method stage 1 illustration
Victorian step stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Begin with a vertical stitch across four canvas threads.

Victorian step stitch method stage 2 illustration
Victorian step stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

To the bottom right of this stitch make three vertical stitches across two canvas threads (the bottom of all four stitches should be level).

Victorian step stitch method stage 3 illustration
Victorian step stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

In line with the top of these stitches, begin another long stitch over four canvas threads which should end two canvas threads below the last stitches.

Victorian step stitch method stage 4 illustration
Victorian step stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Continue stepping the stitches, making three smaller stitches then one long one.

Victorian step stitch method stage 5 illustration
Victorian step stitch method stage 5 photograph
5

The second row should fit into the gaps of the first, with the first long stitch of the next row sitting to the left of the leftmost long stitch of the previous row. The top of the long stitch should be level with the previous rows of short stitches.

Victorian step stitch

Structure of stitch

Flat

Common uses

This stitch has a medium-sized pattern repeat and gives a smooth appearance of diagonal lines running through the area.

Filling Shading

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork

References

  • Rachel Doyle, RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Canvaswork (2013) , p.92
  • Jo Ippolito Christensen, The Needlepoint Book (1999) , p.166