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Lock Stitch and Double Lock Stitch

Lock Stitch and Double Lock Stitch

Lock Stitch looks simple but is amazingly versatile. There is also a double version. Both are very quick and easy to stitch, look good in a range of threads, will follow a curve or worked row upon row make a wonderful filling stitch.
All that, and (don’t worry I am not going to offer you set of knives) there is the obvious use for borders or as an edging stitch. Also because this is a lacing stitch the lacing thread can be a larger novelty thread which can create some interesting effects.

How to work Lock Stitch

Lock stitch basically consists of a row of vertical straight stitches that are laced.
Use a tapestry needle to avoid splitting the foundation stitches

Lock stitch step 1Work a row of straight stitches of equal length

Lock stitch step 2The lacing is worked from right to left. Bring your thread out on the right side of the first straight stitch.
Pass the thread the needle under the first stitch from the left with the tip pointing right (as illustrated). Pull the needle under the straight stitch.

Lock stitch step 3Move to the next straight stitch and pass the needle under from the left with the tip pointing towards the right. Pull the thread through. This will lace together the first two foundation stitches. Note that you are lacing the stitches and not going through the fabric.

Lock stitch step 4Continue in this manner along the line of foundation stitches. At the end of the line take your thread to the back of your work.

Lock stitch step 5How to work Double lock stitch

Double lock stitch is simply a line of lacing along the bottom of the foundation stitches and then a line along the top.

lockstitch-6-double
Double lock worked row upon row creates a very interesting and quick filling stitch.

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26 Comments

  1. O yes, this was such a fun stitch. I made a nice sampler in 2010, the details are here:
    http://fat-quarter.blogspot.nl/2010/11/lock-stitch.html
    and the finished sampler here:
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/28957501@N04/5220686625/
    I don’t think I ever just this stitch anymore, so thanks for adding it to TAST again.
    Today I shared interlaced up and down buttonhole stitch on my CQ:
    http://fat-quarter.blogspot.nl/2014/09/work-in-progress-wednesday-september-10.html

    1. JoWynn I took the liberty of fixing the link to your blog (so if people click your name they can go to your blog) but I am afraid I have lost the web addy for your flickr account you might wnat to add it to a comment so people can visit – sorry to be a bother

      sharonb
  2. I like this stitch Sharon. It is visually quite pleasing. And I can see potential for a CQ seam treatment, with further lacing between the 2 lines with a novelty thread, and also for added beading. I will try this on one of my blocks. Claire

    Claire Turner

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