Berwick stitch

Berwick stitch is also known as Looped Edge stitch and forms a line of upright stitches each with a knotted base. This is a quick and easy variety of buttonhole. You  can work it along the edge of an item and it will follow curves easily. Berwick stitch is equally effective with the knotted edge on the inside or outside of the curve. To add visual interest to your work you can use it to replace buttonhole stitch.

In the photograph above Berwick stitch is worked in a freeform manner and combined with French knots.

How to work Berwick stitch

Work Berwick stitch from left to right along two imaginary parallel lines.If you need to mark the line with a dissolvable or air erasable pen.

Bring the thread out on the lower line, insert the needle in position in the upper line making a straight downward motion and then wrap a loop of thread around the needle point. Pull the needle through the fabric to form a loop.

Tighten the knot slightly before moving to the next stitch.

In the case of using Berwick stitch as and decorative embellishment on crazy quilting. A decorative line can be created by adding a Detached Chain stitch, or French knots at the top of each spine. You can also decorate this stitch with beads.
By changing the  length and spacing of the spines you can create patterns for borders or to embellish crazy quilt seams. Berwick stitch is also used in forms of counted thread and drawn needlework. The texture of the ridge at the base of the spine can be very effective.

A sample of Berwick stitch worked on a crazy quilt block

Have you seen my Stitchers Templates?

Create your own designs with Sharon’s easy-to-use stitchers templates. Combine shapes to create hundreds of patterns and designs to embroider. It is the ultimate mix-and-match fun for stitchers of all skill levels. I created them to be as versatile as possible. I include four multi-patterned templates in each set. You will find them easy to use, totally clear to help you position them on your work, and they are nice and compact to fit in your sewing box. Each set comes with an e-book filled with patterns and designs that you can create and use as a jumping-off spot for your own designs. They are available now in our shop here!

Happy stitching!