Whipped Back Stitch creates a slightly raised line which is simple, quick and easy to work. It is ideal for children’s sewing projects and is suitable for beginners. This stitch works well for lettering and motifs with tight curves.
If you use a heavy thread in the same colour as the foundation stitching, the line you sew will look like a fine cord. You can also work this stitch with variations of contrasting colour, producing a candy cane effect or a lightly textured thread. Whipped Back Stitch is also useful if you need a raised line on a delicate, fine fabric which can’t accept a heavy thread through the weave.
Work a foundation row of back stitches. Make each stitch slightly longer and looser than usual.
Next, whip the row. Use a blunt-ended tapestry needle for the second thread, so that you do not split the foundation threads as you sew.
Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric, take the thread over the top of the first stitch and pass the needle under that stitch. Do not pick up any of the fabric, as it is a threading action, not a stitching movement.
Repeat this until you have whipped the length of the row.
Thread Twisties!
Experimenting with different threads can be expensive. You would normally have to buy a whole skein of each type of thread. My thread twisties are a combination of different threads to use in creative hand embroidery. These enable you to try out stitching with something other than stranded cotton. For the price of just a few skeins, you can experiment with a bundle of threads of luscious colours and many different textures.
These are creative embroiderers’ threads. With them, I hope to encourage you to experiment. Each Twistie is a thread bundle containing silk, cotton, rayon, and wool. Threads range from extra fine (the same thickness as 1 strand of embroidery floss) to chunky couchable textured yarns. All threads have a soft and manageable drape. Twisting them around a needle makes experimental hand embroidery an interesting journey rather than a battle. Many are hand-dyed by me. All are threads I use. You may find a similar thread twist, but no two are identical.
You will find my thread twisties in the Pintangle shop here.
I especially like the zig-zag version.
Like Beth I love your new book. Today I used the Fringed Buttonhole Stitch to make a Sunbonnet Sue with a hula skirt.
Hi Queenie – thanks I am so pleased you like the book
I love your book; Creative Stitches! I am so inspired by the projects in this book! I am currently working on a collage/ sea shore piece like the one pictured in the book. It is fun to use stitches, beads and buttons to fill in the space on this piece!
I amso pleased you like the book Beth