Article Master the Herringbone Stitch

Gloria McKinnon's Peaches & Cream Bed Runner

If you're looking for a beautiful stitch to use as a seam embellishment or decorative border, the herringbone is a perfect choice. This decorative stitch and its numerous variations are ideal for creating gorgeous embellishments, as seen on this block of the Peaches & Cream Bed Runner designed by expert embroiderer Gloria McKinnon.

Follow Gloria's instructions below for fashioning a herringbone stitch and one of its variations - herringbone with multiple beads. Note that the width of the stitch may be adjusted as desired. Various widths are shown in the illustrations.

Basic Herringbone Stitch:
Shown in buttonhole twist, but may also be worked in silk ribbon.

1. Bring the needle up at point A.

Figure 1

2. Step up and to the right slightly. Enter at point B and exit at point C (figure 1).

Figure 2

3. Step down and to the right slightly. Enter at point D and exit at a new point A (figure 2).

Figure 3

4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 across the area to be embellished (figure 3).

Herringbone with Multiple Beads

Herringbone With Multiple Beads:
Complete the Basic Herringbone Stitch and add a horizontal bar of three or four seed beads.

For more stitching inspiration, don't miss our new DVD Embellishing Crazy Patch III with Gloria McKinnon. Gloria will teach you everything you need to know about this age-old quilting art - from creating your crazy patch foundation to her glorious embellishment techniques. 

Embellishing Crazy Patch III

You'll learn more about the beautiful herringbone stitch and its many variations like the Alabama Star. Gloria will also show you how to embellish with silk prints, how to fashion a featherstitch and its variations and much more. Together, you will create a one-of-a-kind crazy patch project! A bonus PDF is included featuring tips for creating Gloria's Peaches & Cream Bed Runner.

Sew On, Sew Well, Sew Beautiful,
Cyndi and Amelia