Whip Stitch

Whip Stitch is a hand embroidery and hand sewing technique. It is a simple diagonal stitch made with a wrapping motion. If you embroider it on the fabric as a surface embroidery stitch, it will look like a rope.
You can adjust the length and angle of the stitches to achieve various visual effects.

Other names of the Whip Stitch

The names Whip Stitch and Whipstitch are used interchangeably. In hand sewing, this technique is also called Diagonal Basting.

Whip stitch for embroidery and sewing — Whip stitch – embroidery and sewing

Whip stitch back side — Back side of the sampler

Applications of the Whip Stitch

This simple hand embroidery and sewing technique is widely used for sewing ornaments or garments by hand, securing the edges, or attaching the appliques. In crocheting, Whipstitch is used to sew together two pieces of material with flat edges, creating an almost invisible seam. Whip Stitch is also very popular for bead embroidery. Beads or sequins attached with this stitch form a decorative rope.

More stitches suitable for hand sewing

Learn how to use Whip Stitch for sewing and embroidery

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Whipstitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.

Whip stitch embroidery with pink pearl cotton

How to Whip Stitch

Time needed: 1 minute

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Starting to stitch.
To embroider the Whip Stitch as a surface embroidery stitch, take the needle up to the surface and make a diagonal stitch in the up-right direction.
Continue making stitches.
Take the needle up at the same level where the first stitch ends. Make one more diagonal stitch parallel to the first one.
Finish the design.
Repeat as many times as needed to finish the design.
Sewing with a Whip Stitch.
For sewing with a Whip Stitch, secure the knot between the layers of the fabric and make a stitch through both layers from the back side towards the front side. This will form a diagonal stitch on the edge where the fabrics meet.
Sewing the seam.
Repeat the stitches until you sew the entire seam.

Video tutorial

How to Embroider Whip Stitch | Step-by-Step Tutorial for Hand Embroidery & Sewing — **Whip Stitch hand Embroidery Video Tutorial**

Tools and materials I used for this sampler

Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy — Embroidery fabric

What’s next?

If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!