Breton Stitch
Breton stitch is one of the decorative variations of the Herringbone Stitch. An extra twist is added to make this embroidery technique look more intriguing and elaborate. You can achieve various visual results with this embroidery technique – from a lacy line to a dense decorative bar.
On the reverse side, the embroidery will look just like the regular Herringbone stitch – two rows of running stitch (or backstitch in case of dense stitching) will be visible.
Other names of the stitch
Twisted Herringbone Stitch is an alternative name for the Breton Stitch.
Applications of the Breton Stitch
Breton Stitch is a classical go-to technique for decorative borders, embellishing the edges of the garments, and even filling.
This technique will take curves well, therefore you can embroider wavy lines. Besides that, you can adjust the height of the line and the density of the stitches as you go. Use this technique for botanical embroideries or make original textural fillings.
More stitches from Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Breton Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Breton Stitch 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.
How to embroider Breton Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two parallel lines for guidance. Take the needle to the surface at the bottom left corner of the design and make a diagonal stitch directed to the top right.
2. On the back of the fabric, make a stitch back and take the needle to the surface to the left on the top line.
3. Pass the needle under the diagonal stitch. This will create a twist – a characteristic sign of the Breton stitch.
4. Push the needle down on the lower line to complete the Herringbone stitch.
5. Get back to the surface on the left and make a diagonal stitch to the top right.
6. Come up to the left and pass the needle under the diagonal stitch to make a twist. Continue like this till the entire row of Breton Stitch is finished.
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.
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!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
