Sienese Stitch
Sienese Stitch is a detached stitch from the family of knots that can be stitched as an isolated stitch or in rows. To make a Sienese stitch, you will have to take two steps. First, a straight stitch is made. Then, a stitch of the same height is looped around and placed in the center of the first stitch. The result will look like a letter K or X – depending on the tension of the stitches.
When stitched in rows on the reverse side, Sienese Stitch appears as two parallel lines of running stitch. When used as a filling stitch, the Sienese Stitch will produce many jumping threads on the back.
Applications of the Sienese Stitch
This simple, yet decorative hand embroidery stitch works great as an isolated stitch and for powdered fillings. You can cluster stitches of different sizes, made at various angles, or create repetitive patterns to fill the background of your stitching.
Besides that, Sienese Stitches positioned in rows will create decorative bands and borders. You can adjust the width of the bands and make curvy lines with this technique.
Rows of Sienese Stitch embroidered close together can also work as a dense filling
More stitches from the Knot family
Learn how to embroider Sienese Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Sienese 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 Sienese Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. To embroider Sienese Stitch, start with a vertical straight stitch.
2. Take the needle back to the surface at the same height on the right side and pull the thread through to the surface.
3. Lace the thread around the base stitch. Pass the needle under the straight stitch from left to right and above the working thread. To avoid snagging the thread, you can use the back side of the needle.
4. Pull the thread to close the loop and push the needle back to the surface on the right side, at the same height as the base stitch.
5. To make a Sienese Stitch band, mark two parallel lines and embroider the row of stitches between the marked lines.
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 basic embroidery stitches to complex and playful variations of classical techniques, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch together!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
