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BarbStitch

Barb Stitch

Barb stitch hand embroidery is one of the decorative variations of the Blanket stitch. It is a composite stitch made of 2 rows of the Blanket stitch and a whipping.

Applications Of The Barb Stitch

You can create various visual effects with this simple embroidery stitch. For example, play with multiple densities of the Blanket stitch, make the stitches of alternated lengths, or choose different thread colors for each stitch.

Use this beautiful embroidery stitch for:

  • Decorative borders
  • Surface embroidery
  • Crazy quilting
Barb stitch front side - embroidery in blue and yellow thread on white fabric
Barb stitch back side

How To Embroider Barb Stitch

Barb stitch embroidery step 1 - embroider blanket stitch
Barb stitch embroidery step 2 - Add one more row of the Blanket stitch mirrored to the first one
Add a whipping stitch that will connect the two rows of the Blanket stitch
  • Start with one row of the Blanket stitch.
  • Add one more row of the Blanket stitch mirrored to the first one.
  • Add a whipping stitch that will connect the two rows of the Blanket stitch. You can use the thread of the same color or the contracting color for whipping.

More Stitches From The Blanket Stitch Family:

You will find all the stitches from the Blanket stitch family and more information about each one of them in the article “Blanket stitch and its variations” on this blog.

Video tutorial

If you are a visual learner, watch a video tutorial below or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel. In this video, you’ll find easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that will have you creating the Barb stitch like a pro in no time.

How to embroider Barb stitch
Barb Stitch Hand Embroidery Video Tutorial

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!

Need More Guidance?

The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.

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