Berwick Stitch

Berwick stitch is one of the many variations of the Blanket stitch. The difference from the Blanket stitch is that a tight knot is made at the stitch’s lower edge to fix the stitch in place firmly. The name “Berwick stitch” was first used in Anne Butler (Anne Morrell), The Batford Encyclopaedia of Embroidery Stitches (1983). The author named the stitch after the street in Manchester, where she lived at the time.

Other Names Of The Stitch

This hand embroidery stitch is also known as the Tailored blanket stitch.

Berwick stitch front view - hand embroidery with green pearl cotton on white cotton fabric

Applications Of This Embroidery Stitch

Like other variations of the Blanket stitch, Berwick stitch secures the edges of garments and household textiles. Besides that, this hand embroidery stitch will look great as a decorative stitch for outlines or even lettering.

How To Embroider Berwick Stitch

Mark two parallel lines. Embroider from left to right.
Start as if making a Blanket stitch. Come up with a needle on the top mark and make a stitch down to the right.
Take the needle up on the top marking above the first stitch in the loop of the working thread.
Instead of looping the thread around like the Blanket stitch, wrap it around the needle from right to left once.
Tighten the knot and make one more stitch to the right.
Repeat the wrapping.

More Variations Of The Blanket Stitch

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 Berwick stitch like a pro in no time.

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!