Brick stitch

Brick Stitch

Brick stitch is a variation of a Back stitch for filling. You can use it to fill spaces in your hand embroidery design.

The method of embroidering this filling stitch is simple. First, embroider the first line of an area you want to fill with a brick stitch with a backstitch. Then, embroider the second row of the back stitch close to the first one, but make the stitches offset from the first line. Adding rows of backstitches, one above the other, will create the visual effect of a brick wall.

Brick stitch embroidery with orange pearl cotton on white fabric

Applications Of the Brick Stitch

This hand embroidery filling stitch will best fill regular square shapes or straight lines. 

If you want to use it for round or oval shapes, you will need to adjust the length of the backstitches to maintain the brick pattern all over the form you are filling.

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 Brick 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!

Need More Guidance?

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

White sashiko stitches on purple fabric