Double Fly Stitch
Double Fly Stitch is a decorative variation of the classical Fly Stitch. This technique is made in two passes: first, you embroider a Fly Stitch, then add one more overlapping stitch on top of, or very close to, the first one. To make this stitch stand out, you can use various combinations of threads and colors.
On the back side of the fabric, this technique creates diagonal stitches grouped into V shapes, with threads jumping between the stitches.
Applications of the Double Fly Stitch
You can embroider Double Fly Stitch as a detached decorative element to add visual interest and textural details to your design. You can also connect Double Fly Stitch into rows (vertical or horizontal) to embroider thick borders and decorative edges.
This technique is versatile, and you can use it in decorative surface embroidery, crazy quilting, or for embellishing clothes and home textiles.
More stitches from the Fly Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Double Fly Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Double Fly 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 Double Fly Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. To embroider Double Fly Stitch, start with a straight stitch from left to right. Leave the loop of the working thread open.
2. Push the needle back to the surface under the stitch you just made, in the center between the ends of the stitch.
3. Anchor the loop of the stitch to finish the first Fly Stitch.
4. Now repeat the steps to make the second Fly Stitch. Start with a straight stitch.
5. And then, anchor it.
6. My second-layer stitch is narrower and placed inside the first stitch, with the anchoring stitch under the first one.
7. You can position Double Fly Stitch as detached stitches or in a line. You can also combine different threads and use contrasting thread colors.
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. Decorative stitches, techniques for filling and outlines, borders or mending – all in one place!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
