Looped running stitch
Looped running stitch is a decorative variation of the Running stitch. This hand embroidery stitch is made in two steps. First, we embroider a simple running stitch and then add looped lacing it with another thread. For example, you can use the same color thread to make a single-color ornament or two different colors to create intriguing patterns.
Applications of the stitch and some embroidery tips:
Looped running stitch is excellent for borders, decorative outlines, and lettering.
To make your embroidery smooth and straightforward:
- Make all the running stitches the same length so the final ornament is symmetric and fluid.
- Use a blunt needle, like a tapestry needle (or the back of the needle), for lacing. Be careful not to snag the running stitch or the fabric under and not to hurt your fingers if you use the eye of a regular embroidery needle.
- If you use two colors for this stitch, remember that a lacing thread for loops will be more visible than the base stitch thread. Also, you will need more floss of that color.
- You can make loops in two different directions. It is very convenient to use this stitch for border designs and make two mirrored lines of looped running stitches.
How to embroider Looped running stitch
- Embroider a line in running stitch.
- Come up with a needle near the first running stitch on the left. Pass the needle under the second running stitch from down upwards.
- Now, pass the needle under the second stitch from up downward.
- After, pass the needle under the third stitch from down upwards.
- Then, under the second stitch from up downwards.
- Continue lacing and forming the loops until all the running stitches are looped.
More hand embroidery stitches from the Running stitch family:
- Darning stitch
- Stepped running stitch
- Whipped running stitch
Video tutorial
Watch this video tutorial for a visual example of how to embroider this decorative variation of the running stitch.
What’s next?
Looking for some other stitch? Head to this blog’s Stitches and Techniques page and choose the stitch you want to learn!
N.B. Some links may take you to the Easy To Make Designs blog. This is my older hand embroidery blog. While I’m dedicating all of my energy to the Practical Embroidery blog, the previous version still has a lot of great content!
