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.

More Hand Embroidery Stitches From The Running Stitch Family

You will find a full list of the stitches from the Running stitch family and more information about each of them in the article “Running stitch and its variations“.

Learn how to embroider Looped Running Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Looped Running 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 Looped Running Stitch

Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial

Instructions

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.

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.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy — Embroidery fabric

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!