Multiple Trip Herringbone
This decorative hand embroidery stitch is an elaborate variation of the classic Herringbone stitch. To reach this result, you will repeat the Herringbone stitch row three times, applying the stitches one layer at a time.
For different visual results, you can embroider each layer of Herringbone stitch in different shades of the same color or opt for bright, contrasting colors. You can also choose two layering options. In the first one, you embroider the next layer of the Herringbone stitch above the first layer, and then add one more layer on top. In the second option, you make one stitch on top of the first layer and pass the second stitch under the leg of the previous stitch, like in the Double Herringbone Stitch technique.
The reverse side of the stitch will look like two parallel lines of backstitch embroidered with various colors.
Other names of the stitch
An alternative name for this technique is Three-trip Herringbone.
Applications of the Multiple Trip Herringbone
This composite stitch is a great technique for borders and bold outlines. Multiple Trip Herringbone is a perfect technique for embellishing the edges of garments and home textiles. It is simple and fast to make, yet the result is really stunning.
More stitches from the Herringbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Multiple Trip Herringbone
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Multiple Trip Herringbone 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 Multiple Trip Herringbone
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two parallel lines and the stitch size. Start embroidering the first layer of Herringbone Stitch.
2. The gap between the stitches should be large enough to accommodate two more stitches. Note that the stitches are slanting to the left. If you want to make them symmetrical, see step 6.
3. After the first layer of the Multiple Trip Herringbone stitch is complete, change the thread color and add the second layer on top.
4. The stitches are positioned one stitch to the right of the stitches of the first color.
5. Finally, add the third layer of the Herringbone Stitch. The stitches will close the remaining gaps between the stitches made in the first and the second round.
6. To make the stitches symmetrical, move the upper part of the stitches half a stitch to the right.
7. Then, add the next layers of the Herringbone Stitch on top.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
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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.
