Sprat’s Head Stitch
Sprat’s Head Stitch is a decorative hand embroidery technique from the Fishbone Stitch family. This triangular stitch has a textural, raised surface and works well as a filling technique or as detached decorative elements.
The embroidery technique resembles that of the Raised Fishbone Stitch, with the difference being the shape we are filling.
On the reverse side of the fabric, Sprat’s Head Stitch results in two groups of horizontal stitches.
Other names of the Sprat’s Head Stitch
Sprat’s Head Stitch was traditionally used in tailoring to reinforce points with high fabric tension, such as pocket angles or tacks; therefore, it is also known as the Arrowhead Tack.
Applications of the Sprat’s Head Stitch
Besides its functional role in tailoring, you can use this hand embroidery technique to embroider detached triangular elements or group them into shapes like flowers or leaves.
In canvas work, this technique is used for textural filling.
Also, Sprat’s Head Stitch works great for mending. It will fully cover the hole and reinforce the fabric simultaneously.
More stitches from the Fishbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Sprat’s Head Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Sprat’s Head 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 Sprat’s Head Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark a triangular shape you will be filling. Take the needle to the surface on the bottom left corner and make a stitch to the top, slightly to the right of the top corner.
2. Get the needle back to the surface, slightly to the left of the top corner.
3. Make a stitch to the bottom right point of the shape.
4. Get the needle to the surface on the base of the triangle, right to the right from the first stitch.
5. Make a stitch to the top, pushing the needle down just under the first stitch on the right side of the shape.
6. Get the needle back to the surface on the left side, under the previous stitch, and make a stitch to the base of the triangle, just to the left of the previous stitch.
7. Repeat the stitching sequence to fill the entire shape.
8. When the triangle is fully covered in thread, push the needle to the back and secure the thread.
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.
