Tied Herringbone Stitch
Tied Herringbone Stitch is a decorative variation of the basic Herringbone Stitch. It is a composite technique created in two passes. First, we embroider a row of Herringbone Stitch. Then, we add the second layer – a row of knots on top of the crossing threads of herringbones.
To make the stitch stand out, use two contrasting color threads.
The second-color thread is visible only on the front side of the embroidery; on the back side of the fabric, the stitch will look like regular Herringbone Stitch.
Other names of the stitch
The alternative name for the Tied Herringbone Stitch is Coral Knotted Herringbone Stitch. This name comes from the fact that the knots applied to the base stitch are made with a technique similar to Coral Stitch.
Applications of the Tied Herringbone Stitch
Tied Herringbone Stitch has all the properties of the Herringbone Stitch. It is stretchy and elastic. You can embroider it in straight or wavy lines and adjust its size and density. Additionally, the tied version is more decorative and makes a great choice for embellishment bands and edges.
You can use this decorative band to embellish your garments or home textiles. It is also used in crazy quilting.
Note that the visual aspect of this technique is versatile and changes a lot depending on the thread you choose. You can use two colors of pearl cotton for a simple design, or combine threads of different sizes and textures.
More stitches from the Herringbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Tied Herringbone Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Tied Herringbone 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 Tied Herringbone Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark two parallel lines as guides for your decorative band, then embroider a row of Herringbone Stitch. Finish the entire row and secure the thread on the back.
2. Change the thread color and bring the needle up at the beginning of the first stitch.
3. Pull the thread to the surface. Pass the needle under the first crossing of the Herringbone Stitch from the first round.
4. Wrap the thread around the needle.
5. Pull the thread to tighten the knot. Keep the thread in tension until the last moment, so the knot lies nicely on top of the stitch.
6. Now pass the needle under the second crossing of the stitches and wrap the thread around the needle. This time it is on the lower side of the bar; therefore, take the needle upwards. Note that some stitchers always pass the needle from top downwards. In fact, the result looks the same.
7. Pull the thread to tighten the knot. You can stab the needle into the knot while you pull the thread to ensure the knot lies on top of the stitch.
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.
