Vandyke Stitch

Vandyke Stitch is a hand embroidery technique from the Cretan Stitch family. This stitch forms a variable-size band with a characteristic raised braid motive in the center.

Other names of the Vandyke Stitch

This hand embroidery technique comes by the names of Vandyke Stitch and Van Dyke Stitch, which are used interchangeably. Also, the name Vandyke Chain Stitch is used for this embellishment technique.

Vandyke stitch embroidery with pearl cotton and embroidery floss — Vandyke stitch embroidery with pearl cotton and six strands of embroidery floss

Vandyke stitch reverse side — Reverse side of the sampler

Applications of the Vandyke Stitch

Vandyke Stitch is a great hand embroidery technique for embellishments. The stitch is relatively flexible—you can embroider it straight or bent with light curves. The density of the stitch is variable—the band can fully cover the surface or leave it demi-covered. Also, the length of the legs of the stitch is variable. You can make them short, long, or of various lengths in the same design.

The direction of the stitch is interchangeable—you can embroider it from the top down or from the bottom to the top. Both horizontal directions are available.

The stitch’s flexibility allows for various embroideries—from filling to embellishing clothes and home textiles, from crazy quilting to botanical embroidery—to fill leaves and flowers.

More stitches from the Cretan Stitch family

Learn how to embroider Vandyke Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Vandyke Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn how to stitch this hand embroidery technique faster.

How to embroider Vandyke Stitch

Step-by-step Vandyke stitch hand embroidery tutorial

Starting to embroider Vandyke Stitch.
I will stitch vertically from the top downwards. Mark the fabric with two parallel lines and the central line for reference. Take the needle up at the top left corner, one small stitch below the top mark. Make the first stitch. Push the needle down at the top of the mark, slightly to the right of the central mark.
Form a cross stitch.
Take the needle up at the top mark, slightly on the left from the central mark. Make a diagonal stitch to the right. Push the needle down on the right mark, one small stitch below the top mark.
Second stitch.
Take the needle up on the left mark, one stitch below the first stitch, and pull the thread to the surface.
Forming the first loop.
Pass the needle under the crossing of the first two stitches. The needle slides under the previous cross stitch (from the right to the left) and does not pierce the fabric or the thread at the midpoint. Pull the thread to tighten the loop.
Finish the first loop.
Push the needle down on the right mark, at the same height as the left side of the stitch. Adjust the tension so the chain stays at the center of the bar.
Next loop.
Take the needle up on the left and pass the thread under the legs of the previous stitch from the right to the left. Take the needle down on the right.
Repeat.
Repeat the steps as many times as needed till you finish the decorative bar.
Finishing the stitch.
The last stitch is different to create a nice finish on the decorative bar. Take the needle up close to the central mark of the bar, slightly to the left. Pass the thread under the legs of the previous stitch from the right to the left.
Final stitch.
Take the needle down slightly to the right from the central mark. This forms a final loop of the stitch for a nice finishing. Secure the thread on the back of the fabric.

Video tutorial

How to Embroider Vandyke Stitch | Step-by-Step Hand Embroidery 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!