Skinner Sisters

A Little Lesson
Tips on Double-Running Stitch

Historically, double-running stitch is a very early stitch and it is a very versatile stitch as well.  It works well to make strong seams in construction of garments, it is thread saving and creates a reversible design if done to follow a pattern line.

We often talk about "trips" and "journeys" when speaking of double-running stitch because the thread takes a path across the ground fabric and then returns along the same path.

ITALIAN ANGEL
BORDER--17TH CENT.

The first, or outward, journey in double-running stitch is a simple running stitch as illustrated in the diagram above.

The results will be as pictured below.  Your stitching will look the same both back and front.

The second, or return, journey in double-running is a simple running stitch in the opposite direction following the same path as the outward journey.  The outward journey is diagrammed in red above and the return journey in blue.

The results will be as pictured below.  Your stitching will look the same both back and front.

Design by Skinner Sisters

Double-running sequencing and model stitching -- Anne Roza

Text and graphics Copyright 2000-2003
Linn R. Skinner
All rights reserved

Skinner Sisters
1841 N. Fuller Ave., Suite 208
Los Angeles, CA  90046
USA

Telephone: (323) 874-5136
Fax: (323) 874-0671
e-mail: linn@skinnersisters.com