Skinner Sisters

A Little Lesson
Tips on Double-Running Stitch

WORKING IN YOUR THREADS

Just as there are three possible methods of placing your stitches in double-running, there are three possible methods of finishing off threads when you have completed a return journey.

  1. Continuing in a running-stitch along the previously stitched design line.
  2. Fastening off by whipping around the stitched design line.
  3. Sewing through the stitched design line.
    4.

1

2

DOUBLE-RUNNING TIP

To proofread your work when stitching in double-running, turn to the reverse and see if you have any diagonal stitches there.

Unless your design has diagonal stitches on the front, it shouldn't have any on the back.  This is a quick way to know if you didn't stay on the path and in sequence.

One of the most often made errors in double-running is to lapse into backstitch.  This will put you out of sequence and leave two stitches side by side on the back.

3

A DOUBLE-RUNNING PATTERN FOR YOU TO TRY

This design was first published in Quentel's 1527 design book.  It is a fun double-running pattern to stitch on table linens, costume bands, bookmarks or as a sampler band.  The alternating stitches have been charted in red and blue to help you determine the stitch sequence.  Find a good place to start and have a good time.

NEXT TIME:

SIDE JOURNEYS--ADVENTURES OFF THE BEATEN PATH

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