What fun! I loved doing this stitch and love the effect! The Laced Running Stitch is an easy variation on the running stitch, but looks like you did a lot of work. It is also referred to as a threaded running stitch. By lacing a second thread through the basic running stitch, you create a wavy line that is perfect for an outline or decorative stitch for both your embroidery projects or embellished garments. The second thread can be the same color and thread, or use a different color or different weight of thread for different looks. The thicker the thread, the more wavy it will appear.
It is similar to the whipped running stitch, and can be done as a double laced running stitch starting with parallel rows of a simple running stitch. Stack rows of the the stitches close together to form a great design.
Try this stitch on monograms mixed with a stem stitch or back stitch – perfect on a small zipper pouch, baby bandana bib or even a kitchen towel or pre-made coaster. Make your gifts custom and special with a touch of embroidery.
How to Embroider the Laced Running Stitch
The laced running stitch is a great embroidery stitch for outlines or embellishments. Try different threads and colors to make the design your own!
Start with a foundation stitch row of the basic running stitch. Then, lace another thread through the stitches forming a wavy effect. This is a great stitch for decorative borders and is a variation of a running stitch.
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Here is our tutorial with step-by-step photo illustrations.
Materials
- Fabric of your choice with your embroidery design
- Embroidery thread or floss of your choice. TIP: Use two colors of embroidery floss—one for the running stitch and one to lace the running stitch.
Tools
- Embroidery needle suited for your thread. TIP: Use a blunt tip tapestry needle for lacing the running stitch
- Embroidery hoop, optional
- Thimble, optional
- Embroidery scissors
Instructions
- Start by embroidering the basic running stitch. See How to Embroider the Running Stitch.
- Now to cover the lacing technique. Thread your needle with the same or a different thread or floss. Bring your needle with the thread you'll be using to lace the running stitch up near the middle of the first running stitch on your design. Carefully slip your needle down under the next stitch, between the fabric and thread. Weave the thread up and down through your stitches. It is easier if you use a blunt tip needle, or lead with the eye of your needle.
- Lace the thread up through the next running stitch.
- Continue lacing the second thread up and down through the running stitches.
- Here is a close-up of the lacing.
- Here is a sample of the laced running stitch with a variety of threads. See how the second thread is laced up and down through the running stitch.
Here is another finished sample:
Tips and ideas for laced running stitch embroidery
- The lacing thread can be a similar weight thread or thicker. It can be the same color thread, a contrasting color of thread or a complementary color.
- Try different number of strands of six-strand floss for a varied look to the finished embroidery.
- The base running stitch can be a meandering stitch to create movement across a piece.
- Vary the length of the stitches for an interesting look.
- This can be used as a decorative hand quilting technique on a quilt.
- When looping the running stitch, use a tapestry needle or other dull needle. Needles with sharp points can catch the stitches and the base fabric.
- This is a perfect stitch to add to modern embroidery projects when looking for a rope-like line or a straight raised line.
- There are a lot of variations. Have fun playing around with different threads and stitch lengths.
Check out all of the tutorials for hand embroidery stitches on Create Whimsy!
You may also enjoy the Whipped Running Stitch and the Laced Double Running Stitch.
