Double Running or Holbein Stitch

Learn the Double Running Stitch - Sometimes known as the Holbein Stitch

The double running stitch, also known as the Holbein stitch, is a simple yet versatile hand embroidery stitch that is especially popular in blackwork, Assisi work and outlining cross stitch designs.

This stitch is created in two steps.  First, a row of evenly spaced running stitches is worked in one direction along the design line.  Then, a second row is stitched in the opposite direction to fill in the gaps, forming a continuous, solid line.  

When stitched with care, the result looks the same on both sides of the fabric, making it ideal for reversible embroidery projects.

The double running stitch can be worked in straight, curved or zigzag lines.  It's commonly used for outlining shapes or geometric patterns and designs.  

Whether you're new to embroidery or looking to expand your skills, this stitch is easy and simple to learn.  This tutorial will walk you through the process of stitching the double running stitch, including how to start and end the thread neatly - without knots on the back.

Be sure to watch our video tutorial and also keep reading this post for a detailed photo guide with step-by-step instructions.

WHAT YOU NEED to practice the double running stitch:

• Fabric To Embroider
• Embroidery Hoop (Purchase at Michaels, DMC)
• Embroidery Floss or Thread (Michaels, DMC)
• Embroidery Needle (Michaels, DMC)
• Embroidery Scissors (Michaels, DMC)

double running stitch INSTRUCTIONS :

For this tutorial, I'll be using AIDA CLOTH because the evenly spaced holes and grid-like pattern make it ideal for learning embroidery stitches.

The clearly defined holes show exactly where to insert the needle, making it easier to follow along as you practice the DOUBLE RUNNING STITCH. However, this stitch can also be worked on many other types of fabric, such as linen or plain weave - just take extra care to keep the stitches evenly spaced.

 As you work the double running stitch, aim to keep the stitches uniform in length and evenly spaced. The double running stitch creates a solid line that looks the same on both the front and back when done correctly.

STEP 1: Prepare the fabric and needle

Begin by placing the fabric in an embroidery hoop to keep it taut. Thread your embroidery needle with floss.

STEP 2: the First stitch

Bring the threaded needle up through the back of the fabric, a stitch or two away from the actual starting point of your line or design.  (This will make sense later when it's time to finish and secure the threads.) Pull the floss through to the front of the work, leaving about a 3-inch tail on the back of the fabric.

For this demonstration, you'll be stitching over and under two threads of fabric.  So let's skip the first hole in front of the needle and insert the needle into the next hole. Pull the floss through to the back.  You've just made your first stitch.

STEP 3: Continue Stitching the Line of Stitches

Now, bring the needle up from the back of the fabric two holes ahead of where your last stitch ended.

From the front, again, skip one hole and insert the needle into the next hole.  Pull the floss through to the back.

You've now created your second stitch.

Repeat this process over and over again.

Coming up from the back of the fabric in the two holes ahead, which skips one hole on the front.

Then, with needle and floss on the surface, skip one hole and insert the needle in the next.  This creates a line of evenly spaced stitches along your design.

When you reach the end of your line or design, take your needle down at the end of the last stitch.

If you are working with uneven weave fabric, try to ensure both the stitches and the gaps between them remain equal in length for consistency.

STEP 4: Complete the double stitch

Once you've completed the line using the method above, basically, you will begin filling in the empty spaces between the existing stitches by working the running stitch in the opposite direction. This is what creates the continuous "double" running stitch.

Bring the needle up from the back on the other side of the last stitch;then insert it into the same hole of the next stitch to fill the gap.

Continue with this same pattern of filling the gaps between the first line of stitches, forming a solid line.

Needle up from the back.

Down from the front.

A finished line of double running stitches would appear as follows on the front of the fabric.

At this point, on the back of the fabric, you will have a 3" tail and the needle with floss on it.

Remember, we started the stitching a few stitches away from the start of the design?  Now we will complete these stitches and learn how to weave in the floss tails so there are no knots and the back looks like the front.

Bring the needle up from the back two threads away from where it went down.

Make another stitch, leaving a gap between this stitch and the existing line of stitches.

Now let's fill in that gap on the top.  Bring the needle up from the back of the fabric at the end of the stitch you just made.

Insert the needle into the back at the first stitch in the row.  

After completing these stitches, if you flip the piece over to the back, you will see a neat line on the back (exactly like the front) except one stitch is missing.  

Keeping the floss tail out of the way, with the threaded needle lets fill in the gap and anchor the floss securely.  Use your fingernail to push away the existing stitch a little bit so you can see the fabric threads.  Then, run the needle through the threads of the fabric.  Try to go through three or four threads to anchor the floss completely.

This will fill in the missing stitch and also hide the end of the floss.

Snip the floss. Now, thread the beginning floss tail onto the needle.

Weave this in the same way you did with the previous floss, but in the opposite direction.

Trim the tail very close to the fabric, being careful not to cut the stitches or fabric.

This will produce a line of stitching on the back that is virtually the same as the front. This completes the double running stitch!

Here is an example of a towel I embroidered using the double running stitch.

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