Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 31: Braid Stitch

Are you ready for another stitch at Sunday Stitch School?

I thought it was time for a challenge stitch, one of those I have tried and failed many times, and stubborn as I am, just felt I needed to master. It is the Braid Stitch, and also goes by the names of Cable Plait Stitch, Gordian Knot Stitch, and in Swedish, Bandstygn. French names: Point de Galon or Point de Nœud Gordien.

In most illustrated embroidery books there is drawing of the Braid Stitch,
like this:

Although very clear I have never managed to control the twist of the thread.

Then I checked Mary Corbet's Braid Stitch video tutorial over at Needle 'n Thread.
It looked so easy, I just had to try it her way.

It was easy, and after a couple of stitches, truly addictive, and fast, to boot!

This is how it is worked:

Draw two parallel lines.
Tighten the fabric in a hoop.
Work with both hands.

 Come out on the left and hold the thread tight.

 Wrap the thread over

 and under the needle.

 While keeping the thread tight, insert needle on the right line,

 and come out on the left one.

 Pull the thread to the left and under the tip of the needle.

 Tighten the thread again.

 Pull the needle through

 carefully so you don't loose the shape.

 You have your first stitch.

Repeat from 1) in the same way

                           
until you have a line.

Once you got the rhythm, you can't stop!

This is what it looks on my Aida sampler.



All books say the Braid Stitch works well on curves, it performs best with a thread that has a good twist,
and my opinion is that it looks neatest if rather crammed together and not too long.

Homework:
Do some penmanship! 'Write' a letter on this letter printed fabric.