Whipped running stitches are perfect for linear elements that are more decorative than stitches with single lines.The running stitch acts as a foundation for the whip stitch, so it seems somewhat raised with a twisted appearance that can be accentuated by using two different colors of thread. 

Brand new to embroidery? We recommend reading our Beginner's Guide to Embroidery first, and trying our Beginner Embroidery Kit. 

Prepare Your Thread

Select the desired embroidery yarn color. We recommend embroidering with our wool yarn, Array.

Thread the needle, doubling the yarn so you have an even length hanging on each side, and tie a small knot at the end.

Step 1: Setting the Foundation for the Running Whip Stitch

• To start, create a line of running stitches along the line or outline you wish to make. If you don’t know how to make a running stitch, you can see our blog post here.

Step 2: Starting the Running Whip Stitch

• To create the whip stitch, bring your needle up from the back to the front of your fabric, at the same point where the running stitch started. 

Step 3: Continuing the Running Whip Stitch

• Wrap the thread around each running stitch by sliding the needle under each stitch without piercing the cloth.

• Always do this from the same direction, either from top to bottom, or from bottom to top.

• Continue for the entire length of the running stitch. 

Video Instruction for Embroidering Running Whip Stitch

Prefer to learn by video? Watch our step-by-step running whip stitch video below.

Keep Going!

If you’re ready to learn more embroidery stitches, our Zollie Beginner Embroidery Kit has all of the materials, written and video instructions you need to complete 3 projects illustrated by Arounna Khounnoraj of Bookhou. It’s the perfect kit if you’re brand new to embroidery, or rusty with your skills and looking for some support. Come join us! 

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