Comment broder Darning spiderweb stitch
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The Darning spiderweb stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Darning spiderweb stitch.
The darning spiderweb stitch is worked on a foundation of an even number of straight stitches arranged as a star, weaving the thread alternately over and under each spoke, leaving part of the cross-shaped structure visible beneath the weaving to create a distinctive graphic effect.
1 – Lay the foundation spokes
Secure the thread on the back of the work, preferably inside the circle to be covered, without piercing the centre. Bring the needle up at A at the tip of one spoke. Insert at centre B. Bring it up at C, then insert at B again. Repeat to form a star of 8 evenly spaced straight stitches around the centre.
2 – Prepare the weaving
Bring the needle up between two straight stitches, as close to the centre as possible. Turn the needle around and use the eye to pass alternately under then over each straight stitch, without piercing the fabric.
3 – Weave the stitch
Continue weaving, turning around the centre, always passing alternately under then over the straight stitches. Unlike the woven spiderweb stitch, the weaving does not shift from one round to the next — part of the spokes remains visible, forming a cross-shaped structure beneath the motif.
4 – Finish the stitch
When the circle is sufficiently covered, insert the needle to the back of the fabric at the edge of the stitch and secure the thread under the previously worked stitches. ___________
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from right to left around the centre.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from left to right around the centre. Tips for a successful darning spiderweb stitch
Tips for a perfect darning spiderweb stitch
Number of spokes: this is what prevents the weaving from shifting and creates the visible structure that characterises the darning spiderweb stitch.
Spoke spacing: Space the straight stitches evenly to form a balanced star and a harmonious motif.
Weaving motion: never the tip — to avoid catching the foundation threads.
Thread tension: Pull the thread steadily without pulling too tight, so the weaving remains supple and the exposed spokes retain their definition.
Visual effect: Allow some spokes to remain visible: it is this alternation between woven areas and open areas that gives the darning spiderweb stitch its distinctive character.
Result
On the front: a woven rosette with a graphic appearance, where part of the spokes remains visible forming a star beneath the motif.
On the back: the foundation straight stitches and the finishing stitches.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Darning spiderweb stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The darning spiderweb stitch is used to create circular motifs with a distinctive graphic quality in floral and geometric compositions.
It appears in traditional embroidery as a variation of the spiderweb stitch, bringing a visual contrast between woven areas and open spokes.
The size of the circle can vary to adjust the prominence of the visible structure.
Darning spiderweb stitch: a graphic variation of the woven spiderweb stitch.
Its construction relies on an even number of straight stitches woven without shifting, leaving part of the foundation visible.
This mechanism produces a result that is both dense and open, distinct from other spiderweb variations.
It enriches the repertoire of woven stitches in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Darning spiderweb stitch?
• understand how the number of spokes affects the appearance of the weaving
• explore a more graphic approach to the spiderweb stitch
• develop regularity of movement on a circular foundation
• enrich your compositions with a woven stitch of unique visual character
Learn the Darning spiderweb stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the darning spiderweb stitch is taught step by step with clear, structured guidance.
Our approach to teaching is part of a complete hand embroidery stitch encyclopaedia, designed to support every embroiderer on their journey.
It allows you to progress at your own pace whilst building precision, consistency, and confidence in hand embroidery.