Comment broder double Swiss square stitch
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The double Swiss square stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the double Swiss square stitch.
This decorative stitch from Swiss embroidery tradition involves sliding a decorative thread twice under four straight anchor stitches to form a dense, structured square around their centre.
1 – Working the 4 anchor stitches
Bring the needle up at A and insert at B. Bring up at C and insert at D. Bring up at E and insert at F. Bring up at G and insert at H. These 4 straight stitches form the foundation of the motif. Secure the thread on the wrong side of the fabric.
2 – First pass of the decorative thread
Using a second thread, bring the needle up close to a corner of the motif. Slide the thread under each arm in turn, working clockwise, without ever piercing the fabric, to trace the perimeter of the square.
3 – Second pass and securing
Make a second pass along exactly the same path to build up the square and give it volume. Pass the thread to the wrong side of the fabric and secure it under the stitches already worked.
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Progress clockwise, sliding the thread under each arm in turn.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Progress anticlockwise, sliding the thread under each arm in turn.
Tips for a perfect double swiss square stitch
Even foundation: Make sure all 4 straight stitches are the same length and evenly distributed around the centre so that the decorative square is symmetrical.
Starting point: Always bring the decorative thread up close to a corner of the foundation to begin the first side of the square accurately.
Thread on the surface: Always slide the decorative thread under each arm without piercing the fabric, to preserve the suppleness and volume of the motif.
Gentle tension: Lay the decorative thread without pulling tight on each pass so that the square holds its shape without crushing the foundation.
Identical second pass: Work the second pass on exactly the same path as the first to build up each side of the square evenly.
Result
On the front: A dense, lightly raised square, well defined and regular, formed by the double pass of the decorative thread around the X-shaped foundation.
On the back: Only the two diagonal straight stitches of the foundation.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The double Swiss square stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The double Swiss square stitch is used to create small structured geometric motifs that enrich an embroidered composition with precise, discreet accents.
It holds a characteristic place in traditional embroidery as a distinctive technique of Swiss needlework, punctuating compositions with repeating square motifs of neat, regular relief.
It appears in Swiss folk embroideries and geometric compositions where the combination of a foundation and a decorative thread produces a compact, elegant visual effect.
The double Swiss square stitch: a decorative motif built in two stages on an X-shaped foundation.
It is worked by first embroidering two crossed diagonals, then sliding a decorative thread twice around the arms to form the square.
This two-thread construction produces a dense, lightly raised motif where the foundation structures the movement and the decorative thread creates the final shape.
It is valued in hand embroidery for creating precise, repeating geometric accents within a composition.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the double Swiss square stitch?
• build a structured geometric motif in two stages: foundation and lacing
• master the path of a thread slid without piercing the fabric
• understand the effect of a double pass on density and relief
• enrich a composition with repeating square motifs from Swiss embroidery
Learn the double Swiss square stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the double Swiss square 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.