Comment broder Mountmellick stitch
Tutoriels de points de broderie > Tous les points > Mountmellick stitch
The Mountmellick stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the Mountmellick stitch.
Mountmellick stitch is a raised linear stitch rooted in traditional Irish embroidery, built from a succession of oblique stitches held in place by passes under previous stitches, forming a structured and deeply textured line.
1 – Bring the needle up at A on the line to be stitched. Insert the needle at B, slightly to the right of the line and a little lower than A, then bring it up at C on the line, level with B. An oblique stitch forms between A and B.
2 – Place the thread upwards and hold it down with your thumb. Slide the needle under the stitch formed between A and B without piercing the fabric. Pull the thread to tighten the loop.
3 – Swing the thread to the left then upwards, still held under your thumb. Insert the needle at A and bring it up at C, passing the needle over the thread. Pull the thread to complete the first stitch.
4 – Swing the thread upwards again, holding it under your thumb. Insert the needle at D, approximately 3 mm below B, and bring it up at E on the line, level with D. Slide the needle under the stitch formed between C and D without piercing the fabric. Pull the thread.
5 – Swing the thread upwards again, insert the needle at C and bring it up at E. Repeat these motions along the line. Pass the thread to the back of the fabric and secure it under the previously worked stitches.
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FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Mountmellick stitch is worked from top to bottom.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Mountmellick stitch is worked from top to bottom, reversing the direction of the passes. Tips for a successful Mountmellick stitch
Tips for a perfect mountmellick stitch
Holding the thread upwards: Always keep the thread held upwards under your thumb at each pass — this position is what controls the correct formation of the stitch.
Needle pass under the stitches: Always slide the needle under previous stitches without piercing the fabric to preserve the raised structure.
Even stitches: Place the entry and exit points evenly to maintain the alignment of the line throughout.
Progressive tension: Pull the thread gradually and steadily to keep a clean raised texture without flattening the structure.
Thread choice: This stitch shows its raised texture particularly well when worked in pearl cotton — the weight of the thread enhances the definition of each stitch.
Result
On the front: a decorative raised line formed by a succession of small, structured and even triangles.
On the back: a series of short straight stitches aligned along the traced line.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The Mountmellick stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
Mountmellick stitch is traditionally used to embroider stems, leaf veins and the outlines of floral motifs.
Its deeply textured rows bring out the best in botanical compositions, which appear frequently in traditional embroidery.
The width of the stitch can be adjusted by varying the distance between the line and point B to achieve a more or less pronounced volume.
Mountmellick stitch: a structured outline stitch rooted in Irish embroidery.
Its construction relies on a sequence of oblique movements held by repeated passes under previous threads, never piercing the fabric.
This technique produces a firm and generously volumed line, suited to both curves and straight paths.
It holds a distinguished place in the repertoire of surface stitches worked in hand embroidery.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the Mountmellick stitch?
• understand the construction of a raised Irish linear stitch
• develop precision of movement on passes worked without piercing the fabric
• create deeply textured and structured outlines in your compositions
• enrich your repertoire with an outline stitch of strong decorative character
Learn the Mountmellick stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, Mountmellick 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.