Comment broder raised fishbone stitch
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The raised fishbone stitch, step by step
We guide you here, step by step, to embroider the raised fishbone stitch.
This filling stitch is built from straight stitches that cross the shape from edge to edge, overlapping progressively at the centre to create a dense, raised woven effect.
1 – Starting at the tip
Bring the needle up on the right side of the fabric at A, at the tip of the motif. Insert at B, slightly lower along the central axis, to form a short straight stitch. This stitch forms the tip of the motif and serves as the starting point for the filling.
2 – Working the first structural stitch
Bring the needle up at C, on the left edge of the motif. Insert at D, on the right edge, on the other side of the shape. Bring up at E, on the left edge directly opposite D. Each stitch starts from one edge and inserts at the opposite edge, crossing the full width of the shape.
3 – Building the filling
Continue alternating left and right, working steadily down the motif. The stitches are built back and forth between the two edges, crossing at the centre and progressively overlapping. Adjust the length of the stitches to follow the shape of the motif. Pass the thread to the wrong side of the fabric and secure it under the stitches already worked.
FOR RIGHT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Work from tip to base, alternating left and right following the sequence shown in the diagram.
FOR LEFT-HANDED EMBROIDERERS: Apply the same principle, reversing the direction of movement whilst keeping the same progression of the filling.
Tips for a perfect raised fishbone stitch
Edge to edge: Each stitch must start from the left edge and insert at the right edge, or vice versa, to achieve the full coverage and characteristic relief.
Starting at the tip: Always begin at the tip of the motif to structure the filling correctly from the outset.
Alignment of entry and exit points: Place the entry and exit points directly opposite each other to maintain the balance of the motif.
Thread tension: Pull the thread without excess to preserve the volume and relief of the stitch without distorting the fabric.
Adapting to the shape: Gradually adjust the length of the stitches to follow the outline of the motif.
Result
On the front: A dense, lightly domed filling formed by straight stitches that cross and overlap from edge to edge, evoking a woven texture.
On the back: A series of straight stitches arranged alternately on either side of the shape.
EXPLORE FURTHER
The raised fishbone stitch, an essential stitch for learning hand embroidery
The raised fishbone stitch fills botanical shapes by creating a dense, structured, richly raised motif, distinct from the leaf stitch through its full edge-to-edge coverage.
It is widely used in traditional embroidery to enrich leaves, petals, and decorative elements requiring a dense and voluminous filling.
It appears in floral and botanical compositions where it brings relief, substance, and depth to embroidered surfaces.
The raised fishbone stitch: a filling stitch built from crossed straight stitches spanning the full width of the shape.
The stitches overlap progressively following the outline of the motif to create a regular, raised surface.
This construction produces a dense filling with a characteristic woven effect and rich texture.
It is an advanced decorative technique valued in hand embroidery for its marked relief and generous volume.
DISCOVER OTHER STITCHES
Why learn the raised fishbone stitch?
• build a dense, raised filling through full edge-to-edge coverage of the shape
• master the regularity and progression of stitches from one edge to the other
• understand the difference in construction between the leaf stitch and the raised fishbone stitch
• enrich botanical motifs with a marked relief and generous texture
Learn the raised fishbone stitch with Un Chat dans l’Aiguille
At Un Chat dans l’Aiguille, the raised fishbone 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.