Threaded Running Stitch: How to Make Even Waves
Threaded running stitch is a decorative line worked in two passes. First you stitch a line of running stitch, then you pass a second thread under the stitches, alternately from above and from below, so it forms a row of waves. The second thread goes through the fabric only at the start and the end of the line, so it can be a contrasting colour, a metallic or a thread too thick to stitch with comfortably. Close relatives are whipped running stitch and double threaded running stitch, both covered below.
How to do threaded running stitch, in short: work a line of evenly spaced running stitches, then bring a second thread up at the start and pass it under each stitch in turn, alternating from above and below, without going into the fabric, so it forms waves.
| Difficulty | Beginner |
| Used for | Decorative lines and borders, waves and water, curls, adding a second colour or a metallic to a line |
| Thread | Base: 2–3 strands of stranded cotton. Threading: 2–6 strands, perle cotton or metallic |
| Needle | Embroidery needle for the base; blunt tapestry needle for threading |
| Base stitch | 3–5 mm stitches with 2–3 mm gaps |
What You Need
- An even line of running stitch. Every unevenness in the base shows up as a wave of a different size.
- A tapestry needle for the threading. Its blunt tip slides under the stitches without catching the fabric or splitting the base thread. If you only have sharp needles, pass the eye end under the stitches instead.
- A second thread that contrasts with the base in colour or thickness. Cut it at least twice the length of the line.
- Fabric in a hoop, so the base stitches stay flat while you thread them.
How to Work Threaded Running Stitch
- Work the base line in running stitch, with stitches slightly longer than the gaps, for example 4 mm stitches and 2–3 mm gaps.
- Bring the threading thread up at the start of the line, just beside the end of the first running stitch.
- Slide the needle under the first stitch from above, without piercing the fabric, and pull the thread through.
- Slide the needle under the next stitch from below. The thread now makes the first wave between the two stitches.
- Keep alternating from above and from below along the whole line. Always pass the needle in the same direction along the line.
- Set each wave before moving on. Pull only until the loop has the size you want, then check that it matches the previous one.
- Take the thread to the back beside the last running stitch and secure it under the stitches on the back.
For double threaded running stitch, work a second threading pass in the opposite rhythm, so the new waves fill the empty sides of the first ones. The result looks like a chain of linked loops, and it is easiest in two colours.
Keeping the Waves Even
The size of the waves depends on the base stitches and on how far you pull the threading thread. Choose the base by the look you want:
| Look | Base stitch | Gap | Threading thread |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small, tight waves | 3 mm | 2 mm | 2 strands |
| Standard decorative line | 4 mm | 2–3 mm | 3–4 strands or perle No. 8 |
| Bold, loopy border | 5–6 mm | 3 mm | 6 strands or perle No. 5 |
Lay each wave with the same tension. If one comes out too big, pull it back gently from the next stitch before you continue; once you have threaded a few more stitches, it is hard to adjust.
Common Problems and How to Fix Them
| Problem | Why it happens | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Waves of different sizes | Uneven base stitches, or changing tension on the threading thread | Keep the base even, and set each wave before moving on to the next stitch. |
| The base stitches are pulled out of line | The threading thread is pulled too tight | Ease off: the waves should rest on the fabric, not pull on the stitches. |
| The needle catches the fabric or splits the base | A sharp needle | Use a tapestry needle, or pass the eye end of your needle under the stitches. |
| The waves flop and look messy | Gaps in the base too long, or a very soft threading thread | Shorten the gaps, or thread with perle cotton, which holds its shape better. |
| The waves pile up on curves | Base stitches too long for the curve | Make the base stitches shorter on curves. |
| The threading thread runs out mid-line | Cut too short | Cut at least twice the line length. If it runs out, take it to the back beside a base stitch and bring the new thread up in the same place. |
Where to Use Threaded Running Stitch
- Borders and frames. Around a hoop design or along the edge of a piece.
- Water and waves. Two shades of blue, one for the base and one for the threading.
- Curls, smoke and wind. The wavy line suggests movement.
- Festive lines. A metallic threading thread over a cotton base adds sparkle without stitching metallic thread through the fabric.
- Stems with tendrils. Larger waves read as small curls along a vine.
Threaded vs Whipped Running Stitch
- Threaded running stitch: the second thread alternates from above and below, forming waves on both sides of the line.
- Whipped running stitch: the second thread passes under every stitch from the same side, wrapping around the line and making a smooth, twisted cord.
- Threaded back stitch: the same threading worked over back stitch instead of running stitch. There are no gaps in the base, so the waves are smaller and denser.
- Plain running stitch: see our running stitch guide for getting the base line even.
If you are building up your basic stitches, our complete guide to hand embroidery stitches gives an overview of all of them.
Patterns to Practise Your Stitches On
Threaded running stitch is not used in our current patterns. If you are building up your basic stitches, start with one of these beginner-friendly patterns.
New to Embroidery? Start with a Free Pattern
All of our free embroidery patterns in one place:
Threaded Running Stitch FAQ
What is the difference between threaded and whipped running stitch?
In threaded running stitch the second thread alternates from above and below, making waves. In whipped running stitch it passes under every stitch from the same side, making a twisted cord.
Does the threading thread go through the fabric?
Only at the start and the end of the line. Everywhere else it passes under the running stitches.
Which needle is best for threading?
A blunt tapestry needle, which slides under the stitches without catching the fabric or splitting the base thread.
Can you thread back stitch the same way?
Yes. Threaded back stitch is worked exactly the same way and gives smaller, denser waves.
