How to Stitch a Basque Stitch

The Basque stitch, also known as the twisted daisy border stitch, is a stitch that originally was used in embroideries in the Basque area in northern Spain. Basque stitches are used to create a line of twisty loops that are worked over two imaginary lines. This stitch is often used for decorative edging as well as to form leaves for flowers. Follow the steps below to start stitching Basque stitches.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric
• Tapestry needle
• Thread
• Scissors

1. Thread your needle and tie a small knot at the end of the working thread to secure your first stitch.

2. Come up through the fabric in the place where you want to begin your first Basque stitch, working in a left to right fashion.

3. Form a question mark with your thread and then insert your threaded needle just to the right of where you originally came up at, just below the loop of the question mark you have formed.

4. Bring your threaded needle up directly below where you just went into the fabric at and at the bottom of the question mark, drawing the thread through the loop as you do so.

5. Stitch a small vertical stitch over the bottom of the loop to keep the loop in place.

6. Continue stitching the Basque stitches, looping them together in a row of your desired length.

7. Secure the thread at the back of the fabric and snip the working thread with the scissors to complete the line of Basque stitches.

Tips & Warnings

• Seed beads can be attached the bottom of the loop to create a whole new look to the embroidery project.