How to Stitch a Sorbello Stitch

The Sorbello stitch is a common stitch used for needlepoint, cross stitch and embroidery. It originated in Italy, and has been used for centuries as decoration. With the Sorbello stitch, create patterns or designs, decorate borders or fill in large areas. Follow the steps below.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Visually plan for the size of the stitch by choosing four points that will be the corners of an imaginary rectangle that the stitch would fit within. Many times this is a perfect square, but can also be a longer rectangle shape depending on the desired look.

2. Bring the needle through the fabric from back to front. This should be done at the top left corner of the imaginary rectangle.

3. Make a straight horizontal stitch across the top of the rectangle, establishing the width of the finished Sorbello stitch.

4. Bring the needle to the bottom left corner of the rectangle, making a diagonal stitch in the back of the fabric. Poke the needle through, and pull the thread from back to front.

5. Next loop the thread underneath the horizontal stitch from top to bottom, and keep the needle on top of the diagonal thread.

6. Repeat the previous step, looping under the horizontal stitch and overtop the diagonal thread. This creates the knot.

7. Finish the Sorbello stitch by poking the needle from front to back at the bottom right corner of the imaginary rectangle. The finished stitch should resemble a pretzel-shape.

8. Continue on to the next Sorbello stitch by pulling the needle through to the front at the top left hand corner of the next stitch.