The Woven Pattern stitch is a needlepoint stitch made of straight stitches worked in alternating vertical and horizontal lines, so the finished area looks like a piece of woven fabric. It is a great way to add an interesting, textile-like texture to backgrounds, skies and other large areas.

Stitch Details

• Stitch Structure: Knitting, Pattern, Straight
• Related Stitches: Reverse Basketweave Stitch, Wicker Stitch
• Recommended for: Large areas, Backgrounds, Skies
• Skill level: Intermediate

Woven Pattern Stitch Instructions & Diagram

You can see the diagram of this stitch below, and a video tutorial further down.

• The stitch is worked with vertical and horizontal straight stitches, alternately, following the diagram.
• Start with the direction that feels more comfortable for you, vertical or horizontal.
• Work several rows in that one direction first. They become a "guide" for where the stitches in the other direction go.
• Then fill in the stitches in the other direction, in the spaces left between the first ones.
• Count the spaces between stitches carefully at the beginning. Once the pattern is set, it repeats itself and becomes much easier to follow.

Woven Pattern Stitch Video Tutorial

Tips for a Perfect Woven Pattern Stitch

• Counting is the tricky part. Check the spaces between your first stitches against the diagram before going further. A small counting mistake will break the woven look.
• Build the guide first. Stitching several rows in one direction before adding the other makes the pattern much easier to keep regular.
• Keep the tension even. Straight stitches lie flat when worked with a relaxed, regular tension, which keeps the weave neat.

Woven Pattern Stitch FAQ

Is the woven pattern stitch hard to learn?

It's an intermediate stitch. The stitches themselves are simple, but you need to count the spaces carefully at the start. After that, the pattern repeats and becomes easy.

What is the woven pattern stitch used for?

It's great for backgrounds, skies and large areas, and for anything that should look like fabric, such as clothes or cushions in your design.

Should I start with the vertical or horizontal stitches?

Either works. Choose the direction that feels more comfortable, stitch several rows of it, then add the other direction.

Stitch Guides where Woven Pattern Stitch is used

If you have doubts about what stitches to choose for your project, check our Tips to select Needlepoint Stitches or Our favorite Needlepoint Decorative Stitches.

Happy stitching :)