Nun Stitch

Each line on this chart represents a fabric thread

This is an insertion stitch and not an edging stitch. If you use this as an edging stitch and catch the two fabric threads at either end of the row of stitches and pull outward, the entire row of stitches and fabric threads will pull out. So be cautious in its use!

• A.  Begin this stitch by bringing the threaded needle up at 1 and going down at 2,  when the threaded needle is on top of the fabric         again, pull your stitch.

• B.  Repeat A again.

• C.  Bring the threaded needle up at 1 and and go down at 3, when the threaded needle is on top of the fabric again, pull your stitch.

• Repeat step C.

Continue across the row by repeating these steps for each stitch.  

The arrows on the row beside the stitches represent a fabric thread you could remove if you were to use this stitch as an insertion for lace. You could add the foot (straight edge) of the lace on this row. You would use the spaces the stitch forms to sew into as you added the lace. This row of stitches with the fabric thread removed or not would look great above a hem.

I would not advise its use as a finishing edge though. It just will not last as so many claim!  You could spend a lot of time on a design and then add a box or another shape using this stitch only to have it pull out just as you are about to finish the design.  It then leaves an unfortunate hole in the fabric that can be difficult to repair.

I have been stitching for decades and whenever I read instructions that call for this kind of insertion in the middle of a design that advises me to cut away the threads I don't even consider using it.  I long ago learned not to and now I don't even see the instructions, I know it is better to adjust the pattern by using a Satin stitch over four threads to make the design that encloses cut threads.  I think that even Satin stitches over two fabric threads would be less risky! © 2003, Linda Fontenot, www.AmericanFolkArts.com