Herringbone stitch Herringbone Stitch Herringbone stitch is also known as Mossoul stitch, Persian stitch, Russian stitch, Russian cross stitch, plaited stitch, catch stitch and witch stitch. Herringbone is an old stitch which has many variations. In the fourteenth century the Italian painter Giotto illustrated herringbone worked with great precision on the borders of garments.
Herringbone creates a regular crossed zigzag line.
This versatile stitch can be used to couch ribbon, cord and heavier threads or can be laced with contrasting threads. Herringbone is also used as a foundation row for many composite stitches. Herringbone and its variations is often to be found in crazy patchwork. This stitch is worked from left to right along parallel lines. To keep the width of the stitches even, guide-lines need to be marked on the fabric.