Corded brussels stitch

Corded brussels stitch is the easiest to learn when you are starting needlepoint lace.

Thread the tapestry needle with your petal colour and fasten it to the “cordonnet” i.e. the couched thread. Lay a thread across the petal where the line is shown on the pattern and split the double couched thread on the other side of the shape.

Work buttonhole stitches over both the outer cordonnet and the thread stretched across the petal. DO NOT go through the fabric, just lay the stitches on the surface of the film.


Do not pull tightly, you will need to see the loops in order to work the second row. Regularly let your needle drop so that the thread untwists to avoid knots and tangles.



When you reach the outside edge take the thread under the cordonnet and then pass it back in between the doubled thread. Take it across the petal again just below the first line of buttonhole stitches. Take your first stitch of the second row through the outline and under the carried thread. Then work buttonhole stitches into the loops of the first row, taking the needle under the carried thread each time.

When you reach the point where the petal narrows (half way) take your first stitch as before then miss out one or two loops from the previous row before continuing as before to fill the petal with "corded brussells stitch".

When you reach the bottom (or final edge) of the petal slip stitch the corded brussels to the outer cordonnet. If you have a long enough piece of thread you can use this to work buttonhole stitches (corded edge outwards) over the cordonnet all around the petal. Otherwise begin with a new length.

Work five more petals in the same manner. To remove the petals from the backing pad, lift the top layer of fabric and cut the couching stitches. Gently lift the work off the top of the film and pick off any remaining couching threads with tweezers.