How-to: Duplicate Stitch (aka Swiss Darning)

Want to add pops of colour after you’ve finished knitting? Duplicate stitch is a game-changer — it lets you embroider over your stitches without carrying extra yarn across the back or committing to full-on colourwork.It’s great for adding small details, colourful motifs, or bold accents — like in my raincloud sample above, which uses my new fluorescent tapestry wools on a black DK-weight swatch for maximum glow.

You’ll need: • A knitted swatch or garment (stocking stitch works best) • A darning or tapestry needle • 4 ply tapestry wool

Steps (see the diagram below):

1. Secure your embroidery yarn at the back of the fabric. 2. Bring the needle through the centre of a knit stitch from back to front. 3. Go behind the stitch above from left to right, wrapping the top “V”. 4. Return the needle down through the same hole you started from. 5. Repeat, following your chart or freehanding your design.

Why not try it as a patch pocket on kids’ knitwear, or a bold accent on sleeves and hats? Tag me if you try it with the new neon wools — I’d love to see your stitches glow! 

Image shows a 'Walk With Pride: Straight Ally' sock with a duplicate stitch rainbow heart and afterthought heel