A split stitch (Fr: point fendu) is an embroidery technique that closely resembles the chain stitch. The split stitch is formed when the working thread, after a small straight stitch, is taken backwards underneath the ground cloth, but instead of coming up next to the thread on top (as in outline stitch and stem stitch), the point of the needle ‘splits’ the working thread, and the needle/thread is pulled through the split portion.

Also known as the Kensington outline stitch.

Split Stitch a very old stitch used for outlining and filling in colors for patterns.

Looking back into history, the Split stitch has its popularity placed at a high during the medieval ages in England. The needlework of this time was called Opus Anglicanum.This medieval English needlework comprised of the generous use of split stitch for fillings in a motif along with the ‘underside couching’ method of embroidery. It covers the whole cloth on which it is worked and leaves negligible space for a background. So, we can say that the history of the Split stitch is akin to the history of Opus Anglicanum.