How to Embroider Bayeux Stitch / Laid and Couch

This tutorial video shows how to do Laid and Couching, also known as Bayeux Stitch. This UNIQUE view of the front and back of the embroidery allows a clear demonstration, and ensures you can see exactly how to learn the technique.
Whilst I have done other videos on Bayuex Stitch in StitchFocus, giving the history and overview details, people have asked me to demonstrate and teach the stitch, given my professional background, and I hope you see the benefits of this unique video showing the entire workings.
Dr Alexandra Makin
Early Medieval Embroidery
Professional Embroiderer
Textile Archaeologist
#bayeuxstitch #bayeuxtapestry​ #embroider​ #textiles​ #alexandramakin

[@lauriehermundson5593]

Thank you for taking the time to teach this stitch.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Not a problem I’m so pleased you’ve found it useful / helpful

[@louisedavies6108]

I went to see the British copy of the tapestry in Reading museum and I was interested in how it was stitched, especially the filled in horses etc. this video is so clear and useful and has helped me understand how the stitching is done. Thank you

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

That's wonderful to hear, and I'm so pleased. I need to see the version at Reading still (shh, don't tell anyone I've not seen it yet😉)

[@katienewell7350]

Thanks for this, it's so useful to be able to see the front and back being worked at once!

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

I'm so pleased about this. I was hoping that being able to see both sides of the stitch would add extra insight into how they're made, so this is great to hear!

[@jeffvanlaningham8855]

this is exactly what my pattern called for and your tutorial is great! Now i can finish my project in confidence. Thank you.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Thank you! That's great to hear. Here's to your kit

[@cerwelt]

Very helpful tutorial.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Fab! I'm glad it was helpful

[@Ben-kv7wr]

A front AND back view? And history? I have to subscribe! I know you said there’s a variety of ways for finishing thread on the tapisserie de Bayeux, was it the same for starting? Did they use knots?

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Ha ha! You’ve been sucked into the world of early medieval embroidery and there’s no escape now. Starting threads always seems to have been with a knot. I’ve only managed to study some areas so far, but all of these are the same.

[@indigohalf]

Thanks for this! Question: Do we have any other examples of this stitch being used in the middle ages, or is it only known in the Bayeux Tapestry?

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

So pleased you like the demo'. Funny you should ask about the stitch being used in the Middle Ages. I've done video about the stitch and included examples of it being used later: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bHPFnIycpLRlqas An American friend has been looking into this and she's found a lot of examples where its worked in silk or silk and gold thread. Some can be seen on pieces in the V&A, so check out their online catalogue. Also Schuette's The Art of Embroidery and a Dutch book, Middeleeuwse Borduurkunst uit de Nederlanden. I think Tanya Bentham has a book about this stitch coming out soon too. Happy embroidery hunting

[@kettleisalwayson]

My first attempt using some wool and pattern from Bayeux itself was nothing like this think I may another go good job I bought 4 different kits

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Ooh. It can be hard to get your head round. I hope your next attempt goes better, and that this video helps 🤞

[@alanstainsby86]

I have a copy of the Bayeux Broderie booklet that describes the length of the stitches as being 'no further than 4 to 5 cm' but there is no indication of how wide the work should be. Can you help please? Alan

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Hi Alan, Right... I don't have this book but going from what you've said, I would suggest the 'no further than 4 to 5 cm' refers to the second layer of stitching, as you see it being worked on the video our comments are 'attached' to. The base layer, the one that covers the whole of the ground fabric, can be quite long. For instance, I was just telling someone that the central section of 'wooden planks' of the boats are all one length. While these stitches may splay outwards as you insert enough to cover the ground fabric, the second layer of stitching will pull them back into place and the third layer anchors them all down, effectively flattening them so they don't bulge. If you go to: www.bayeuxmuseum.com/la-tapisserie-de-bayeux/decouvrir-la-tapisserie-de-bayeux/explorer-la-tapisserie-de-bayeux-en-ligne/ you can zoom in on different sections of the hanging and see how long the stitches are, which may also help. I hope this has helped but feel free to come back and ask more questions etc. I'll do what I can to help. Good luck with it!

[@alanstainsby86]

Thanks for the reply and information. Alan @@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

@@alanstainsby86 no problem 🙂

[@catherineskis]

Ma'am, can you please tell me how long the stitch can be.

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Thanks for your question. It’s taken me a while to reply because I’ve been working out the best way of describing the answer in words. There is no definite answer. It often depends on the motif you’re filling in. On the BT you see quite long spaces, along the planks of a shop for example, being filled in with the longest length of thread. On other areas, the space is broken up into smaller areas. So I’d suggest you experiment and try different lengths, going with what you think ‘feels right’ for you and your work. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help but it’s impossible to give an exact measurement. I’m going to start work on the filling of my BT re-creation project next, the video should be out in the next week or so, and I’ll talk it through while working the stitch. Maybe it will help to watch that…

[@catherineskis]

@@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery Oh thank you

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

I’ve just put the latest video live. It focuses on this stitch and I try to explain lengths. I hope it helps a bit more than my previous answer 🤞

[@jedansepourvous]

Dommage que la vidéo soit de mauvaise qualité, on ne voit pas grand chose

[@EarlyMedievalEmbroidery]

Thank you for your comment. I’m sorry you couldn’t see the detail. I recorded this with my old camera, which wasn’t as good as the one I’ve got now. I had realised this so I’m in the process of re-recording some of these earlier videos in HD and 4K.