How to Stitch an Open Hem

The open hem is found on traditional sewing all over the world, but has been particularly popular on Dutch - and especially Frisian samplers. It's a very handy and versatile technique to finish embroidery pieces.

The open hem taught in this booklet is the one seen on samplers from the 16th-century onwards. It uses square corners and not mitred corners (as mitred corners are never seen in traditional embroidery pieces).

Note that the open hem is a pulled thread embroidery technique and therefor only suitable for linen / evenweave materials. It cannot be worked on Aida fabric.