Laced Running Stitch

Running stitch serves as a foundation for some pretty variations, such as laced running stitch and whipped running stitch. To make a laced running stitch you need two threads of different colors. The first thread is used to complete a line of regular running stitch and the second to create the wavy, cord effect. 

Instructions:
1. Complete a line of regular running stitches.

2. Pick a contrasting thread and pass the needle from back to front, through the point where you began the running stitch. Pass the needle under the first running stitch, from top to bottom, without piercing the fabric and without passing the needle through the fabric.

3. Pass the needle under the second running stitch, but this time from bottom to top. 

4. Pass the needle under the third running stitch, from top to bottom.

5. Continue in this manner until all the running stitches have been laced.

Note: The laced running stitch is similar to the whipped running stitch. The difference is that the whipped stitch except passes through the running stitch always from top to bottom. The laced running stitch alternates passing top to bottom with passing bottom to top.