Herringbone stitch is also known as Mossoul stitch, Persian stitch, Russian stitch, Russian cross stitch, plaited stitch, catch stitch and witch stitch. It is one of the oldest stitches used by many embroidery styles. It is often used with mirror work. It can be modified by varying the length of the stitch. It is used as a filler as well as border stitch.

The stitch is worked along two parallel lines from left to right. Bring the needle out on the left end of the line. Make a small stitch on the upper line pointing left. Keep the thread below the needle and pull it through the fabric. Insert the needle on the lower line a little to the right and make a small stitch which points to the left. Pull the needle through the fabric with the thread above the needle. This can also be called a little modified cross stitch.