Linen glossary

Bourdon stitch (finish)

Bourdon is a dense, raised embroidery stitch worked in thick thread that underlines the edge of a linen piece — typically one or two parallel lines a few centimetres from the edge of a pillowcase, flat sheet or duvet cover. It is the signature finish of high-end hotel linen: sober and graphic, it dresses white linen without any pattern.

Beyond looks, the bourdon reinforces the hem and signals a level of workmanship: a regular bourdon line takes a dedicated machine and a careful operator. On plain white linen it is often the only ornament — and it is enough: the matte/relief contrast structures the bed on its own, as in hotel suites.