Today’s stitch is more columns, which is a coincidence, I promise! But today’s stitch is also a great way to illustrate a fun fact about basketweave.
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A Note about DiagramsI use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, the layering of colors demonstrates that you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas for integrating additional threads (one line per color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are
Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday Stitched Sample Gallery on Instagram
The stitched sample is from a darling Mopsey Designs Holiday Stamp piece that I am decompressing with at the end of my current long days. Hence, simpler stitches. (Not complaining, just offering context.) I used peach Flair for the columns of black tent stitches. The yellow lines in between use five plies of Soie D'Alger. The columns of reverse basketweave (straight black lines) use two plies of the same Soie D'Alger.
You may be asking why.
This is a perfect illustration of a lighter touch. Same thread, same color, different look. If I had used five strands of the Soie for the reverse basketweave, it would have been very heavy, yet I knew I needed the thread in between the rows of Flair to not disappear, so they had to use more plies. And here we are. I love the lightness of the reverse basketweave columns and the pop of a mild metallic mixed in.
The fun fact is that reverse basketweave is what basketweave looks like on the back of a canvas. So, if the columns of tent stitches were stitched with the same thread, the front would look like the back, just opposite. It’s also a great way to spot-check your basketweave on future projects.
Click on image to see the whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.
Evaluating Stitches for Your Project
As you are auditioning stitches (from any stitch source), count the number of canvas threads on the diagram that match your mesh size. And there you have what an inch of the stitch will look like. Evaluate it against the area where you plan to use the stitch, then make your final decision. If you start integrating this step into your stitch selection process, you may be surprised at how many stitches you think are large are much smaller than you realize.
Today’s stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here. Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.
Happy #whimsicalwednesday!
A Note about Stitch Names
I am absolutely loving the rising popularity of needlepoint, and if you are new to the blog, I want to take a second to chat about stitch names (again). TLDR: Don’t overthink them.
Many stitch names in my books are made up out of whole cloth. When I launched my blog in 2015, I searched high and low for proper stitch names and found stitches with no names or identical stitches with two or more names from different sources. I quickly learned to focus on the diagrams, which I think are prettier (and more important) than any name. A stitch by any other name is still just as interesting!
Arriving at stores now!
My latest book is arriving at stores now! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 5 is dedicated to background stitches of all sizes and shapes.
Packed with over 150 stitches, Volume 5 offers you the widest variety of backgrounds. There are large backgrounds, small backgrounds, and everything in between. And more than 75% of the stitches will have a QR code taking your customers to a stitched sample.
More from whimsicalstitch.com
If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of five books offering contemporary how-to collections of stitches for all stitchers, regardless of skill level. All books include updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, plus a collection of all-new stitches from private lessons and other class projects. Visit here to find a needlepoint retailer that carries my books.
New to needlepoint or looking for a refresher? Please download a handy how-to guide covering basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques, along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.