My Favorite Things

July 22, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Week 3 of columns for backgrounds is here!

On the off chance you don’t know me, I loved layered stitches and open spaces on canvases. And today’s background is a perfect example of why.

Click on image to see on pinterest. Visit pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday for a library of all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Click the image to see #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday **Stitched Sample Gallery** on Instagram

The canvas is a darling Christmas train bolster pillow from KCN Designers. (Link here.) I love literally every color on the details of this canvas and it has a lot of detail, so I imagine I will stitch the train cars in simple stitches, such as basketweave, some beading, and French knots. Stripes are always a good idea. Columns of tramme (layered stitches) are an even better idea.

I used gold Fyre Werks for the black lines and added pink (aqua lines), green (yellow lines), and white (gray lines) silk floss on top. (All of the silk floss is from my stash so I can only say with confidence that the white is Soie d’Alger.) I will decide whether to add a simple stitch, such as Alternating Skip Tent, in between the columns after I complete stitching the train.

And last, but not least, this stitch is scalable, and you can accomplish some wonderful things with wider columns and/or by adjusting the width of the space between the primary columns. If you choose to widen your columns, I suggest the width of the column be an odd number of the base threads (black lines). That way you ensure the outer edges of the columns will match.

Happy Background Month!

A preview of volume 5. Stay tuned for more info!

And, yes, my book is now on its way to stores! 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.

Hope you have fun with the stitch and are as excited about Volume 5 as I am!

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 stitching.

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.

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.

Most of the names for the stitches you see here are made up out of whole cloth. When I started needlepointing 30+ years ago, a teacher would draw or describe what she recommended, and off I went. Seriously. When I started my blog, an industry friend told me stitch names were crucial. I searched high and low for proper stitch names. What I found was stitches with no names or, even worse, identical stitches with two+ names from different sources. On top of that, some of my favorite stitches had generic names, such as Rug 1 and Rug 2. I quickly learned to focus on the diagrams, which are prettier. A stitch by any other name is still just as interesting!

There are some commonly understood stitch names, such as basketweave, continental, Scotch (3X3 and above squares), Mosaic (2X2 squares), Smyrna Crosses, and Hungarian (groups of diagonal stitches over 2-3-2 rows). It feels like it ends there. When naming stitches for my blog and books, I make every attempt to integrate generally accepted names, but also feel that a legible diagram is more important.

I’ve also learned that there is a very good chance that a stitch pattern that I come up with may not be new. But it is new to me. I spent almost an entire afternoon at a stitching friend’s home, poring through binders of stitches she gathered over decades. Not only were many of them drawn by hand (whoa!), I discovered stitches I thought were created decades later, with a different name, in a different presentation, from a different source. So, a stitch doesn’t belong to a single person or teacher. They are all part of a huge and decades-old network of really creative people.

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.

More from whimsicalstitch.com
If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) 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.

More Columns!

July 8, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Week 2 of columns for backgrounds is here!

Today’s columns feature another favorite stitch of mine, woven Hungarian. The stitch has a lovely balance to it and is certainly pleasant to look at. I used the same thread combination as last week’s stitch, three plies of Soie d’Alger for the black lines and Silk Lame 18 for the yellow lines (on 13M).

I chose evenly spaced columns so the woven Hungarian elements wouldn't be lost. I used what I call Alternating Skip Tent between the columns to keep it smooth but not too open. Some of my favorite “simple” stitches to add between columns are reverse basketweave, horizontal straight stitches (the white lines in the stitched sample), or today’s stitch: alternating skip tent.

And last, but not least, this stitch is scalable, and you can accomplish some wonderful things with additional groups of woven Hungarian and/or by adjusting the width of the space between the primary columns.

Happy Background Month!

And, yes, my book is almost on its way to stores! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 5 is dedicated to background stitches of all sizes and shapes.

Hope you have fun with the stitch and are as excited about Volume 5 as I am!

Happy Background Month!

July 1, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Happy Background Month to all who celebrate!

It’s been more than a minute since I’ve devoted a month of blogs to one topic. This month will focus on one of my favorite background themes: columns. I often mention that a blog stitch can be repurposed as columns, so I’m sharing some column ideas that have been rattling around in my head.

Columns for backgrounds are not a groundbreaking idea, but I encourage you to consider stitches other than satin stitches for columns. Columns are versatile and easy to create to suit any subject matter. Columns typically don’t overwhelm a canvas, and yet they can still be fun on their own. They can be full coverage or open stitches.

The inspiration for this stitch was Layered Diamonds from a 2022 blog post. I adjusted the layering slightly by centering it over the lower set of diamonds, but you can do any version you prefer. I used Silk Lame 18 for the black lines and three plies of Soie D'Alger for the yellow lines. Since the Soie was on top (to help ensure the metallic Silk Lame doesn’t overwhelm the background), I wielded my laying tool to make it look as if I ironed the Soie, and I’m very happy with the result.

If you are concerned about the open canvas in and/or between the columns, fabricators have a wonderful technique to make the most of it. Many pillow finishers or framers will put a lightweight, gauzy piece of fabric between the canvas and the pillow form, or between the canvas and the mounting boards/foam core/backing boards in framing. It’s a wonderful technique. (Caveat: I may not be using the exact correct terms for framing, but I hope you get the idea.)

And last, but not least, this stitch is scalable, and you can accomplish some wonderful things with larger diamonds and/or adjusting the open space between columns. Also, you can add quiet stitches to the open space. I’ll talk about that next week.

Happy Background Month!

And, yes, my book is almost on its way to stores! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 5 is dedicated to background stitches of all sizes and shapes.

Hope you have fun with the stitch and are as excited about Volume 5 as I am!

Sorry for the Radio Silence

June 24, 2026 whimsicalstitch

It’s been a little nutty here for the past month or so. The good news is I have a clean closet, volume 5 is at the printer, and I found a stitch for today!

Let’s start from the last point, which is related to the first point. Today’s stitch was found (yesterday) in my WIP stash, buried in my closet. This is a forever-old Liz Goodrich Dillon witch, and I may have squealed when I found it. It is also possible I forgot about this project, and as soon as I saw it, I remembered how much I loved it and can’t wait to finish it soon. My best guess is I used Vineyard Silk (black lines), Neon Rays (gray lines), and size 12 Kreinik (from a spool) for the yellow lines.

This is a great all-purpose stitch for clothing (obvs) or many architectural elements, such as floors, roofs, or walls. Wrapping paper also comes to mind. Again, a great all-purpose stitch. I don’t think you will be surprised to hear that I love the black lines and the vertical groups of yellow lines on their own just as much. I look forward to using that version for a background, and eliminating the smaller rectangles and horizontal groups of yellow lines.

And last, but not least, this stitch is scalable, and you can accomplish some wonderful things with larger rectangles. That is what I’m going to play with very, very soon.

And, yes, my book is almost on its way to stores! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 5 is dedicated to background stitches of all sizes and shapes.

Hope you have fun with the stitch and are as excited about Volume 5 as I am!

A Hint of What is Coming

June 3, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch is from one of my favorite recent projects from Aristeia and Melissa Shirley. More fruit! And I absolutely love the background on it.

It’s an octagon grid with two plies of blue Soie D'Alger (black lines) and good old-fashioned Kreinik on a spool in size 4 for the aqua lines. It’s delicate, interesting, and doesn’t distract from the stars of the show. (Fruit. Fruit is always the star of my needlepoint show.)

To navigate the open spaces, you pivot your stitches between shared holes to add the grid framework. But the addition of the small eyelet stitch is the secret helper here. Not only is it cute and adds sparkle, but it also provides camouflage for those times when you have to drag a thread.

This stitch is also an example of what is coming with my next book…Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 5. Volume 5 is dedicated to background stitches of all sizes and shapes.

Hope you have fun with the background and are as excited about Volume 5 as I am!

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 on integrating additional threads (one line for each 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 stitching.

I’ve also learned that there is a very good chance that a stitch pattern that I come up with may not be new. But it is new to me. I spent almost an entire afternoon at a stitching friend’s home, poring through binders of stitches she gathered over five decades. Not only were many of them drawn by hand (whoa!), I discovered stitches that I thought were created decades later, with a different name, in a different presentation, from a different source. So, a stitch doesn’t belong to a single person or teacher. They are all part of a huge and decades-old network of really creative people.

I'm Getting There, I Promise

May 27, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch comes from the same student’s work as our last stitch. And, I liked it so much, I’m also including a variation I’m using in a current project.

And a brief tangent for a quick update…volume 5 of Mary’s Whimsical Stitches will be launching very soon. I’m making some last-minute additions that I hope you will find helpful, so thank you for your patience!

Today’s stitch is very similar to last week’s stitch, but a lot easier. Kinda.

I love the contrasting colors in the original version. The blue centers really make the greens pop. The second sample is my current WIP from Mopsey Designs. I adjusted the 3X3 squares to all tent stitches because it just fit better. In the pink stitched sample, I’m using two shades of Vineyard Silk for the black and yellow lines and Radiance 18 for the aqua lines. It’s subtle, but I wanted that because there is so much color coming from the nutcrackers.

Naturally, I thought this would be easy. And, it became easier once I pulled out the first round of stitching and started again. Regardless of which version you use, I strongly recommend stitching the 3X3 squares first. That defines all of the vertical columns and will make your life that much easier. I suggest stitching the aqua lines first, followed by the vertical black and yellow lines, and then filling in the horizontal rows in between the vertical columns.

Have fun with it! (And now back to work on volume 5.)

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 on integrating additional threads (one line for each 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 stitching.

I’ve also learned that there is a very good chance that a stitch pattern that I come up with may not be new. But it is new to me. I spent almost an entire afternoon at a stitching friend’s home, poring through binders of stitches she gathered over five decades. Not only were many of them drawn by hand (whoa!), I discovered stitches that I thought were created decades later, with a different name, in a different presentation, from a different source. So, a stitch doesn’t belong to a single person or teacher. They are all part of a huge and decades-old network of really creative people.

I’m Here! I’m Here!

May 6, 2026 whimsicalstitch

And I am back!

Had a busy weekend at the Spring Needlepoint Show in Orlando, where I previewed volume 5 of Mary’s Whimsical Stitches. I’m looking forward to sharing more about that later. A planned project got moved up unexpectedly, hogging most of last week, and now I’m back with a stitch for you!

Thankfully, one of my students had a framed piece arrive last week. (It is quite possible that this may be the only reason we have a stitch this week.) Technically, this is a counted canvas project in which a stitcher creates the design on a blank canvas. This project was extra special because my student finished a piece her late mother had started. The stitching from both generations is absolutely exquisite.

I did some counting and cobbled together the stitch diagram. The stitched sample uses DMC Floss (black and gray lines) and Neon Rays (yellow lines). I started this thinking it was straightforward. I was wrong. I recommend stitching the vertical columns of satin stitch (black lines) first. (Wait to stitch the 3X2 rectangles and remaining black tent stitches.) Follow up with the uninterrupted single vertical columns of tent stitches (yellow lines), followed by the horizontal rows of yellow lines. Add the black 3X2 rectangles and remaining black tent stitches, and end with the gray Scotch squares and remaining tent stitches. It’s a lot, but I really think it is worth it.

I’m looking forward to integrating this stitch into clothing, such as a coat with Burmilana or a shirt with silk floss (black and gray lines) and Petite Entice (yellow lines). Backgrounds, rugs, couches…lots of great places for it. But the most fun will be with the color combos! Two shades of pink with an orange or lavender accent color for the gray lines. Red, white, and blue are obvious choices. (I think I would do red and white with blue as the yellow lines.) Have fun with it!

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 on integrating additional threads (one line for each 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 stitching.

I’ve also learned that there is a very good chance that a stitch pattern that I come up with may not be new. But it is new to me. I spent almost an entire afternoon at a stitching friend’s home, poring through binders of stitches she gathered over five decades. Not only were many of them drawn by hand (whoa!), I discovered stitches that I thought were created decades later, with a different name, in a different presentation, from a different source. So, a stitch doesn’t belong to a single person or teacher. They are all part of a huge and decades-old network of really creative people.

It Took a Minute

April 15, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Today’s stitch is nowhere near what I planned on sharing this morning. And that’s a good thing because the journey took me to four different places and I’m sharing two of them with you.

The diagram on the left shows the final stitch, and I love its scale. Oblique crosses make simple squares with the corners covered by an X. I used four plies of Soie Cristale for the yellow lines and gold Radiance 18 for the gray lines on 13M. The middle diagram uses four plies of the same Soie Cristale and is reflected on the right-hand side of the stitched sample. (Yes, there were two other steps/stitches in this journey, but these two were my favorites.)

The metallic in the stitched sample for the first stitch draws more attention to it. Turning that into a matching color would bring it down a smidge and help it make a great background or tabletop. The stitch in the middle is a variation of a t-stitch that almost mimics diamonds in motion. (It is also possible I haven’t had enough coffee this morning.) I love that stitch for a simple sky or water with a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Entice or Radiance Mini. As with most stitches, it is scalable. You could switch the X’s to cross stitches in between the corners for a more delicate stitch or you could make the oblique crosses longer for a more open grid. Have fun with it!

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 on integrating additional threads (one line for each 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 stitching.

I’ve also learned that there is a very good chance that a stitch pattern that I come up with may not be new. But it is new to me. I spent almost an entire afternoon at a stitching friend’s home, poring through binders of stitches she gathered over five decades. Not only were many of them drawn by hand (whoa!), I discovered stitches that I thought were created decades later, with a different name, in a different presentation, from a different source. So, a stitch doesn’t belong to a single person or teacher. They are all part of a huge and decades-old network of really creative people.

Are You Related To?

April 8, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Having grown up with a large extended family with an unusual last name, I’ve spent most of my life answering, “Are you related to so and so?” Well, the answer was always yes, and today’s stitch suffers the same fate. Yet, just like my great-grandmother, I love all of the relatives of this stitch the same, just as she loved all of us the same.

The stitched sample uses two shades of Radiance Mini on 18M to reflect a building on water. This is why I love lightweight threads. The combo of this stitch and lightweight threads accomplishes everything required. No question that is water and no question it is a reflection in said water.

This stitch is a first cousin of one of my favorite stitches, the Trifecta Stitch. Blog post here and original Trifecta Instagram post here. The original stitch is also found on page 260 of Volume 1 of Mary’s Whimsical Stitches. By simply moving the path, it becomes a whole different stitch. And I love it. Water, sky, backgrounds, tabletops, walls, snow. So. Many. Uses. I would encourage you to use this stitch as a thought starter. Play with it in ways that make the most sense to you and satisfy your own aesthetic goals for your project.

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. TLDR: Don’t overthink them.

I’ve also learned that there is a very good chance that a stitch pattern that I come up with may not be new. But it is new to me. I spent almost an entire afternoon at a stitching friend’s home, poring through binders of stitches she gathered over five decades. Not only were many of them drawn by hand (whoa!), I discovered stitches that I thought were created decades later, with a different name, in a different presentation, from a different source. So, a stitch doesn’t belong to a single person or teacher. They are all part of a huge and decades-old network of really creative people.

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 that against the area where you plan to use the stitch and 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.

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each 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 stitching!

Needlepoint Unicorn

March 29, 2026 whimsicalstitch

Today’s small space stitch is another example of how I interpret canvases for stitches. I rarely follow a canvas exactly how it is painted, but I always try to honor, in some way, the colors it is painted. And today’s stitched sample is a unicorn, as it is about as close as I get to accomplishing both.

Click the image to see the **whimsicalstitch.com Stitch Library** on pinterest.com. Includes all #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample is Rachel Barri’s Monsieur C. Cracker. Honestly, I avoided the pants for as long as I could because I loved the way they were painted, but I didn’t want to add more basketweave next to the adorable tiger (proudly cloaked in Petite Very Velvet). Thankfully, my student is beyond lovely and patient. And I am loving where we landed. The stitched sample uses two shades of Impressions (black and turquoise lines), two shades of Radiance 18 (light gray and yellow lines) and good old black Silk Lame 18 (dark gray lines).

Looking ahead, I see this stitch for clothing (obviously), a blanket or bedspread, or even a floor. Not all applications will require five threads. I think it will be just as interesting with cashmere and oblique cross areas in the same two threads throughout. If you want to really dress it up, consider replacing the black tent stitches with beads.

Have fun with it!

By (sometimes) including this step in my own process, I find I am now integrating much longer stitches than I ever thought I would. I used to think a stitch six rows long was super big. I have very much changed my tune, which has helped me expand my creativity, especially for large-space stitches.

If you like what you see on this blog, there's more. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a series of four books offering contemporary how-to collections of more than 200 stitches (in each volume) 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.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #whimsicalwednesday!

A Note about Diagrams
I 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 you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on integrating additional threads (one line for each 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 stitching!

#whimsicalwednesday blog