Today’s stitch may be diagonal (what?!) but you know you’re in the right place because it’s an open stitch. Thanks to Sheena of Sheena’s Sweet Stitches for the inspiration!

Overtly diagonal stitches are far from my typical go-to stitch. I prefer what I call balanced stitches which have pairs of stitches (regardless of direction) in opposite directions, resulting in a balanced composition. Some of my recent favorite balanced stitches that include diagonal stitches (and other directions) are here and here. I use balanced stitches to keep the eye on an area as a whole versus the possible distraction of a directional path, let alone multiple paths. So, since I don’t use them frequently, paths pop when I use a directional stitch.

When you need a diagonal, you need a diagonal. Water is a perfect example. This stitch is *perfect* for water, as illustrated by the stitched sample (Petite Silk Lame on 18M), because it has the gentle flow built into it all the while not competing for attention with other stitches. It’s also great for outdoor areas, such as paths or ground cover, and select architectural areas, such as a roof. As you know, metallics are my go to for water. A fun twist on the stitched sample would be to alternate metallics of related colors in this stitch. A path or ground cover is especially suited for an overdyed wool or overdyed single strand silk. A classic silk floss or Merino wool would be beautiful on a roof.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

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If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com has a book for you! Mary’s Whimsical Stitches is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint. For more information, visit here.

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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, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate 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!