Happy Wednesday!

A sweet little stitch in the lightest of colors may be what the doctor ordered for these gray days of winter.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

I’m playing with Elegance (black lines) and the lightest of blue Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 18M for today’s stitched sample.

I’m seriously considering using this stitch and thread combo for the background of a Madcap Cottage piece I’m currently working on. I’m looking forward to using this stitch with two related hues for water with a lightweight Kreinik metallic, Petite Silk Lame, or even Flair. Another idea is to flip it 90° for wallpaper. I would use silk floss and Neon Rays for the wallpaper.

Something to consider is to use a single color for the black lines and to alternate between 2-3 colors for the yellow lines. That is a look that works especially well on the vertical version.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 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; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers 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, 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!

It's an Extravaganza

It’s an extravaganza of straight and oblique layers…in pink! ::Swoon::

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample uses two plies of Impressions (black lines) and Neon Rays (aqua lines). The layering of the aqua lines plays a critical role in the final look. The black edges of those lines will help you navigate those layers. (Note: This is the last stitch I’ll be sharing from the pink, red, and white sampler.)

I’m looking forward to using this stitch again for a pretty skirt with silk floss and Petite Silk Lame. Flip it 90° for some stunning slacks for Santa with Petite Very Velvet (black lines) and an appropriately sized Kreinik (size 8 for 18 mesh and size 12 for 13 mesh). I also think it would be very intriguing as a tree you want to draw attention to. Use an overdyed floss or wool for the black lines and a solid wool or matte for the aqua lines. Consider using two shade of the same thread as well.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

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, 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!

I Love (Most) Surprises

Today’s stitch is a clever combination of straight stitches that honestly surprised me. And I absolutely love it.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample uses Elegance (black lines) and size 8 Kreinik (yellow lines) on 18M. This stitch is reminiscent of a very clever way the one and only Brenda Hart uses open stitches. She stitched an intricately detailed piece with a single stitch and one type of thread. Brilliant. (Here’s an example if you are thinking “What the heck is she talking about?”)

This stitch is perfect for many architectural or home elements, such as wallpaper, rug, tile, or roof. For example, using two different matte textures, such as an overdyed wool and a solid silk for a rug, will add interesting dimension. Alternating black and white threads for a tile floor will be gorgeous. I would love to see it as a background for a smaller area, such as an ornament or small standup. (The stitched sample is just that, a background of a smaller area for a Stitch Guide I’m working on right now.) It will be a great addition to any sampler and, circling back to my original impression, a lovely cover for an intricately painted piece.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

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, 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!

Splish Splash

Today’s post is a shout-out to scallop stitches, which have been a great solution for a few areas in current projects. Today’s version is sweet, small-ish, and sassy so….it’s perfect.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched samples are me playing with Flair (black lines) and Caron Collection Snow (yellow lines). What drew me to this scallop was its motion. Most of the waves in the scallops I’ve shared with you thus far are in one direction, generally down (here, here, and here). The last one in that series of links uses the same two stitch lengths, but adding the “up” wave in today’s version really makes a difference.

I’ve used scallop stitches as water with two metallics with distinctly different feels, as illustrated above. Yet, scallops are more than just water. I’ve seen larger scallops used for a flowy skirt alternating scallops between silk floss and Flair. I have used scallops stitches for backgrounds with a single strand silk and a Kreinik Metallic.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

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, 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!

It's Hard to be Lola

The highlight of yesterday morning’s unplanned visit to the vet was stumbling across a rubber mat, which forced me to look down…to see a fun pattern that inspired today’s stitches! (And, yes, it’s a two-fer!) (The stitch is named in honor of my poor girl Lola who was subjected to the vet yesterday morning. She’s home and fine now, and milking this for all it’s worth. Still.)

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account (and be sure to swipe to see this photo). Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched samples are me playing with Finca Perle (size 12) on 13M (top) and the same Finca Perle with a size 8 Kreinik on 13M (bottom). The top version is more representative of the pattern on the rubber mat, but I remembered a fun background I saw on Pinterest and added the smaller straight stitches in the empty rows on the second version. I expected to like the second one more than the first but the truth is they both have a place in needlepoint and I like them equally and for different reasons.

Obviously, any stitch over eight rows AND skipping a row is going to go fast. What I love about the top version is, yes, how little time it took to stitch but also the sheer simplicity of it. It’s an interesting pattern with two twists (the size and the skipped row). It will make a fantastic wallpaper or solid colored background, a large rooftop, smooth water, or a large green field. Consider using two colors or finishes, one for each direction. Based on the simplicity of this version, lighter weight threads come to mind here, such as a cotton or silk perle, Petite Silk Lame, silk floss (4 plies for 13M; 2-3 plies for 18M).

The second version adds more intrigue. As I mentioned, a background on Pinterest introduced me to the idea of adding the smaller stitches in the empty rows. It works well and makes this stitch one that will work well for areas that you want to bring attention to. I can see this working well on a Santa bag with Petite Very Velvet and Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12). It will make beautiful clothing with a single strand silk and Silk Lame.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

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, 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!

Zoom!

I attended my first virtual needlepoint class this weekend and learned a boatload of new things about Zoom video conferencing (literally our link to the outside world these days) and a darling new stitch! Both will be invaluable going forward.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitch is from Ruth Schmuff’s new project, Fashion by Zecca. The stitched sample is from the background of the border and uses three plies of Soie (gray lines) and Petite Silk Lame (turquoise lines).

A couple things to note before you begin. The blocks of vertical stitches include five stitches five rows high. The blocks of horizontal stitches include four stitches six rows wide. I’m not gonna lie; I may have rolled my eyes (ever so gently) when Ruth said to stitch all of the stitches in one direction before you stitch the second group of stitches (horizontal blocks first followed by vertical blocks). Wellllll, I jumped ahead to finish an area for today’s blog post and, yes, confirmed Ruth was correct. Your head gets into a pattern of five over five, five over five, etc. Flipping back and forth took some getting used to. There was a whole lot of “Wait, what?” when I would miss a cue.

This stitch will make a fantastic architectural stitch, including wallpaper, house wall, roof, or flooring. For roofs or floors, I would audition wools for the gray lines and a slightly heavier matte thread, such as Vineyard Silk, for the Cross Stitches (turquoise lines). For walls, I would use threads similar to the ones in the stitched sample.

A couple of variations flicking around in my head are stitching one direction of stitches in a different thread, whether that is a different color, finish, or both. Consider changing the Cross Stitch to beads. Consider adding three tent stitches in the center of each empty row between the blocks to give the stitch slightly more coverage.

I’m not going to lie…I wasn’t quite sure what to expect in a virtual class. I participated in enough hilariously awkward video conferences during my corporate years to be wary. Well, it was anything but awkward. Sure, there were some endearing ceiling shots but it was nice to be able to connect with a lovely group of stitchers from across the country. We all learned through live demos, show and tell (from across the country), Q&A, and a few oops. All in all, a great stitching weekend in my pj’s at my dining room table.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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.

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, 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!

What Day Is It?

Today’s stitch is a fun little open stitch from our friend, Ruth Schmuff. In all honesty, I don’t know what I like more…the stitch itself or just the very happy color combo on the piece. I hope this little burst of color helps brighten your indoor day, wherever that may be.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitch uses two plies of Soie D'Alger (black lines) for a background on a sweet topiary. I would love to see this stitch on a large window with a lightweight metallic such as Bijoux or a Kreinik Metallic. I think it might be fun to do the single straight stitches in a different color or finish (or both) for a roof or floor.

While the stitched sample is a solid color, please remember how well open stitches enhance any beautiful shading that many contemporary canvases have.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

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. My favorite needlepoint retailers that carry the book can be found here.

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, 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!

More Full Coverage Proof

Today’s stitch was a fun challenge for me. It’s so easy to say fun in hindsight! (And, yes! I do have full coverage stitches in my repertoire…two weeks in a row!)

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

Truth be told, I was a little panicked. I was creating a guide for the first Emma Williams canvas, such a pretty piece with beautiful colors and shading. The pink and brown roof was beautifully painted but my go-to of an open stitch was out of the cards (for lots of reasons). So, I knew two things. I wanted a full coverage stitch that included soft shapes (no squares or rectangles) and the respective amount of pink and brown (as painted). I started playing with beetle shapes (examples are here and here) but wanted something a tiny bit smaller and a tiny bit different. Enter the addition of the Upright Cross between the brown “crowns.” Voila!

The stitched sample uses ThreadWorx overdyed cotton floss (black lines), Splendor (turquoise lines), and Flair (gray lines) on 13-mesh. It’s a great stitch for clothing with Soie D’Alger (black lines), Flair (turquoise lines), and a Kreinik Metallic (gray lines). I would love to see it as a tree with the threads from the sample in a slightly different pattern. Use the solid floss for the black lines, the overdyed floss for the turquoise lines, and keep the Flair. A fun variation would be to replace the Upright Cross with a single bead over two rows.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

IIf 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 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, 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!

Thanks, Hank!

And a very happy new year and new decade to us! I hope you had (or are still having) a wonderful holiday break. Let’s ease into the new year with a little pink.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

There is a very good reason why the ornament in the photo is in my hand and not on my Christmas tree. Her name is Hank and she is an adorable demon. Her holiday adventures begin here (be sure to swipe to see the video) and include repeatedly climbing up the center of the Christmas tree (prompting its removal after six days), sneaking out the front door and exploring for over an hour before I realized she was outside (she’s an indoor cat), and breaking a brand new toy from her Aunt Gina within a couple hours of non-stop play. Did I mention she is an adorable demon?

But you’re here for the stitch. Oops…sorry about that. Today’s stitch reminds me of the Crown Stitch, a favorite stitch of mine, that I don’t use as often as I would like because of its sheer size. So this is a perfect solution! The stitched sample is a vintage Melissa Shirley ornament and uses four plies pink Splendor (black lines) and Crystal Braid (yellow lines) on 18-mesh.

It’s a great all-purpose stitch that works well for backgrounds (as illustrated), clothing, water, sky, or outdoor spaces. Instead of a contrasting element within a horizontal row (as illustrated), consider making each row a single color. Use two colors and/or thread finishes in alternating rows for interesting clothing. Thread ideas include Vineyard Silk and an overdyed wool for pants. Consider leaving an empty row in between columns for water with a lightweight metallic such as ThreadWorx Metallics or Kreinik Metallics.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

IIf 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 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, 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!

All Hail!

All hail the small crown stitch! It’s a great all-purpose stitch that adds pizazz to any area it is in.

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

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com's Instagram account. Visit instagram.com/whimsicalstitch to see a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

The stitched sample uses size 8 DMC perle cotton on the wall of an adorable Melissa Shirley 3D house (18 mesh) DMC from my friends at Aristeia Needlepoint in Santa Monica.

This versatile stitch is great for trees, roofs, walls, water, and clothing. It would be cute to leave an empty row in between the horizontal columns, which would enhance any shading on the canvas. That technique would be great for little choppy waves with a lightweight metallic. I would love to see someone use two different threads (color or finish or both) for a roof or clothing. Clearly, you can flip it in or turn it 90° to accentuate a specific direction.

This 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, Instagram, and Twitter.

IIf 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 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 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!