I don't always know where I will end up when I'm creating a stitch. For example, today’s stitch comes via yesterday's circuitous journey for a background stitch that started with a straight stitch idea and ended with a whole bunch of diagonal stitches. This won't be the last time this happens.

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The stitched sample uses two plies of Splendor (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (yellow lines) on 18M. It’s the background for a Stitch Guide I’m working on. The white lines on the left are whiskers. I will be stitching those as single long stitches from the outer edge of the face to the end of the whisker on top of the background stitching for clarity.

Each side of the larger diamonds contains three groups of three stitches. The best way to navigate the large open spaces is to add the groups of stitches following diagonal paths. Start at the top and stitch down the diagonal path to the left (or right). When you finish a diagonal column of stitches, bury your thread and begin a new column. When all the top to left are finished, return to the top and begin the same process but ending on the right-hand side. Follow the same paths to add the accent threads (yellow lines).

This stitch is for larger areas, such as backgrounds, skies, or even the walls of a house (assuming the house is pretty large). If it’s a little large for you, consider scaling it down to two groups of three stitches for each side. Scaling it down also opens up other ideas on where to use it, such as clothing or even water.

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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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!

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.

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.

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

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