Weaving In and Out

And here we are at the end of February and glorious Spring is almost here!  In honor of the pending spring, I bring you a cute little woven stitch! 

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.

While this looks like a Tramme stitch, it uses a different sequence.  Add the black lines first.  When complete, and only when complete, start at an outer edge and weave the thread under the groups of vertical stitches, alternating between two separate horizontal rows of stitches.

For this example, start at the upper right corner.  Weave the thread under the groups of stitches on the top row and the groups of stitches two rows BELOW.  Return to the top row, take the needle under the next group of stitches, and return to the next group on the axis below.  Repeat until you reach the end.  When you get to the end, repeat this sequence in reverse.  Start on the third row of groups of five stitches and weave UP to include the second row of stitches. 

This stitch is quick and easy...seriously.  I used a variation of this stitch for the back panel of a wicker chair.  It was a perfect fit for the chair and maximized the beautiful shading behind the chair.   Other ideas include a basket using Rainbow Linen or Lorikeet.  It would make a great fence with wools.   It would also make a really charming roof.  The stitched sample uses Pepper Pot (aqua thread) and Gloriana Princess Perle (white thread).  I urge you to use single strand threads, especially for the top threads, to avoid any snagging when weaving the second thread underneath.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Blackwork...in Blue & Gold

Today's stitch is another adventure down my favorite rabbit hole of pattern stitching (aka blackwork).  This is a beautiful embroidery pattern I discovered on Pinterest and translated for needlepoint.

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 Gloriana Duchess Silk and Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid (#16).  Let's talk about the sequence for a moment.  Speaking from my vast experience stitching this stitch (okay...the stitched sample), I strongly recommend adding the pinwheels first (black lines on the diagram/blue lines on the stitched sample).  Since the pinwheels fit into each other and are offset, there's no easy way to do this.  I strongly recommend starting near the center and stitching outwards. 

With the diagram nearby, use a simple backstitch to create the pinwheels.  Drag the thread as needed to begin or connect new pinwheels.  The stitch sequence will vary with each pinwheel, so be patient and pay close attention to the diagram.  Try to stay one step ahead of a pinwheel, meaning always look for the pinwheel shape to guide your stitching.  (I hope that will make sense as you stitch it.)  Adding the large X's in the center will be so easy when you're done! 

This stitch would be wonderful for so many areas.  The first thing that pops into my head is what a wonderful floor it would make, using a silk or cotton perle in two different colors.  It would make a wonderful coat with Very Velvet, Pepper Pot Silk, or Gloriana Duchess Silk and a rich Kreinik Metallic. Have fun with it.  It's a really special stitch.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Ooh Tall La La!

Today's stitch is a whole lot easier than last week's...and much more pink.  Somehow pink makes so many things better.

The stitch is a very straightforward Parisian Variation.  Instead of the traditional over-4 and over-2 rows, I added height to it by changing the over-4 to over-6. 

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 Rainbow Gallery Cashmere and Silk Lame.  

This stitch would be great for any number of areas that you want to add a little something-something to, yet don't want to go nuts.  The over-6 stitch adds height to this stitch, making it great for walls, tree trunks, pants, chimneys...all kinds of essential needlepoint-y things.

Don't overlook flipping it 90 degrees and stitching it on the horizontal axis.  That would work really well for wide fields, sand, or distant mountains.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  61 guides are currently available, with 13 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Confession Time

Today is a blog in two parts.  First, I'm offering up a fun Scallop Stitch with four(!) different and fun options for filling.  The second part spends a little extra time on one of the fillings.  

The stitch is a scallop stitch over three rows.  The topmost points of the scallops in subsequent rows are centered along the lowest point of the row above, creating small shell-shaped spaces in between the horizontal columns of scallops. 

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 are four ideas to fill the empty space (from top to bottom):  Eyelet Stitch (turquoise lines on diagram, purple thread in diagram), Traditional Leaf Stitch (light gray lines on diagram, blue thread in diagram), Shell Stitch (yellow lines on diagram, white thread in diagram), Oblique Tied Stitch (aqua lines on diagram, purple thread in diagram).  Feel free to mix and match the scallops and filling stitch to your heart's desire.  The stitched sample uses Gloriana Florimell (yellow thread), Kreinik 1/16" ribbon, Kreinik Medium Braid (#16) (purple thread), and Gloriana Princess Perle (white thread). 

Personally, I like the idea of the Eyelet or Oblique Tied Stitch as a single filling.  Each offers a smidge of open work and lightness to the overall stitch.  Conversely, I like the combination of the Traditional Leaf and Shell Stitch on alternating horizontal rows.  They are very similar in shape (but not exactly the same!) and I like the alternating directions the two fillings offer.  This is all a matter of personal taste!  Mix and match to your delight.

Now it's time for my confession.  This is the first time I've included an eyelet stitch on my blog.  My confession is they make me nervous.  Today, this changes.

Eyelet stitches are adorable and I appreciate what they can add to a piece, as the added element of a larger hole draws the eye in a unique way.  And therein lies my fear...that the larger holes I create will not be identical sizes and chaos reigns.  (I have enough chaos with my new kitten.)

Here's how I navigated this for the eyelet stitch above.  A tapered laying tool is critical, as it provides more control over the size of the final hole.

Use a tapered laying tool as a guide for consistent eyelet hole sizes.  Final knotted ribbon on laying tool.  Just make sure it's tight!

Insert the laying tool in the hole from the front of the canvas and gently push it down until the hole is the desired size.  Don't remove the laying tool yet.  Tie a wide piece of a stash thread (e.g., silk ribbon) where the laying tool meets the canvas on the front, creating a guide for future holes.   

Tie the thread tight, pull the laying tool out of the hole, and complete the knot by tying it again, making sure is tight.  Move across the canvas, creating holes as needed.  Revisit any outlier holes and repeat the process if required to make the hole larger. (I recommend silk ribbon because it is not a slippery thread and will, if tied tightly, stay still on the laying tool.) 

Sometimes, you might make a hole a little too large (compared to other eyelet holes).  To make that hole smaller, use the eye end of a size 22 needle to push the canvas threads back into place.  Put the needle in the immediately adjacent hole, and gently push the needle against the canvas thread, helping nudge the thread back into place.  You may need to do this on all four sides of the hole.  It may take a couple pushes, so be patient.  You can push them back and start over again or just push in a bit to get it to the desired size.  Use your judgment.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  60 guides are currently available, with 12 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Santa Came in January!

With all the holidays this month, it was a so fun to receive an email giving me a gift.  My new friend, Amy Poore, sent me today's stitch and stitched sample.  It's adorable!

I've seen versions of this stitch around and really like what Amy did with it.  It's a fun mix of diagonal and straight stitches, with some alternating directions thrown in for good measure.

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.

Amy used a single color of Pepper Pot for this stitch as a background on one of her new pieces and it's adorable.  I recommend stitching it in horizontal columns to keep the straight lines wrapped crisply around the edges.  Don't obsess with dragging threads as needed as it is a pretty full coverage stitch.  This stitch is great for anything you need to add texture and height to, such as pants, a chimney, a tree trunk...you get the idea.

I've seen versions of this on the horizontal and it's equally charming.  It makes a great ground cover, open field, or even clouds. 

Threads are dictated by the area of course.  But, I do have a hankering to see this done with threads in two different finishes (one for the straight lines and one for the diagonal lines).  I have seen this stitch as a ground cover in the combo of an overdyed and solid thread.  It was gorgeous.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  60 guides are currently available, with 12 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Christmas in January

Come on, you knew today had to be Christmas, since we've celebrated almost every other fall holiday the past couple weeks. 

Today's small stitch is a really cute darning stitch, a technique I love. Unlike most of my go-to darning stitches, this one is on the diagonal.  And it's great.  I need to do this more.

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.

As a reminder, darning stitches are similar to running stitches, where you begin at one edge and weave your way up and down across to the opposite edge, whether that is on the horizontal, vertical or, like today, diagonal axis.  Unlike traditional stitches with a crisp, wrapped edge, darning stitches are much smoother across their respective path.

Darning stitches are great for areas that you want to soften a bit, or want to have some of the beautiful painting show through.  I (over)use darning stitches for floors and walls, skies, sand, or tree trunks, to name just a few. Today's stitch is illustrated as a background for Mile High Santa. 

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster.  60 guides are currently available, with 12 new Stitch Concepts just added! 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!

Thanksgiving in January

Last week was Halloween so, of course, this week is Thanksgiving, right?

Today's stitch comes from an apron on a vintage Melissa Shirley Thanksgiving stand-up.  It's a wonderful balance of open, interesting, and sweet.  

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

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

I recommend adding the gray lines first.  Fill the smaller diamond with a single Upright Cross, followed by four Upright Crosses in the larger diamond.  The stitched sample uses DMC Perle Cotton #8 with Shimmer Ribbon as the accent thread (on 18-mesh). 

I love the mix of thread finishes in the stitched sample.  The single hue makes for a classic look.  Along these lines, I see this stitch (and single hue combo) as perfect for a shirt, field of grass or dirt, tablecloth, clouds, maybe even water.  It strikes the right balance between open and full coverage stitches, allowing the shading to play a role in your final stitched piece.

Mixing colors and finishes would make this a great stitch for more dramatic clothing such as a coat or dress.  I imagine the gray lines with a rich red velvet, the group of four Upright Crosses in a deep red metallic, and the single Upright Cross in a gold or silver metallic.  Try it for a roof or basket with Rainbow Linen for the diagonal lines, Straw Silk for the single Upright Cross, and an overdyed Perle Cotton for the group of four Upright Crosses.  Just a few thought-starters for you!

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more will be announced later this week, so stay tuned!  

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!

Halloween in January

The blog posts for the remainder of the month unveil a secret about me.  I've been negligent in returning my Christmas decorations...okay, some Halloween decorations as well...to storage.  The good news for me is I didn't have to scrounge for stitched samples.  The good news for you is today is Halloween!

Today's stitch is illustrated as a background for a vintage Melissa Shirley Halloween ornament.

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

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

It is very simple.  The core stitch element is five straight stitches six rows high (on the vertical).  After the core elements are complete, add an accent thread across the top in the middle on the horizontal axis.  Voila!  Perfect background, floor, wallpaper, basket, dress...even a large window!

The stitched sample uses DMC Perle Cotton #8 with Shimmer Ribbon as the accent thread (on 18-mesh). 

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works.  I will be posting about 15 new Stitch Concepts later this month, so stay tuned!  

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy! And happy, happy 2018!

Or Not

Welcome to a new year of #whimsicalwednesdays!  Let's kick off the year with open stitches, sparkly threads, and beads, shall we?

Let's start with the first stitch.  The stitch is connected octagons with all sides over two rows.  While I am aware the primary shape is the octagon, I see the diamonds first, hence the name.

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.

This version would be great for nature, especially areas that don't need a heavy stitch.  Think water, sky, clouds.  It's a wonderful way to show off the canvas painting.  The stitched sample uses Sparkle! Braid for a sky on 18-mesh.

Make it the "Or Not" version by adding an Upright Tied Cross in the center and a bead inside the diamond.  It's really something, especially when you mix threads and add beads.  A stitcher friend shared a wonderful sample with me.

Click on image to see on whimsicalstitch.com on Pinterest.  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 for a library of stitched samples for select #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams.

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

The first stitched sample uses Kreinik Metallics Medium Braid for the diamonds, Rachel for the Upright Tied Cross, and a Sundance Bead.  It's exquisite and inspiring.  She is using it for a large flower petal.  It would be great for clothing, especially dresses or dramatic coats.  Replace the bead with an Upright Cross and change the focus to matte threads, such as Pepper Pot, Gloriana Silk Floss, or even Straw Silk, and you would have fantastic greenery.  

The second stitched sample is an illustration of thread weights.  The sample includes Soie D'Alger and a Sundance Bead.  The octagons are two plies of Soie D'Alger and the Upright Tied Cross is a single strand of the same Soie D'Alger.  I love the lightness of it.  And the shading shines through beautifully.

These stitch diagrams, 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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works.  I will be posting about 15 new Stitch Concepts later this month, so stay tuned!  

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy! And happy, happy 2018!

Boom!

I'm ending December with a bang.  And by bang, I mean another fabulous large stitch.  Today's stitch is a riff on my recent obsession with layered stitches and diamonds.

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 assembled this stitch for the background on a large Santa stand-up.  The stitch provides combines lightness with clean lines that could work as a sky, roof, even still water.  The stitched sample uses includes Princess Pearl (narrow gray lines), with Flair (dark gray lines), and Kreinik 1/16" metallic ribbon (turquoise lines).  The stitch sequence is light gray lines, followed by the dark gray lines, and end with the turquoise lines.

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 sells stitch guides and stitch concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, and Patience Brewster. 48 guides are currently available and more are in the works.  Ten new stitch concepts will be added in mid-January!  

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!