Elegant Simplicity

Beads change everything. Enough said.

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.

Today’s stitch is the elegant and very close cousin of this stitch on a Melissa Shirley apple purse. It uses a single strand of Petite Silk Lame (black lines) and a Sundance Bead (yellow circles with black lines).

This stitch is great for any area where you want to accentuate the canvas shading. The addition of a bead adds nice texture, meaning it would lend itself nicely to most clothing. For a richer look, consider increasing the weight of the thread to a Very Velvet or single strand silk. Just make sure you use an appropriately sized seed bead (size 11 at a minimum).

I would love to see this as a flowering tree or field with a bead of contrasting color or finish. Stitch the black lines with your favorite variegated wool or perle cotton and add the appropriate bead for the nice pop of texture. It would also make a great snowy roof with a white single strand metallic, such as Crystal Braid or Kreinik Metallics size 8 or 12 with a clear bead. I’ve had fun adding those clear beads with a light blue or white beading thread for a

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, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Throwing Shade

When I picked up stitching again in the mid-’90s, I insisted every single intersection on canvas be covered. Every. Single. One. The good news? I got over it. A patient teacher and shading on canvases from artists such as Melissa Shirley, David Galchutt, and Lani changed my mind. Today’s stitched sample illustrates why I am so grateful I got over 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.

Today’s stitch comes from a Lani succulent canvas. It uses a single strand of Impressions (black lines), Flair (aqua lines), and translucent Sundance beads. This stitch covers one of the succulents, providing eye appeal yet integrating the beautiful jewel tones of the canvas into the stitch in a subtle way. (For you eagle eyes out there, not all of the beads are included in the stitched sample yet as it is a work in progress.)

This stitch would be great for clothing, holiday bags, and even greenery. Consider a silk floss for the black lines, a Kreinik 1/16” ribbon for the turquoise lines, and a small Swarovski crystal for the bead for clothing. To create a more matte look for a holiday bag, use a single strand silk (black lines), Very Velvet (turquoise lines), and a Sundance matte bead for the bead. If you want to use this for greenery, consider Silk ‘N Colors overdyed silk floss (black lines), a solid color silk floss (turquoise lines), and a contrasting color bead for the bead.

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, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Hello Gorgeous!

Today’s stitch is beautiful…and deceptive. The truth is that it is far easier than either the diagram or the stitched sample portray.

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.

Once I saw the pattern as blocks of diagonal stitches six rows high instead of separate blocks of red stitches (three rows high) and blocks of pink stitches (also three rows high), it all came together for me. It took a couple false starts before this was obvious to me. I think the effect is far more dramatic if you use contrasting colors (as the stitch sample illustrates) versus contrasting finishes in the same color family.

The stitched sample is me playing on blank canvas with Very Velvet (aqua lines) and Shimmer Ribbon (black lines).

This is truly an all purpose full coverage stitch. It would make a wonderful pair of pants with a Gloriana Lorikeet with a Vineyard Silk a or a Soie D’Alger paired with a Gloriana Pashmina. It will make a great tree or ground cover with a combo of a solid Burmilana and a ThreadWorx overdyed Floss or Perle Cotton. Consider using it for a wall with lightweight thread combos, such as size 8 or size 12 silk or cotton perle along with a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame or a size 8 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 sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Back to, um, Square One

Today’s return to box beads is completely unintentional, but they are perfect. They make a huge (no pun intended) difference in today’s beautiful composite 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.

Today's stitch comes from the same Melissa Shirley fruit purse from a couple weeks ago. (Note: the stitched purse in the link is not mine.) It’s all metallic and beads. The stitched sample uses Crystal Braid (black lines), Kreinik Metallic (turquoise lines), and Sundance Box Beads (yellow circles).

Yes, the diagram uses a circle to denote the box bead. Really, any oversized bead will do. As size 6 and 8 beads are more common, I chose to use a circle.

Clearly, this is a standout stitch. Use it on an area you want to draw attention to, such as a dramatic dress, coat, or Santa bag. You can replace the single large bead with a 2X2 square of single seed beads. All of the threads in the stitched sample are metallics; consider using a rich Very Velvet or an elegant silk floss for the black lines to give it more contrast.

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, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Perfect Pink

Today’s stitch is a whole lot of pink…and some blue. But, really, a whole lot of 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.

Today's stitch comes from my Shell Table Stitch Guide, a beautiful still life by Melissa Shirley. The stitched sample uses DMC Floss, Neon Rays+, Flair, Sundance Box Beads, and Sundance seed beads. (Whew! That was a mouthful. But, let me tell you, box beads are fun!)

This stitch is full of drama and should be used as such. It would make a gorgeous dress for one of Melissa Shirley’s Treetop Angels. (One of the many examples is here). It would be gorgeous for a sampler, a large border, or even a frame. Consider changing the seed beads to a single diagonal stitch over five rows and stitching a vertical column (the width of a single diamond) with a few empty rows in between for a gorgeous background.

The thread combos are endless. I would stitch the angel’s dress in Soie D’Alger (black and gray lines), a Kreinik Metallic (turquoise lines), Swarovski 2mm crystals for the yellow circles, and Sundance Box Beads for the aqua squares.

For the columns in a background stitch, I would use Elegance (black lines), Splendor (turquoise lines in the Upright Tied Crosses), Petite Silk Lame (gray lines and for the diagonal stitch in lieu of the beads), and Sundance Box Beads for the aqua squares. For this stitch, I would eliminate the turquoise tent stitches surrounding the Upright Crosses in the center of the diamonds.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Spark Joy

I’m fascinated with the Marie Kondo tidying routine. Things in my home that spark joy for me are my cookbooks, the four poster bed (from my great grandparents home), and my Melissa Shirley fruit needlepoint projects. Case in point is today’s stitch and stitch sample.

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.

Today's stitch comes from a Melissa Shirley fruit purse I did eons ago. (Note: the stitched purse in the link is not mine.) Yes, I love the diamonds but I love the multiple bead accents more. The stitched sample uses yellow Flair (black and aqua lines) and Sundance Beads for, well, the beads. :)

It would be a great stitch for a body of water that you want to draw attention to. I would use a lightweight Kreinik metallic (size 8 for 13-mesh and size 4 for 18-mesh) for the black and gray lines and seed beads. It would be beautiful for a glamorous dress, especially a tall narrow one. I recommend a rich Silk Floss (Soie D’Alger or Soie Cristale come to mind) for the black lines, combined with Silk Lame for the aqua lines, and seed beads. Consider a bugle bead in lieu of the seed beads for an even more dramatic look.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I disagree with Marie on one topic. The books stay. And, the fruit needlepoint pillows stay.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy!  

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!

Cousins are Great

Today’s stitch comes from my friends at Aristeia in Santa Monica. I spotted this stitch and thought it was this stitch. It’s a very close cousin and, honestly, I wish I had thought of this variation myself.

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 used two plies of DMC Floche (black lines) and a Kreinik metallic on 18-mesh. It was a sky on a cute little Vicky Sawyer piece. I think it would make a wonderful solid background on any number of florals. My favorite thread combo for backgrounds is a single strand silk perle, such as Elegance or Grandeur, for the black lines and an appropriate metallic for the aqua lines. If I want the metallic to pop, I go with a Kreinik. For a more subtle accent, consider Rainbow Gallery Flair or Silk Lame.

Consider flipping it 90° for beautiful columns for wallpaper or a floor. I would use a Soie D’Alger for the black lines and Neon Rays for the aqua lines. It will also make a fantastic ground cover, especially for beautifully shaded snow. For the snow, use white Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) for the black lines and white Flair for the aqua lines. The shading will show through both of those threads and it’s a beautiful effect.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Hello Spring?

Today’s stitch is from a beautiful Mary Lake Thompson Autumn Leaves bouquet. This green thread combo leaves me aching for Spring.

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 ThreadWorx Floss (black lines), Silk Lame (yellow lines), and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (turquoise lines) on 13-mesh. It’s a wildly open stitch, which means I love it. (Oh, and the stitch on the gold leaf can be found here.)

Clearly (no pun intended), this stitch is great for a beautifully shaded area or a solid area that you want to add interest to, but not overwhelm with pattern. It would be great for a large tree, a beautiful dress, or a solid background. You could use the same threads for the tree or use a single strand silk such as Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Silk (black lines), Very Velvet (turquoise lines), and Silk Lame (yellow lines). A beautiful thread combo for a dress stitch would be Soie D’Alger (black lines), Trebizond Silk (turquoise lines), and Entice (yellow lines). 

Consider adding a cluster of Brick Beading in place of the Upright Cross (yellow lines). You could add diagonal stitches over one or two lines coming from the four corners to the shared center where the diamonds meet. Consider leaving the diamond empty for a more open stitch. Have fun with it and let us know what you did with it. It could be a future #stitchingsunday.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

Well, Hello Again

Hello 2019! We are going to ease into the year with a sweet, lightweight stitch. I hope you like 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.

Today's stitch comes from a blue and cream striped and more pillow. (The stitch for the blue stripes was featured last year.) I added the blue accent to the cream stripe to augment the adjacent blue stripes. The stitched sample uses Elegance (dark gray lines), Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines), and Sundance Beads with clear beading thread.

This stitch would make a gorgeous roof or floor. I love the filled centers. You could do them all in the same direction. However, I am drawn to the interest the different directions add. If a bead isn’t your style, consider adding your favorite 2X2 stitch in the center of the open square. This link offers several other 2X2 ideas.

A lightweight thread combinations for a floor include DMC Perle Cotton (gray lines), Bella Lusso Wool (aqua lines), and a matte finish seed bead. I would use Glisten (gray lines), Vineyard Silk (aqua lines), and an Upright Cross for the center of the squares in Flair for 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 sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!

My Favorite Day of the Year

The day after Christmas is my favorite day of the year. Seriously. It’s calm. There’s a lingering glow from the month+ of holiday activities and months of prep. There’s no rush because we still have New Year’s to look forward to. It’s the perfect day to de-stress and stitch. And here’s a stitch for that spot you weren’t quite sure what to do with.

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.

It’s that “just right” stitch, if you will, as it falls precisely in between a small Alternating Cashmere and the larger version. The stitched sample uses Impressions and Neon Rays+ on 18-mesh. It’s an easy full coverage stitch with a zillion applications. This stitch, or either of its cousins, are great for backgrounds, baskets, floors, walls. I love the symmetry and elegance of it.

For backgrounds on 18 mesh, I would use silk Perle, such as Elegance, for the gray lines and my favorite metallic such as Kreinik Metallics Tapestry Braid (#12) or Entice for the aqua lines. For a basket, I recommend an overdyed wool (Lorikeet or ThreadWorx), with a more subtle metallic such as Flair or Silk Lame. I love the smoothness of silk floss for walls. Pair it with a Neon Rays to enhance the smooth finish. Mix two matte threads for a rustic floor, such as Rainbow Linen and a Burmilana Tweed.

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, Sandra Gilmore, and Patience Brewster, 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!  

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!