Ho Ho Ho

Today's stitch is a quick and easy full coverage stitch for a long, narrow space. The French Knots are a nice little surprise that add texture and a little extra something to what could be a boring area.

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 is a Santa beard with three plies of Burmilana for the horizontal stitches (black lines) and two plies of the same Burmilana for the French Knots (gray circles). Typically, I add an extra ply of a thread when I am doing a straight stitch to make sure there is full coverage.

It's easy and cute.  I think it would be darling as cowboy pants with a lovely brown or blue variegated wool, such as Lorikeet or ThreadWorx Merino Wool.  It would make a cute hillside or roof.  Soie Cristale and beads (instead of French Knots) would make a gorgeous and elegant dress.  Another variation would be to replace the French Knots with a Cross Stitch for a more subtle variation.

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. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Enjoy!  Happy #smallspacesunday!

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!

Skinny Minnie

Today's stitch and stitched sample may look very familiar to you.  It's a cute stitch that happened to be in the background of a recent post. 

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.

I named it Skinny Byzantine because if you stitched all the stitches over two rows, it would be a small Byzantine stitch.  That is also a guide to how the stitches match in subsequent diagonal columns.  All stitches over two rows are aligned on the diagonal as well as the stitches over one row.

The stitched sample uses two plies of silk floss on a Rebecca Woods stocking (18-mesh).  I would love, love, love to see this as a tiny body of water with Petite Silk Lame or a lightweight Kreinik.  It would also make a lovely cloud with silk floss or silk perle.  In addition to walls (as illustrated on the stitched sample), other architectural elements that it would be great for include pathways or roofs. 

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. 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!

Oui Oui!

The final post for July includes the last open stitch example from the I-Will-Never-Finish white flower project. The stitch is a cousin of both the Parisian and Brick 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.

There are three things I like about this stitch. The first is the primary stitch element (over 2-2-4-4-2-2 rows) is not a perfect pair. Check. On the off chance you didn't know, I'm always a fan of skipping a row between columns. Check. The oblique Upright Cross between the primary elements is a pleasant surprise. Check. The stitched sample uses Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8), Trebizond Silk, and Flair.

I would love to see this stitch as a roof with a mix of textures, solid colors, and variegated colors, such as Rainbow Linen, Treenway Tranquility, and maybe a little Burmilana thrown in for good measure.  It would also make wonderful water with my water favorites of Kreinik Metallics and Petite Silk Lame.  I would use Flair for the oblique Upright Cross in that example. 

My last idea is to rotate the stitch 45° and stitch it in vertical columns for clothing.  I would love to see this stitch as pants on Santa or a nutcracker.  Here my mind is playing with Petite Very Velvet, Pepper Pot Silk, and Fyre Werks.  

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. Click here to see the 20 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!

Just So Cute

Today's #stitchingsunday stitch is a reminder of a wonderfully reliable small space stitch as well as an adorable stitched version of it.

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.

The stitched sample is from a Rebecca Woods stocking from one of my favorite stitching friends.  It uses Vineyard Silk and Kreinik Metallic Tapestry Braid (#12) 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. 81 guides are currently available, with 20 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! Happy #stitchingsunday!

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!

Large and in Charge

It's always fun to see how the same base stitch looks with different fills. Today's stitch is a distant cousin of one of the early #whimsicalwednesdays.  Today's stitch is the "just right" between full and empty in the center. Truth be told, all choices are great. 

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 common denominator between the two versions is the double diamond (with stitches over five rows on all sides).   

Today's stitched sample is from a large floral. As you can see, it draws attention to the beautiful shading.  It uses Trebizond Silk (turquoise lines), Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (dark gray lines), and a Sundance size 11 bead (aqua circle). I chose lighter threads with an open stitch to draw attention to the shading yet still offer an interesting pattern in the larger area.

As mentioned in the first post, I love these large diamonds as background stitches. They add visual interest, yet are subtle. For backgrounds, I like to use a Perle cotton, such as DMC or Prescencia Perle Cotton size 8 on 18-mesh and size 5 on 13-mesh.  More often than not, I add a Smyrna Cross in a subtle metallic to the 2X2 intersection and then play with the inside of the diamond with some sort of 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, and Patience Brewster. Click here to see the 20 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!

I Can't Wait to Show You the Wrong One!

A funny thing happened on the way to creating today's diagram.  I got it way wrong.  I would have kept going down that path...because it was pretty fantastic...were it not for the already stitched sample.  I promise to share my mistake once I'm able to stitch it up.  In the interim, please enjoy today's 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.

The stitched sample uses Trebizond Silk (light gray lines), Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) (turquoise lines), and Flair (dark gray lines) on 18-mesh.  Continuing the theme from last week, this is another fantastic open stitch to highlight some of our industry's most beautiful painting.

This stitch could be very intriguing as water, as the Upright Crosses could add a little choppiness to said water.  I would play with Petite Silk Lame, Kreinik, and maybe some Soie D'Alger or Princess Perle.  Stitches like these lend themselves to dramatic clothing.  Very Velvet or any single strand silk would add a richness in color and weight that would make this stand out even more. The center X would be great with Entice or Fyre Werks. I would replace the Upright Cross that is in the center of the diamonds with a bead in that scenario.

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. Click here to see the 20 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!

So Many Variations, So Little Time

When I originally posted today's stitch more than three years ago, I offered four different choices to fill the open spaces.  Today's #stitchingsunday offers you a fifth idea.  I hope you like it!

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.

The stitched sample is from the same unfinished floral project as this past Wednesday.  (And when I say unfinished, it will never be unfinished.)  It uses Trebizond Silk, Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8), and a size 11 Sundance bead 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. 81 guides are currently available, with 20 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! Happy #stitchingsunday!

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!

Order the Profiteroles

I finally assembled today's blog at 11:00 last night.  Why?  Because I ordered the profiteroles at dinner last week instead of scampering home and writing the blog.  I regret it...kinda.  The good news is you have your stitch, I had my profiteroles (my all-time favorite dessert) with the one and only Ginabean, and it's a holiday today!  Let's celebrate all of the above with a super fun tramme 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.

The stitched sample uses Elegance (dark gray lines), Trebizond Silk (turquoise lines), and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8) on 18-mesh.  It's a wonderful tone on tone combo that highlights the beautiful shading of the flowers.

This stitch would be even more dramatic with different colors and/or finishes.  I would love to see it as a roof with Very Velvet, Silk Straw, and maybe some Fine Kid (by & more threads).  Another idea is for a coat or bag with Sparkle Rays for the base thread (dark gray line) with Soie D'Alger (turquoise lines) and a dramatic Kreinik Metallic for the center accent stitch (the aqua line).  I'm thinking a Kreinik holographic threads (indicated by an L after the color number) would be perfect.  They are a wonderful burst of even more color than the "typical" Kreinik. 

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. Click here to see the 20 newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch!  Please enjoy and have a happy and safe 4th!  

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!

Big Red

I can't decide if today's column is about a stitch (it is) or about threads (it is).  Because, frankly, the diagram is kinda boring.  The stitched sample is far from boring.

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 DMC Perle #5 (light gray lines), Neon Rays (black lines), and Fyre Werks (turquoise lines).  The layering for this stitch is very important. Start with the light gray (vertical) lines, followed by the black (horizontal) lines, and end with the X's on top (aqua lines). The stitched sample is from the retired Linda Carter Holman piece I've featured in a few posts recently (here and here). 

More often than not, I use the same threads for the straight stitches in a layered stitch.  Today's sample is an exception to my typical pattern...and I like it. Two distinct threads for the straight stitches add contrast, especially the Neon Rays. The two rows of Neon Rays merge together to look like a wide ribbon, a fun contrast to the distinct shape of the DMC Perle. Clearly, a laying tool played a role here. 

This stitch would be so much fun with different colors.  Imagine it as a coat for a Santa with Very Velvet (vertical lines), Vineyard Silk (horizontal lines), and an oversized Kreinik in a contrasting color, such as gold, for the X.  Consider using two colors for the stripes, say blue for the vertical and green for the horizontal, tied down with a third color for a bedspread or decorative pillow.  Combine some really unique textures, such as Rainbow Linen and Impressions for the straight lines, and tie it down with Wisper or Fuzzy Stuff for a very au natural 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, and Patience Brewster. Click here to see the 20 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!

Skinny Fish

Today's stitch was an accident.  The original plan was a #stitchingsunday with this stitch.  It was only when I assembled this blog that I learned it was ever so slightly different.  Oops!  The silver lining is you now have another new 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.

The stitched sample is another bird wing from a student in a recent embellishment class, using three plies of Splendor and Kreinik Metallics Fine Braid (#8).  Technically, this is a Herringbone stitch.  However, I don't see it that way because the alternating thread finishes draw my eye to horizontal columns of oblique stitches. 

This stitch is perfect for tall narrow spaces, such as fireplaces, tree trunks, (shirt or coat) arms, or stripes in wallpaper.  Some of those ideas are oddly specific, but isn't kinda cool to have ideas for some of those off the radar areas?  I also think it would be an adorable moon using two metallics with distinctly different finishes, such as Flair and Kreinik or Silk Lame and Entice.  Just some food for thought.

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. 81 guides are currently available, with 20 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! Happy #smallspacesunday!

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!