Two is Better than One

Today's #smallspacesunday is a simple pattern stitch. Using two different threads makes an interesting and important difference in the final look.

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 refresher, Pattern Stitching is the use of what I call Plain Needlepoint to create unique patterns. Other examples are here, here, and here. The stitched sample is from my Stitch Concept for Frank’s Rug (by Frank Beilec distributed through Maggie & Co). It uses Splendor and Kreinik Tapestry Braid (size 12) on 13-mesh.

Back to my opening comment about two threads. I was drawn to this stitch because the two different threads add gentle direction to an otherwise simple stitch. The difference between the threads can be color, finish, or both.

The stitch is used as a background in the stitched sample. It will also be lovely for water, ground cover, or sky. For water, I suggest two colors of a lightweight Kreinik Metallic or Petite Silk Lame. I would love to see the ground cover stitched in an overdyed silk floss, such as Silk ‘N Colors, matched with a solid silk Floss, such as Soie D’Alger or Planet Earth Silk Floss. The sky will be pretty with a matte and metallic combination like the stitched sample. It will make a cute floor with Impressions and Silk Lame. I think you might get the idea.

This stitch is scalable. Consider increasing the number of stitches in each block for a wider area. Also consider using the same thread for two sequential rows and a different thread for the next two.

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 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! 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!

More Layers

Today’s stitch is a slightly larger version of the layering technique I discussed a few weeks ago. This version creates what I’m calling an oblique diamond. Another highly technical term for it is smooshed diamond. Feel free to use whatever vernacular makes you happiest.

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 me playing with blue Petite Silk Lame (gray lines) and a size 12 Kreinik Metallic (on 18-mesh). Just a friendly reminder from the last post about this layering, do not forget to slide the last stitch of (of the gray lines) UNDER the pre-existing stitch in the sequence.

Frankly, the first thing I thought of as I stitched it was how this stitch would make a fantastic cathedral window, or any large window that demands attention. I’m thinking the picture windows from Sandra Gilmore’s room canvases. I would use two metallics with the Upright Crosses in a slightly darker hue. It will make an interesting fence with two matte threads, such as Impressions or Elegance.

Considering I stitched this with whatever threads happened to be next to me, my accent choices were limited. In a perfect world, this would be stitched with a larger bead or pearl added over two rows in the center of the open diamond. I would love to see this as a young girl’s dress with pink Silk Lame and a beautiful white pearl. It would also make a great Halloween pumpkin with orange ThreadWorx metallic, and a sequin/bead combo in the open diamond. Yum.

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!

A Wing & A Prayer

You have no clue a. what a great pun that is and b. how lucky I am for students who stitch fast and well.

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 a great pun because today’s stitch is from an outrageous orange bird on Este MacLeod’s Summer Birds (distributed through Melissa Shirley Designs). In addition, if I hadn’t had this photo (from said student who stitches fast and well), we may not have had a blog post today. I have a guardian angel who stitches! (Truth be told, I have a few. And I am very grateful).

The stitched sample uses Petite Very Velvet (light gray lines), Trebizond Silk (black lines), Gloriana Floss (aqua lines), and Bead Dazzle Beads (turquoise circles). It’s a purposefully dramatic stitch to draw attention to this gorgeous bird in the left corner of the canvas.

Consider this stitch for a dramatic coat, bag, or blanket with a Kreinik 1/16” ribbon for the gray lines, Vineyard Silk or silk floss for the black lines, and a contrasting metallic in a smaller size (like a Petite Silk Lame or size 8 Kreinik) for the aqua lines. Finish it off with a bead and, voila!, perfection. I would love to see this with contrasting colors in any combination. I have another version of this diagram without the bead that I’ll share in the upcoming weeks. It’s a slightly more modest version of this that illustrates the interest that even more layering adds. (Ooooh, I hope that builds some sort of intrigue).

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!

Thank you, Sue!

Today’s post is brought to you by Sue. Sue is my hero today as her fast stitching from a recent embellishment event is the only reason we have a post today! Thank you Sue!

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 the clouds on one of my newest Stitch Concepts, Tribal Mask Giraffe by T. Chapman. (And, yes, Sue’s stitching is also the star of the post from a few weeks ago.) Today’s stitched sample uses Soie D’Alger (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (turquoise lines) on 18-mesh.

This pattern is as symmetrical and balanced as most of my stitches, yet there is a certain scattered look to it. It’s the open areas the add that little scattered surprise and I love it. This stitch will make a great outdoor space, such as a hill, green field, or tree. Consider using an overdyed silk floss or wool for all lines for any of those areas. Another idea is two related shades of a green Vineyard Silk or Merino Wool for the trees. Continuing the outdoor theme, consider this stitch for a roof with Rainbow LInen. Silk Floss or Neon Rays would be two good threads (individually or together) for a floor.

Adding an oversized bead (say a size 11 bead on 18 mesh or a size 8 bead on 13 mesh) to the center intersection of the open space could be an interesting addition for a dress or coat. If a bead isn’t quite the right accent, consider adding a cross stitch with your favorite metallic to the center.

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!

Lucky Me!

I always enjoy visiting and teaching at Bedecked and Beadazzled. The customers are a blast, Ruth is a great hostess, Johnny, and I always come home with new stitches (and stitched samples) to share with you! Win, win!

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 from Ruth’s gorgeous guide* for Patio Table by Annie O’Brien Gonzales (distributed through Melissa Shirley Designs). It uses Petite Silk Lame (aqua lines) and Princess Perle (black lines). (* I say gorgeous because I saw the student’s exquisite work in progress.)

This stitch will work with so many thread combos. More often than not, I use strong single strand threads such as Kreinik Metallics, Vineyard Silk, or Elegance as the base thread (aqua lines). I use these because they are heavy enough to be visible in the areas between two beetles. And, similar to Ruth’s version, I cover it with another single strand thread, often a metallic.

Ruth used this stitch for a tabletop and I love how it complements the original canvas design in that area. Extending the tabletop idea, it would also make a gorgeous tile floor with silk perle, such as Elegance, and Straw Silk (!) on top for a rough-ish looking floor or even a silk floss for a smoother floor. I would love to see it as a coat with a heavy Kreinik (such as size 16 or even the 1/8” ribbon) for the base thread and Very Velvet for the beetles. Consider alternating the top threads by color or finish in every other column for the coat 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 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!

Stitching Sunday

Okay, you caught me. Technically, this was a #stitchingsaturday. I worked on a cute little Plum Stitchery floral piece last night while re-binging Legally Blond (the original, not any of the less than sequels).

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 flipped the diagram 90° to create vertical columns and added a contrasting color for the vertical columns over two rows. Today’s stitched sample uses a single strand of Floche (black lines), pink Petite Silk Lame for the alternating vertical columns, and a size 8 Kreinik (for the other vertical columns and the trios of stitches over two rows). Technically, this is a full coverage stitch and adds interesting detail. However, I purposefully chose lighter threads so it did not overwhelm the flowers. (Canvas is Plum Stitchery Wildflowers 15AA.)

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! 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!

Goldilocks

Today’s stitch is a two-fer of sorts. The first round was cute. The second round is cuter-est.

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 black lines represent the first stitch. It was good but needed a little something else, so the second set of diamonds (turquoise lines) was added. Perfection.

The stitched sample uses two shades of Petite Silk Lame on 18-mesh. (The photo doesn’t do a great job of representing that. My bad.) The stitch is from the mask on one of my newest Stitch Concepts, Tribal Mask Giraffe by T. Chapman. I would love to see this with contrasting threads, both in color and finish. For example, use a Vineyard Silk or Very Velvet for the black lines with a bright metallic such as Frosty Rays or Kreinik for the turquoise lines for a coat or bag. It would make beautiful wallpaper or background with a single strand silk, such as Elegance or Petite Princess Perle (black lines) and Petite Silk Lame (turquoise lines). You could replace the tiny diamonds between the larger diamonds with a bead over two rows or an Upright Cross.

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!

Leaving on a Jet Plane

This morning’s stitch comes from a frantic search on my phone for a stitched sample. Not the most reliable nor advisable way to find a stitch for a blog post but, wow, I think it turned out better than all right.

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 am, literally, leaving on a jet plane in a few hours so this is going to be quick. The stitched sample uses a single strand of Burmilana (black lines), Petite Silk Lame (gray lines), and a Sundance bead on Herondipity (by Charlie Harper), a project I’m working on with a local student.

This large space stitch would be great on a tall tree with beautiful shading, such as a pine tree or a solid Christmas tree with a variegated Silk Floss (Silk ‘N Colors, Gloriana, or ThreadWorx) or a variegated wool (Lorikeet or ThreadWorx). Depending on how the tree was painted, you could add contrasting accents (say silver and red beads for ornaments) or matching accents to accentuate the leafiness. (If leafiness isn’t a real word, I say pshaw. It’s a great word.)

Clearly, this makes a wonderful stitch for bird wings. I would ratchet up the accents for the wings with brighter metallics or larger beads, such as Swarovski round crystals or bi-cones. This stitch is scalable and I will be using a slightly smaller version of this on the Partridge of the Twelvetide Series. It’s going to be adorable.

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!

Waiting for my Close Up

Today’s stitch is itching to get into a Stitch Concept. It came to me as a result of writing procrastination with a trip down the pinterest.com rabbit hole.

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 me playing with four plies of Simply Shaker cotton floss on 18-mesh.

This stitch will get its close up and soon. There are many ways this stitch can play. My first thought is a wall and/or background on a still life with a single strand silk such as Elegance or Soie Perlee. Another idea that popped into my head is using this as a glass stitch with a lightweight Kreinik, Bijoux, or Petite Silk Lame on a (very) large glass vase or window. It will work on clothing where you want to accentuate the height and any glorious painted shading, such as pants or a long coat, with a single strand silk such as Vineyard Silk or Pepper Pot Silk.

I will also strongly consider alternating columns with two threads, whether they are different finishes or colors will completely depend on the piece. And, before you ask, the columns can be either horizontal or vertical.

Today’s stitch is also unique as I included sequence numbers to give you an idea of how I navigated the open canvas. I started in an upper corner and used a modified backstitch to create the rectangles and connectors, always backtracking over immediately prior stitches (except when turning a corner). You can follow this path on the horizontal OR vertical axis.

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! 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!

Work in Progress

I always try to integrate at least one or two new (to me) stitches in any new Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts. This keeps my repeat students on their toes and keeps this blog pumping. Today’s stitch comes from Snowy, a new Stitch Concept I’m working on. (It will be ready in mid-July.)

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 me playing with blue Gloriana Silk Floss and green Flair. I used two colors because I wanted to illustrate the contrast between the pairs of stitches in opposite directions. It also packs a lot of interest into a small area. I love it when that happens with small stitches!

This will be one of many leaf stitches on Snowy. (And many is an understatement.) For Snowy, I will be using a lighter weight thread (in a single color) so the beautiful shading will show through. The candidates are Silk Perlee, 2 plies of Silk Floss, Silk Lame, or possibly Elegance. So many wonderful choices! The reality is whichever of those threads falls in the right color family will end up in the piece.

I’m so glad I stitched this with two colors. Just as last Wednesday, more ideas popped in my head as I stitched it. I would love to see this as a sweater with two contrasting Merino wools, or a wool and a metallic. Tweedy or Rainbow Linen would make a cute roof, say on a Debbie Mumm stocking. I would love to see it as a tree stitch with one of the gorgeous Silk ‘N Colors greens.

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! 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!