Sometimes the Canvas Tells You…

…exactly what stitch to put in it. For example, adding pumpkins in the background of a witch canvas or adding olives in a background stitch for a martini glass. Or, as illustrated today, putting leaves in the background surrounding flowers.

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

My original plan was to integrate leaves into the column stitch I shared a few weeks ago. However, the border wasn’t tall enough to accommodate the long lines between the snowflakes (which would have been leaves in this version). I tested short lines between the leaves and it looked ridiculous. And here we are. To eliminate visible threads between the leaves, I recommend stitching each leaf independently, meaning start and end within every individual leaf. It’s a pain, but worth it, I promise.

The stitched sample is a single strand of DMC Floche on 18M. I considered doing random leaves but feared they would distract from the flowers in the background. (You can see a better picture of the background here.) My plan is to stitch all of the flowers on the border in Basketweave with silk floss and Petite Silk Lame.

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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Hope You Like Yellow

Today’s stitch has a lot going for it. It’s easier than it looks, creates an unusual pattern and, speaking of a lot, has a lot of yellow. And I can’t stop looking at 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.

It’s nothing more than a combination of straight and diagonal stitches creating a fascinating step/slide pattern. It’s far more dramatic than I anticipated it would be. The stitched sample is me playing with two plies of Floche (black lines) and Crystal Braid (turquoise lines) on 18M.

I strongly recommend using two different colors, two different finishes, or both as the distinct slide pattern created by the groups of four will get lost if you stitch it in a single thread. (I speak from, um, experience.) Adding the second thread makes all the difference in getting the pattern to pop.

I’m looking forward to using this for an area I want to draw attention to, such as a Santa coat (with Petite Very Velvet for the black lines and a strong Kreinik Metallic for the turquoise lines). It will also make a very interesting roof with two shades of silk floss.

That said, flip the stitch 90° and it almost becomes a different stitch. It looks like birds flying through the sky. This direction will make a great snow-covered sidewalk with two shades of Petite Silk Lame (white and the lightest of blues).

This version intrigues me and I’m looking forward to playing with variations of this direction. There’s something more here, I just know it. I look forward to sharing this with you in a future blog.

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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

It’s #stitchingsunday x2

The myth of working in needlepoint is that you sit around and stitch all day. Oh, how I wish. One of my New Year commitments was to carve more time to stitch in 2021. Today's #stitchingsunday is from a fun Madcap Cottage project (from @plumstitchery) I’m currently working on that includes a very recent #whimsicalwednesday stitch as well as a long-time go-to stitch.

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.

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 background on the stitched sample is a narrow Alternating Cashmere (without the Smyrna Cross) stitched with Elegance (on 18M). The jury is still out as to whether I’m going to fill the empty 2X2 square. The light blue border at the top of the photo is stitched in Reverse Basketweave with Petite Silk Lame. I consider using basketweave for the border but wanted something sweeter than that on the border.

Speaking of loving your stitches, please do not forget to tag us on Instagram (@whimsicalstitch) so we can share your stitching in Instagram stories.

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, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Blue Skies Ahead

There are too many things to love about today’s stitch. It’s cute. It has personality yet allows other stitches to shine. And, it is a quick stitch. Win-win all the way around.

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 a sky from the Stitch Guide I created for Pumpkin Village by Melissa Shirley. (Full disclosure: it is also known as Pumpkin Lane.) I used blue Elegance on 18-mesh. I included numbering in the left column of the stitch diagram to illustrate specific guidance on the snowflakes. Stitch the snowflakes (also known as eyelet stitches) from the outer edge to the shared center hole. This minimizes wear and tear on the thread. In addition, the lines connecting the snowflakes are nothing more than single darning stitches.

Skies and backgrounds are obvious choices for this stitch. I would love to see it stitched with a lightweight metallic, such as Petite Silk Lame or Kreinik, for a night sky. Alternate columns between a matte, such as Elegance, and a shiny metallic like Fyre Werks or Kreinik Braid, to draw more attention to your sky or background. The only thread I don’t recommend for this stitch is Flair, as it has a tendency to spread when used in longer stitches.

Feel free to adjust the length of the connectors as needed for your piece. The connectors are ten rows tall and the tiny snowflakes are four rows tall. The snowflakes are centered against the connector, so adjust the position of your snowflake(s) accordingly.

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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Sugar Plum Fairies

Only in our little world of needlepoint does working on Christmas ornaments over Memorial Day weekend make sense. I may have missed a few clues in the murder mystery I was watching on Monday night because I was kinda captivated by 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 stitch is nothing more than a patterned skip tent on the background of Sugar Plums by the Plum Stitchery. The blocks alternate between two plies of Soie d’Alger and a lightweight Kreinik on 18M. I wanted something simple and elegant because I want the tutus to stand out. And y’all know I’m a sucker for any open stitch.

This stitch will be gorgeous for water with two colors of lightweight metallics. I look forward to using it as a sky with a single color of blue, or perhaps a subtle overdyed silk floss. Another idea floating around my head using a light and a dark hue of the same color in a silk floss for a floor.

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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

A Journey

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

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

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

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

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

It’s #stitchingsunday

It’s always a joy to see how one of the stitches from my blog is used in one of your projects. Always. Much of the joy comes from how you use it, whether that be the thread or the area, especially when it’s an area I may not have mentioned in the original blog post.

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 comes to you from one of my favorite needlepoint friends, Kelli. She flipped the stitch 90° and used a Kreinik metallic for a darling, snowy background. It’s just too cute. This horizontal version will work well for pathways or grass with an overdyed wool or silk floss and water, or even a wide window with a lightweight metallic such as size 4 Kreinik (for 18M), size 8 Kreinik (for 13M) or Petite Silk Lame (for either).

Speaking of loving your stitches, please do not forget to tag us on Instagram (@whimsicalstitch) so we can share your stitching in Instagram stories.

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, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Buried Treasure

Today’s stitch comes from one of the first Stitch Concepts I put together, Tiny Town by Este MacLeod. It was fun to revisit the guide recently and more fun to find a cute stitch buried in the guide to share with you.

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 on 18M canvas with Planet Earth overdyed silk floss (black lines) and Trebizond Silk (aqua lines).

I used this stitch for one of the (many) roofs in the Tiny Town project and recommended Rainbow Gallery’s Capri for the thread (all lines). This stitch will be great for an open field with Vineyard Silk (black lines) and a second shade of Vineyard Silk (aqua lines). I’m looking forward to using it for a jacket Petite Very Velvet (black lines) and a Kreinik Metallic (aqua 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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Is Pizzazz-y a Word?

If it is, then it describes these pants. If it isn’t, well, it should be because of these pants.

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 pair of trousers for a Thanksgiving standup. It uses two plies of Impressions (aqua lines) and three plies of Lorikeet (black lines). This is from a long, long ago project I worked on with Aristeia Needlepoint.

I’m very glad I stumbled across this piece because it reminds me I need to integrate more overdyed threads into projects and those threads don’t have to be used for trees or flowers (overdyed threads are my general go-to for those). That said, I like these pants because the ratio of solid color to overdyed color is appropriate for me. I love the sassiness of the stripes. And that sassiness is solely due to the Lorikeet.

This stitch would make a great mountainside with a Perle Cotton and overdyed silk or cotton floss. Obviously, it would make a great jacket with the same threads as above. I’m playing with the idea of adding an empty row between the blocks of stitches and using it for a t-shirt with silk floss and Petite Silk Lame. And, when I’m done posting this, I’m going to play with increasing the height of both sets of rows and using it for a background stitch on a current project.

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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint; Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download for free the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!

Back Down the Rabbit Hole

Don’t get me wrong. I love darning stitches, yet I’ve been eager for something other than my go-to darning stitches. Going down that rabbit hole this past weekend landed me on this cute little layered stripe.

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 first layer is what I call the base threads with Petite Silk Lame (gray lines). I covered the base threads with pairs of horizontal stitches over three rows with size 12 Finca Perle (aqua lines). I filled the six rows in between the stripes in Alternating Skip Tent with white Petite Silk Lame (black lines). Truth be told, that could be any stitch you favor. You could do vertical (or horizontal) rows of Continental stitches with an empty row between columns. I strongly considered leaving the white areas completely empty but changed my mind when given the opportunity to add a bit more sparkle.

The great thing about this stitch is its scalability. It will literally work for columns of any width. The top layer of the stripes starts at the outer row and ends one row in from the opposite edge. For wider rows, consider making the groups of straight stitches more than two stitches. This stitch doesn’t need painted stripes to work. I would love to see the stripes on pants with 1-2 empty rows between the stripes. If the pants have shading, leave the rows between the stripes unstitched. If you want to add a stitch, I would stitch in between the stripes in basketweave or a Satin 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.

IIf you like what you see on this blog, there's more: Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 1 is a contemporary how-to collection of more than 250 stitches for stitchers regardless of skill level. The book includes updated and sequenced diagrams from this blog, all-new stitches, and a chapter on the basics of needlepoint. Mary’s Whimsical Stitches Volume 2 features chapters on Balanced, Beading, Diagonal, Layered, Oblique, Small, and Straight stitches.

Also, you can download The Essentials for free. The Essentials is the first chapter from my first book which covers basic needlepoint stitches and stitch compensation techniques along with new top-line information on needlepoint materials and tools, how to handle threads, and other helpful needlepoint resources.

whimsicalstitch.com also sells Stitch Guides and Stitch Concepts for Melissa Shirley Designs, Zecca Designs, Sandra Gilmore, Purple Palm, Maggie, and Penny MacLeod, and many more. Click here to see the newest guides and click here to see the entire collection.

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

A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible.  The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence.  For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order.  They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color).  Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines.  That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!