Different threads
and stitch techniques are used to great effect in this canvaswork design
of diamonds and hearts
photos by Ian Cole
This charming piece is based on straight stitch worked with a number of different threads. Some of the variegated threads have strong shading, while others are subtle, which gives a variety of effects as the piece is worked.
The design is worked in three colour combinations, to experiment with the different effects.
Tips for working the design
- Work on the vertical grain of the canvas (selvage to the left or right).
- Work with the canvas in a frame. This helps to keep the correct shape, especially for the long stitches. Stitches should be taut but not so tight that the canvas is distorted.
- A trolley needle is invaluable. This is a laying tool that fits on a finger or thumb. The blunt end of the trolley needle is used to control the thread as each stitch is tightened. This helps to give a much smoother stitch, especially when working with more than 1 strand, or with ribbon.
- When working with more than 1 strand of thread, separate all of the strands and smooth before recombining the required number of strands.
- Begin stitching with a waste knot on the surface 5 cm from where you want to start stitching. When you have finished each pattern, snip off the knot and darn the thread into the stitches on the back of the work.
- When using Pearl cotton always put the end from the ball in your needle first then cut off the length required. This way, the twist of the thread is always in the same direction.
What you need
- 1 skein or ball of each of the following threads, in the colourway of your choice
| Colour 1 | Colour 2 | Colour 3 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Thread | Spruce | Mulberry | Jewel |
| Needle Necessities | 1 | 187 | 158 | 199 |
| No.8 Pearl Cotton | 2 | DMC 503 | Anchor 970 | Anchor 148 |
| Caron Wildflowers | 3 | 091 Blue Spruce | 150 Flagstone | 077 Royal Jewels |
| Kreinik No.8 Braid | 4 | 007 | 326 | 045 |
| Caron Wildflowers | 5 | 012 Wildberries | 152 Mulberry | 085 Antique Brass |
| No.8 Pearl Cotton | 6 | Anchor 926 | Anchor 968 | Anchor 293 |
| Mono Canvas 25 x 25 cm | Sage Green | Rose Pink | French Blue | |
- Size 24 tapestry needle
- Trolley needle (laying tool)
- An embroidery frame or two pairs Siesta Bar Frames to fit canvas
- Drawing pins or staples to attach canvas to frame (if using Bar Frames)
Preparation
- Tape over the cut edges of the canvas with masking tape.
- Mount canvas into embroidery frame, making sure it is as tight as possible. Fix the canvas face down, then work into the well of the frame to protect stitches.
What you do
The numbers in brackets in the following text refer to the stitch designs in the chart. A diagram for each stitch will open in a new window when you click on a stitch name. Chart by Ethan Danielson.
For placement of each section, follow the chart. Use 1 strand of thread unless otherwise stated.
- Count up 16 threads from the centre of the canvas and 1 thread to the right, to find the starting point for the inner satin stitch border. This is stitched using 4 strands of thread 1.
- Using thread 2, work the crescents (6) that make up the heart shape. Each crescent is stitched with a single 120 cm length. Referring to the diagram below, bring the needle up at 1 and down at 2. Next come up at 3 and down at 4. Continue stitching by numbers up to 32. [Note: to complete the crescent, after 31-32, stitch 14-32, 16-32, etc, up to 24-32]. Stitch the matching crescent, starting at position 1, which is shared with the first crescent. Stitch the other three pairs of crescents.
- Using thread 3, stitch the first Jessica (2), between the crescents. Start by coming up at number 1 and down at 2, up at 3 and down at 4. Continue round like this, noticing that two stitches share each hole.
- Using 2 strands of thread 1, fill in the centre of the Jessica stitches with Smyrna crosses (3). Come up at 1 and down at 2. Continue like this until you reach number 8.
- With thread 4, work the butterfly-shaped sheaf stitch variation (5). Bring the needle up at 1 and down at 2, continue until you get to 8, then bring your needle up at 9 and down at 10 to pull all the threads together. Stitch the 9/10 belt twice.
- Using thread 5, stitch the Rhodes stitch variation (4) in the centre of the crescents. Start by coming up at 1 and down at 2. Positions 13, 14, 15 and 16 are one hole inside the outer edge of the stitch. Finish with back stitch around the outsides, as shown.
- With thread 6, stitch the outside border in double cross stitch (1). Work the border in two stages:
(a) Work right around the border in single upright cross stitch, as shown.
(b) Complete by working diagonal cross stitches on top of the upright crosses. - Finally, complete by stitching the central star (7) using a 110 cm length of thread 3. This is perhaps the most interesting stitch of the design. Refer to the diagram for the working order. Follow the arrows and numbers for direction of working.
(a) Start by coming up at 1 and down at 2, then up at 3 and slide your needle under the existing stitch (1/2) and back down at 4.
(b) The next stitch is up at 5, slide your needle under the existing (3/4), down at 6.
(c) Come up at 7, slide your needle under the existing stitch (5/6), and go down at 8.
(d) The next stitch comes up at 9, slides under the previous stitches, then twists over the top to go down at 10.
(e) Following the numbers, continue in this manner. You will see that you are getting a twist as you keep working round. Once you start it is quite easy. Note that you finish in the corners with stitches that share the same holes (57, 62) (58,61) 59, 64) (60, 63). - Frame as desired.
Suppliers
A project pack which includes all the threads needed to complete the design in one colourway (full skeins and balls - not just enough for one project) was available at the time of writing from: West End Embroidery, Orchid Cottage, Drury Lane, Mortimer Common, Reading RG7 2JN. Tel: 0118 933 2670.
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