Lazy Daisy [Detached Chain] Stitch
A loose loop of thread is held down either by the next loop, or a straight
stitch. The chain can be straight, curved, zigzagged, etc. Loops can
cycle over two or more colors, if desired. |
Queen Stitch
The basic idea is to make (an even number of) vertical satin stitches (over
an even number of threads), starting and ending in the same holes,
spreading them apart by tacking each longer stitch down to adjacent
threads using a vertical stitch over one thread at its midpoint. This
example uses four long satin stitches over four horizontal threads. |
Eyelet Stitch
There are several variations. Outlines can be square, diamond, round,
or irregular. All stitches begin at the periphery and enter the same
central (or off-center) hole. Stitches are made sequentially along the
outline. Usually all holes in the outline are used, but some may be
skipped for a more subtle effect.
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Satin Stitch
This stitch should produce a smooth surface that shows the sheen of the
fibers. The strands of floss should be largely parallel (not twisted).
The orientation of the sets of stitches determines how light will reflect,
providing contrast.
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Bargello [flame] Stitch
Bargello (among other names) refers to a family of patterns based on
uniformly sized satin stitches offset along a curving or stairstep pattern,
usually with each band in a darker shade than the previous band.
Shortened (compensating) stitches may be needed to fill in the edges.
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French & Colonial Knots
There are many ways to make a french knot (probably because none of them
are entirely satisfactory - you may prefer to use seed beads or fabric
paints). The thread is looped either once or twice around the needle; the
needle is inserted partway into either in the same hole, a neighboring hole,
or through the nearest foundation thread (the last two keep the knot
from pulling through the fabric, but change the appearance); the knot
is then tightened against the surface of the fabric (or left loose for
some effects, such as sheep's wool); and the needle is then pulled through.
The colonial knot (on right) is an alternative to the french knot; the two
wraps of thread in this case circle the needle in opposite directions.
This should make it less likely for the knot to pull through the
fabric. |
Attaching Beads
There are several methods for attaching beads, depending on the desired
effect. To align beads with the top half of the cross stitches (diagonal),
they can
be threaded onto a half cross stitch aligned with the bottom half of the
cross stitches. To make straight rows of beads, thread each half of the
cross stitch through the bead. The second half stitch will secure the
orientation of the bead. To make the bead flat (a circle), attach the
bead to (at least two) of the corner holes in the fabric. The thread
used can blend or contrast with the bead color. |