Byzantine Options – Part 2 – Free Project

Yesterday we got the material list, traced the outline and stitched it. Today we will stitch the blocks numbered 1-4 on the outline.

Block 1: Jacquard

This patch uses the green Petite Very Velvet (Very Velvet) and the metallic ribbon. This stitch is closely related to Byzantine, but differs from it by having rows of uneven widths. Rows of Byzantine stitches are separated from each other by a single row going over 1 thread, i .e. Tent Stitches. In this block, the Byzantine rows are stitched in the velvet thread, while the rows of Tent Stitch are stitched in the metallic ribbon.

Even when stitched in a single thread, the Tent Stitch rows break up the pattern and make for a more complex pattern. Accenting the Tent Stitch row, adds more complexity. Other ideas you might try include making this row a solid color against an overdyed Byzantine row, Alternating the Byzantine rows in several different threads of the same color, or creating a damask look by reversing the Tent Stitch row and stitching the entire pattern in perle cotton.

Block 2: Two-Color Byzantine

This patch uses Pebbly Perle and Expressions. Narrow rows of Byzantine pack lots of movement into an area, while using two different threads adds texture. However, when the threads are the same color and similar in texture, as is the case here, the effect is subdued and very interesting. A single strand of Expressions is used here, and 3 (4) strands of Pebbly Perle. On 18 mesh canvas, thinning the Pebbly Perle a bit makes it easier to use for stitching.

Begin stitching this block anywhere along the upper left edge. Stitch a single row in either thread. Once the first row is stitched, stitch the second row in the other thread. Alternate threads as you stitch the rows. This can be done more easily if you use two needles, one for each thread. Between rows, park the thread in the margin of the canvas out of the way.

Block 3: Byzantine-Eyelet

This patch uses Waterlilies and Nordic Gold. A delightful aspect of Byzantine is that it can be placed so that open areas are formed between the rows. These can be square (as in this block) or rectangular (as in Block 5). Any stitch which is this shape can be used to fill the open spaces. In this block, they are filled with Square Eyelets stitched using Nordic Gold. Use a single strand of Nordic Gold for the eyelets on both sizes of canvas. If you are finding that the center hole of the eyelet is getting crowded, enlarge the center hole with your needle before beginning each eyelet.

Block 4: Short Step Byzantine (Byzantine #2)

This patch uses Black Watch Watercolours. Use 1 strand (2 strands). This stitch is diagrammed in two colors in order to make the rows easier to see, although it is stitched in a single color. This version of Byzantine gets its unique look from the wide stitches (over 3 threads) and the extremely short rows (2 stitches).

Begin stitching this block anywhere along the left edge of the stocking, completing one row at a time.