Updated August 16, 2022.
This delightful sock has Scotch Stitch Variations done in holiday colors of green, red, and gold.
This post is long, so here is a summary of what’s here:
- Outline & Materials List
- The Stitches
- What’s Coming in Learn-a-Stitch
- Special Offer on canvas for projects
Click on any of the section titles to go to that section.
Outline & Material List
I used the LAS mini-sock outline for this stocking. It is stitched on 18 mesh canvas. Click on the thumbnail above to get the full-sized outline.
For this mini-sock I used:
- Planet Earth Silk Opal in Dune (gold) – no longer made, substitute Silk Lame
- Planet Earth Silk Opal in Grass (green) – no longer made, substitute Silk Lame
- Caron Collection Waterlilies in Holiday
- Rainbow Gallery Treasure Braid 12-strand in gold
- Rainbow Gallery Shaded Very Velvet in red
The Stitches
All these stitches are variations on a Scotch Stitch going over three threads. For each variation, the diagram is shown. All stitches should be made like regular Scotch. If more than one thread is used, that is noted.
Offset Scotch
A block of Scotch Stitch has a very square look about it because all the stitches line up in rows and columns. Break up either the rows of columns and you get a more overall pattern and one that is great for backgrounds.
While you can move the rows any distance you like, in this Offset Scotch the units are moved one thread to the left in each row.
Divided Scotch
This is one of my favorite Scotch Stitch variations. Privately I call it “Pillow Scotch” because it looks to me as if it is a pillow with a big fat button in the middle. Divided Scotch is easy to make. You just divide the middle stitch of a Scotch over four threads in half. This divides it and creates the indentation where the “button” would be.
Arrowhead Scotch
The key to Arrowhead Scotch is using a contrasting thread for the “background,” the Tent Stitches in the bottom right corner of each unit. By making the longer stitches in one thread and adding the single Tent Stitch “shaft” in the same thread, you get a nicely created arrow.
The background for this patch uses the new Shaded Very Velvet from Rainbow Gallery. As you can see in this thread, the variation is quite subtle.
Half-framed Scotch
The technique of “framing” a stitch in needlepoint refers to surrounding units of a stitch, usually in Tent Stitches. Half-framing does not enclose the entire stitch but partially frames it. When done in a contrasting thread, as in this Half-framed Scotch, it makes for a pretty accent. The framing Backstitches are done in Treasure Braid.
Clementina Scotch
I can’t find where I learned this variation of Framed Scotch or what it is called. So I gave it a new name, Clementina Scotch. If you know, it’s proper name or who designed it, let me know and I’ll correct it.
This stitch looks more complicated than it is. The Scotch Stitches line up in columns, but they are in gently ascending rows. Everything is surrounded by a frame of Tent Stitches. The diagram has the Tent Stitches as thin lines to make them seen more easily.
Begin by making the columns of Scotch Stitches, above. Because the stitch lines up in columns you will only have to “move” the first unit in each column in order to have the entire column line up correctly. Once the Scotch Stitches are complete, fill in the Tent Stitches.
I stitched it all in one color, but you could accent the stitch by using threads in contrasting colors or textures.
All the Learn-a-stitch mini-socks are available together in a printed book, you can buy it here: https://www.etsy.com/listing/657421353/learn-a-stitch-mini-socks
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
You are excited about the shaded very velvet but since I don’t have a needlepoint store I have to order on line. When and where do you think that this thread might be available as it was introduced at the San Diego show. I purchased some of the canvas through paypal today for this learn-a-stitch mini sock project. Since I need to purchase the threads will there be an advance notification and or duplication of the threads?
I am also doing the Colors, Threads & Quilts so I am going to be busy. We got 8″ of snow so I guess there isn’t much for me to do except stay inside and keep warm. At least we have equipment to get the streets clear. Poor Atlanta, completely shut down.
Appreciate your help,
Catherine
I think the Shaded VV should be in stores fairly soon. Rainbow Gallery tries to have the new threads and colors available right after the show.
The monkey wrench is how popular it is, that can always back up orders.
In terms of the stockings, I’m going to be doing each one in different colors, largely because I want to try some things, but I think doing them as a coordinated set (or sets) is a great idea.
You could start with an overdye and pick a bunch of threads that coordinate with it. Then pick threads from that big bunch for each month.
I think I’ll try that for March and a few of the other months (I just finished February on Sunday).
Keep Stitching,
Janet
I’d like to receive your “newsletter”, if possible. My guild is doing Christmas stockings, so yours would be a wonderful addition to our “idea file”. Thanks!
Thanks for the post!
Keep Stitching,
Janet