Two Scotch Stitch Needlepoint Borders

Scotch Stitch is one of the most adaptable needlepoint stitches. It’s usually one of the first stitches you learn and there are many easy ways to change it (in fact I have a Needlepoint Independent Study course that has 25 variation of it).

The two borders this week cover two very easy versions of Scotch Stitch.

For threads you will be using:

• overdye
• metallic
• main accent color
• main color

The borders are the same length as last week’s column border and are placed three threads below the previous border.

Checkered Scotch

Scotch is one of the very best stitches to use if you want a checked border. The stitch is square already, so it naturally adapts itself to two colors.

Here metallic and the main accent color are alternated for three rows, making a checked border. To have it look like a checkerboard, you will need at least two rows. This is not Alternating Scotch, the Scotch Stitches differ only in color. A diagram is below.

Framed Scotch Border

Framing a stitch refers to stitches where the main units, individual squares here, are isolated by rows and columns of another stitch, usually Tent.

In this pretty border, three rows of Tent Stitches form a box completely surrounded the area of Framed Scotch. Both the edges and the framing are stitched in a solid thread in the main color. The Scotch Stitches, made over 5 threads, are stitched in the overdye, below.

The overall effect of framing, especially in a dark color, is to treat each individual square as a little jewel. It’s a lovely way to show off a special thread.

Don’t forget to come back next week for another great border!