5 Fun Borders

I’ve been thinking about borders lately and how we often settle in our stitching for easy choices. It doesn’t have to be that way! Here are five borders that can add a distinctive look to your stitching.

Chain Border uses three colors of thread to create a stitched chain. Two of the colors make the circular links. The third color makes the straight bars. connecting the links. In the diagram you can. also see how the corner is turned.

Amish Bargello Border is used only for the straight sides of the border; the corners are accented with another stitch. The single color used in this border creates the effect of quilting in the breaks between the stitches.

Oriental Border is a wide border that is striking because of the many threads and/or colors used. A line of Milanese is made down the middle. The “wings” on other side that charactrize Oriental Stitch are made in different threads.The same order of threads is used on both sides.

Lokota Stitch is a diagonal stitch border six threads wide. Three short stitches over two threads are followed by three long stitches over four threads. A reverse of these stitches creates the other half of the border.

Or Nue Scroll Border uses a lovely technique that is called Or Nue when the laid thread is gold or metallic, but is also called pattern couching when another thread is used. The first step is to make stitches the length of the border using the base thread. over this small stitches are made going out one hole, over the base thread, and back into the same hole. This both couches the laid thread and creates a pattern, hence the name pattern couching.

The pattern is diagrammed in two colors. One of these should match the color of the laid thread.

This border attracts attention. It works best as a strong accent inside the piece or on one side of the project.