One of the big problems folks often have with stitching smaller items is finding stitches that give texture. Either the stitches are too big to show their texture, or even fit, in small spaces, or they just don’t have enough texture to bring the needed amount of attention to the space. Here are five stitches to try:
Opalescent, above, tales small Scotch Stitches without the corners and puts them in diagonal rows from upper left to lower right with Reverse Tent Stitches. Make those Tent Stitches in a matching color of metallic blend thread on alternate rows for a subtle sparkle.
Whatnot Stitch, above, alternates rows of Mosaic and small Cross Stitches with rows of Scotch. The stepped structure of the Mosaic rows determines the placement of the Scotch Stitches. This stitch has lots of texture.
Wackyland, above, has horizontal lines of Diagonal Cashmere that don’t quite line up. This creates some one-intersection open spaces and a strong texture. For full coverage, fill the open intersections with Tent or Cross Stitch.
Alternating Double Nobuko, above, has the familiar look of Alternating Nobuko but with a diffrence — the stitches are paired! I like its striped look. Ironically the vertical stripes only become apparent if you stitch it in horizontal rows.
Sky Stitch, above, creates gentle oblique rows. It has three diagonal stitches over two threads followed by three Tent Stitches. The way the stitches fit together looks encroached and makes a nice texture.
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
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