This week we’ll stitch the two checked patches. Checks can often be found in needlepoint, sometimes as borders. In this piece, as is usually the case, the checks are made of squares of equal size. This is the key to stitching this pattern: Any two stitches of equal size can be used in a check.
If two stitches are the same size, even if they come from different stitch families they can be used together. ‘If you have more than one color in the check, pick one stitch for each color.
You can see in this patch two different options for stitching a check. In both patches, one color uses basic Scotch Stitch. Reverse Scotch, is used in the pink patch (upper left).Scotch Stitch is used in the green patch.
The second color in these patches is a stitch that contrasts with the Scotch Stitches. In the pink patch, the second stitch is below.
In the green patch instead of a Scotch variation, a square cross stitch is used. Double Smyrna Cross, below, doubles the horizontal and vertical stitches in the Upright Cross.
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
Where do I get the canvas?
Just as you say, I have spent HOURS working a beautiful Tiger needlepoint kit (Horizon) using the basketweave stitch, and I am running out of thread before it’s finished. I am so bummed. But now I am also peeved because the instructions show the basketweave stitch. They must know we’d run short on thread. Why would they do that? I am trying to figure out ways to finish and maybe cut the bottom of the canvas off, but I don’t think it will look right. 🙁
I know the feeling. I have decided that all commercial kits are short on thread if you stitch Basketweave instead of Continental, even if they say there is enough. Many manufacturers will send you additional thread, but the dyelots may not match.
My advice is always to stitch Continental with kits.
Keep stitching,
Janet
The canvas is from Two Sisters. It can be ordered or bought through any needlepoint shop.
Keep stitching,
Janet