updated: June 12 2018.
Sometimes I’m happy working with an overdyed thread as it comers off
skein. But more often my favorite colors in the skien are those that are the result of two of the main colors coming together. It has always bothered me that I only got single units of these colors and I could never concentrate them in one place to highlight them.
Then I discovered a technique I call “clouding with color.” It allows me to clump these colors together and get a washed effect, not unlike what you might find on a quilt. The picture above shows you the result. In this thread the green and the violet were the transition colors and I have been able to concentrate them.
The most important factor in doing this technique is your choice of stitch. It needs to be a stitch which can be done in any direction without a problem, since you will not be stitching in a single direction. I particularly like stitches that change direction. The one pictured above is the first step of Twinkle Stitch (diagrammed above).
When you stitch to create the clouds, you will need to pay attention to the color changes on the thread. Stitch units, but not in straight lines. Make irregular clumps of stitches, so that there isn’t a solid line. I usually do rows of three units, then move to the next line. When the color is about to change, move towards an edge of the stitch and make your new clump there.
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 is the twinkle stitch diagram? That’s a new one for me.
Do I understand that you’re saying to just drag the thread (on the back) to each “clump” and stitch as I come to the color?
Great idea, I hope I have grasp this concept correctly.
Yes, you’ll drag the thread in back. If it is longer than 1/2″ (usually it won’t be) end the thread & start in the new area.
Keep stitching,
Janet