All too often we neglect to put borders on our needlepoint. They aren’t on the canvas. They never come out even. They are just too hard to do. This free sampler project has tons of simple borders you can easily use to add interest to your needlepoint projects.
Some of them use stitches familiar to you. Others use techniques such as Blackwork or needlepoint damask. No matter how much experience you have you’ll find great ideas to make your projects unique.
The color scheme for this sampler is based on a skein of Watercolours. From the colors in this skein, you’ll pick out several coordinating threads with various textures. Finally you’ll need a metallic in gold or silver. Because there’s lots of exposed canvas in this project, you’ll want to use colored csanvas that coordinates with your overdyed thread.
The model used Meadow Watercolors, light gold metallic, and sage green canvas. In greens I used metallic, stranded silk, Grandeur and pearl cotton plus some stash threads. In pink I added linen and Very Velvet. In blue I added Silk & Ivory. With all these threads it’s easy to make a lively piece, even if your overdye is muted as mine is.
The format of this sampler is a band sampler. Most borders go all the way across the width of the sampler. Another type of sampler is a spot sampler where there are individual motifs separated from other sampler elements by blank areas.
For this sampler you will need:
- 1 skein Watercolours or othe overdye in a color of your choice
- 4-5 threads in the main color of the overdye
- 2 threads in the primary accent of the overdye
- 1 thread in the secondary color of the overdye
- 1 spool Tapestry (#12) metallic to coordinate with threads
- assorted scrap threads in main color of the overdye
- 10″x18″ piece mono canvas in color to coordinate with overdye
Before beginning to stitch draw a line 5″ from one long side with a permanent marker at the top of the canvas. This will be used as a guideline to center the borders.
Come back next week for the first step in this project!
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
Janet, Is this 18 mesh canvas for an 8 by 10 canvas? I can’t wait to get started! Great idea.
Yes, it’s 18 mesh.
Keep Stitching,
Janet
What size moni canvas did you use for the sample? I have a variety of sizes in my stash and plan to paint my canvas to match my thread.
It was stitched on 18-mesh sage green canvas, but any mesh can be used. If you use a larger mesh, you will need to adjust the size.
Keep Stitching,
Janet