“Painting” with a Needle

One of the most challenging techniques I know of in needlepoint, is what I call “painting.” That is free, as opposed to counted, stitches, that go in different directions and mimic fur and feathers.

I did manage, after much thought and practice, to figure out how to make nice flower petals. And I know tons of different ways to stitch fur, that don’t involve free form stitching.

But this technique still eludes me. I did it once, for this chickadee mini-sock from In Good Company, but it was hard, really hard. Which is why I am so excited about the new tutorial, “How I Random Stitch,” on Suedukc’s blog.

She shows you how to determine the way to stitch, by showing you a drawing of the canvas outline. She tells you how she figures this out. Then, on the drawing, she shows you the initial lines of stitching. The using a petal shape, shows you how she builds up an area of random stitches.

She ends with advice on the threads she uses for fur.

I am so totally impressed that I wish I had some animal canvases to practice o!