Updated March 19, 2019
Sometimes the background really is the focal point of the needlepoint as it was in this vintage canvas from Beau Geste I made several years ago. But how do you make it really special? This technique is adapted from a knitting technique from Philosopher’s Wool in Canada.
Being by picking out the color you want to use, dark blue in this case. Find six different threads in this color. You can pick more than six but group them into six piles. At least one should be an overdye.
Make a list of them and number them. Find your self a die.
Start the background and roll the die. The number that comes up is the number of the thread you use. If you’ve made piles of thread, roll the die again and this is the thread within that pile.
Roll the die again. This is the number of rows of that thread you will stitch. Just start and stop the thread at different points along the row. Use Continental or any other stitch made in horizontal rows.
When you run out of a thread, pick another thread of that color for that spot. The result is far more dramatic than the effort required.
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
Great one Janet. Got me interested in wanting to try this technique. Love the background shown
That is a very cool effect. I love to watch color move. I will definitely try this technique.