Updated February 11, 2022.
A combination of Diagonal and Straight Gobelin, Madam is easier than you might think. Columns of each kind of Gobelin, both done over two threads, alternate.
When done in a thread that looks slightly different depending on the stitch direction, Madam takes on a subtle variation that is quite stunning.
Stitch one column at a time.
If you’ve never done a stitch that combines straight and diagonal stitches without overlapping them, you might be concerned that the edges of each column are not even. You might want to “fix” that. If you do you’ll find that it cannot be fixed to become even.
That’s because diagonal stitches go over intersections of threads, while straight stitches go over threads instead of intersections. You can see this in the stitch diagram, above.
If you use a thread that has a bit of fluff to it, usually this will not be noticeable. Hard threads such as perle cotton or metallics will not fluff and will make this characteristic more apparent.
For this stripe, I used Vineyard Silk.
Come back Tuesday for another great stitch!
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
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