In part 1 of Diagonal Stitches: The Greatest Hits I discussed diagonal stitches that were suitable for covering large areas and backgrounds. In this article I will describe diagonal stitches that are suitable for small detail work. I will also mention some of the decorative diagonal stitches. As I mentioned in the first part of this 2-part series, diagonal stitches are stitches that are at a slant or diagonal (hence the name, diagonal stitch).
The most popular detail stitches in the diagonal stitch family are tent stitches, also known as petit point. There are three specific tent stitches. They include: the basketweave stitch, the continental stitch and the half-cross stitch. All three of these tent stitches are worked diagonally over one canvas intersection. Although the finished look of the three stitches is identical, the method of working each stitch differs. The basketweave stitch is always worked diagonally across the canvas. The first row is worked diagonally down the canvas and, once complete, a second row is worked diagonally up the canvas. The continental stitch may be worked horizontally or vertically. Because of this, the continental stitch is a favored choice for outlining. The half-cross stitch may also be worked horizontally or vertically. However, this stitch should only be worked on penelope (double) canvas. The half-cross stitch does not use as much yarn as the other two tent stitches. Therefore, the finished piece is not as durable as the other two.
There is also another variation of the tent stitch. It is referred to as the trammed tent stitch. Basically, this stitch consists of two parts. The first part of this stitch is one straight stitch worked horizontally across the small holes of penelope canvas. This creates the trammed part of the stitch. The second part of this stitch is where the tent stitches are worked over the trammed stitch. The trammed tent stitch is worked on double canvas only. The trammed tent stitch creates an extremely tough surface and is great for covering the cushions of chairs. This variation of the tent stitch will cover the canvas completely.
The aubusson stitch is also referred to as the rep stitch. This stitch must always be worked on penelope (double) canvas. The reason for this is because the stitches use both the regular wide meshes as well as the small spaces between the horizontal double threads. This stitch is generally used for extremely fine detail work. The aubusson stitch may be worked horizontally or vertically.
There are two types of diagonal gobelin stitches, the slanted gobelin stitch and the encroaching slanted gobelin stitch. There are also straight gobelin stitches. The diagonal gobelin stitches are worked horizontally across the canvas. and may be adapted in size to suit many different types of work. The difference between the two stitches exists in the formation of subsequent rows. The slanted gobelin stitch works the second row into the bottom canvas holes of the first row. The encroaching gobelin stitch, however, works the second row one canvas thread above the bottom of the first row of stitches. This is where it encroaches upon the preceding row and where the name is derived from.
The diagonal buttonhole stitch is a fairly simple and decorative stitch to work. When complete, it gives the appearance of a row of candy canes. Please keep in mind that this stitch is easily snagged. Also, this stitch should be worked in a diagonal line. Although the diagonal buttonhole stitch will not cause the canvas to distort, it should ALWAYS be worked on a frame. It is important to maintain an even tension with this stitch, which is where the frame is necessary.
The diagonal leaf stitch is another example of an interesting decorative diagonal stitch. When complete, it forms the shape of a leaf. This stitch is fairly snag-proof and well-padded. Although slow to work, it makes an interesting pattern. For a more exciting look, you may want to try working four diagonal leaf stitches into one center, creating the shape of a flower.
I have saved the most obvious diagonal stitch for last, the diagonal stitch. The diagonal stitch is the main stitch on which all other stitches in the diagonal stitch family are based. This stitch is excellent for creating a patterned look. However, it is notorious for warping the canvas. A consistent tension must be maintained when working this stitch if you hope to avoid warping the canvas. The length of the stitches can be adjusted to whatever you want. Just be sure to remember: the longer the stitch, the more apt it is to snag.
The tent stitches, the aubusson stitch, the slanted gobelin stitch, the encroaching slanted gobelin stitch, and the basic diagonal stitch are all detail stitches. Although some of these stitches may be used for backgrounds or filling stitches, they tend to warp the canvas. I would recommend using these as detail stitches only. The diagonal buttonhole stitch and the diagonal leaf stitch are decorative stitches. Decorative stitches tend to be used along side or over other stitches to create a 3-D or embellished look. Do not be afraid to experiment with these stitches to see what look you prefer. In this two-part series I have chosen to focus on some of the more interesting diagonal stitches, or, the greatest hits of the diagonal stitch family. For a more detailed list of diagonal stitches available and instructions (with diagrams) for working each stitch, visit the Diagonal Stitches page at Stitchopedia.com and click on whichever stitch is of interest to you. Happy Stitchin
CarolynMcNeil is the creator of Stitchopedia.com, an instructional site with instructions & diagrams of the many needlepoint stitches available including: Cross Stitch, Bargello, Brighton Stitch, Basketweave and many, many more.
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Article added to SearchWarp.com on Saturday, October 13, 2007 View other articles written by Carolyn McNeil(305)
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