Designing with Stitches by Julie Goetsch

Originally published in Needle Pointers, Volume X, Number 1, Spring 1982

Editor's Note: Julie Goetsch of Edina, Minnesota is a needlework teacher and designer and co-author of the book Panels of Patterns.

DESIGN -- what a frightening word for most of us! And yet, as canvas workers, what a sense of satisfaction it is to start with a blank canvas and produce a finished piece which we can proudly claim as our own creation.

One of the easiest methods of designing is with stitches. By using a combination of one or more stitches to form a repeat pattern we produce a diaper pattern. The word diaper is a derivative of the French verb, "diapre", which means to repeat.

Diagram A shows a series of Oblong Cross Stitches which are arranged to form areas or voids where various diaper patterns may be stitched. If 16-mesh mono canvas is used for stitching the pattern as diagrammed, your resulting rectangle will fit an oblong glass paperweight which measures 2-3/4" by 4-1/4".

Diagram A

In the pattern of diagram A you will find negative spaces (or blank stitching areas) of 8 canvas threads by 8 canvas threads, 4 canvas threads by 4 canvas threads, and 4 canvas threads by 2 canvas threads (around edge of design).

Diagram B shows some suggested stitch combinations for the 8 x 8 negative spaces.

Diagram B

Diagram C illustrates suggested stitch combinations for the 4 x 4 negative spaces.

Diagram C

What stitches come to mind for filling the negative areas in the border?

Your thread selection will depend on the stitch and the size of your canvas. If you have decided to stitch your design on 16-mesh canvas the following threads are possible choices: DMC Floss, DMC Perle #3 or #5, Ostara, Marlitt, Orchidee, Medici, Bella Donna, and various metallics. Trial and error in thread selection play an important part in this designing experience.

It is suggested that not more than three different colors or hues be incorporated in a design of this size. Contrast of thread textures (such as dull, shiny, glittery, etc.) will produce an eye-appealing piece of needlework.

If your piece is to be used as an accent in a room, it is recommended that thread colors be picked to harmonize with another furnishing in the room -- such as a rug, drapery fabric, wallpaper, upholstery fabric, or painting.

In finishing a paper weight, the outer edge or border should be turned on its side so as to fill the vertical edges of the weight with a stitched area.