Geometrics
by Sue Dulle

EXPLORE THIS TECHNIQUE FROM AN ART AND MATH APPROACH

 
As originally published in Needle Pointers, June/July '95

Editor's Note: As a young girl, Sue Dulle learned the basic tent stitch from her grandmother, aunt and mother, and she still has that first piece of needlepoint! In the 70’s, her mother gave her a needlepoint book because she didn’t want to return it to her book club. The book sat on the shelf until Sue decided to teach herself some of those "fun stitches." She never looked back.

An Art Lesson:
Symmetry is defined as: "A design concept based on formal balance with elements of equal or near equal weight on either side of a real or implied line or rotation point. Line or mirror symmetry is based on two-line symmetry (figure 1a) or four-line symmetry (figure 1b.) Mirror symmetry simply means that if you were to place a mirror on the dotted lines, the elements reflected in the mirror would be unchanged. Rotational symmetry includes elements that are rotated around a central point. There are several types of rotation symmetry, but four-fold rotational symmetry (figure 1c) is the type most often used in needlework geometric designs. Some designs have both line and rotational symmetry (figure lb.) There are other types of symmetry, but these are the ones we use to construct most needlework geometric.

A Needlework Lesson:
Geometrics are fun, and are actually small samplers of stitches. They are modern samplers that allows us to experiment with stitches and threads, thereby getting to know their characteristics and limitations. Some stitches will enlarge or reduce well. Other stitches will not adapt well without losing their effect. Some stitches do not adapt well to geometrics. (example: leaf stitch - but with planning, even this stitch may be used successfully.) Other stitches such as couching, diagonal weaving, alternating tent may be adapted to any thread count.

Geometrics must be carefully planned. Geometric designs are based on squares and there is usually no compensation in these designs. Designs may be worked using an odd thread count (figure 2a) or an even thread count (figure 2b.) Most designs use an even count because they are most adaptable to stitches and are easier to plan. The size of the geometric design will be determined by the size of canvas, number of stitch elements, and size of each element.

fig 2a Odd number of threads

fig 2b Even number of threads

A Needlework and Math Lesson:
The total ground thread count should be evenly divisible by two, three and four. The rule to remember, and that must be applied, is that whatever the thread count, it must produce a whole number when divided by the chosen "magic number" or one of its components.

Why is this "magic number" formula so important? Geometrics look best with clean, neat corners and need no compensation. If you desire all the components of twenty-four to be workable, the thread count must be reduced or enlarged a few stitches to arrive at that "magic number" without much change in the original size. In Example B, to use all the components of 24, this design would either need to be decreased by eight or increased by sixteen. If this is not possible, then use only those elements that produced whole numbers. In Example B, these are two, four or eight. Most needlework stitches are made of elements using one of these component numbers. Remember to use only those components that produce whole numbers when designing geometrics.

Needlework and Art Lesson:
Look carefully to see what kind of symmetry has been used to create different geometrics. The following are several types of symmetry used in geometric needlework designs. Figure 3 has no symmetry. It is a bull's eye. Two-line symmetry is used on figure 3a and rotational symmetry is used to design figures 3c and 3d. Figure 3e is both rotational and line symmetry combined.

When you decide which symmetry (figure 3a -3e) to use on your next design, mark the canvas with basting threads (figure 4.) Do not use markers to mark these lines on the canvas. The markers could "grin" through the canvas between the stitches.

Geometrics are challenging and fun to design and even more fun to stitch, and most of the time we are now aware of the lessons they teach us. They make wonderful ornaments for our own reference or to give as special gifts. Next time you design and stitch one of these wonderful geometric samplers, be sure to say a little "Thank You" to those art and math teachers who taught you the principles of art, basic math, and geometry.

Feisner, Edith Anderson; Needlepoint and Beyond

Ireys, Katherine; Geometric Perfection and Real Curves on Canvas

Kappraff, Jay; Connections

Projansky, Ella: Sculptured Needlepoint Stitchery

Rhodes, Mary; Needlepoint The Art of Canvas Embroidery

Wall, Maggie; Creative Needlepoint

Wiltshire, Alan; Symmetry Patterns