Certificate Module 5, Chapter 9 Threads and Stitchery

Stitches and Stitching

In this section, we were asked to learn some new stitches as well as re-acquaint ourselves with some old favourites.  This was a fun exercise which I enjoyed.  I arranged the stitches in a circle, giving a slice of the pie to each of four categories.

5.9. Stitches and Stitching

Section 1 consists of flat stitches.  Reading from the outside they are as follows:

• running stitch
• stem stitch
• back stitch
• herringbone stitch
• thorn stitch *
• two-sided plaited Spanish stitch *
• cross stitch
• satin stitch

(* means a stitch that was new to me)

Section 2 is looped and chained stitches.  From the outside they are:

• chain stitch
• braid stitch*
• open Cretan stitch
• fly stitch
• single feather stitch
• buttonhole stitch
• wheatear stitch *
• split stitch
• double fly stitch

Section 3 is knotted stitches:

• bullion knots
• scroll stitch*
• Portuguese knotted stem stitch*
• knotted cable stitch*
• colonial knots*
• coral stitch*
• scroll stitch*
• palestrina stitch*
• knotted chain stitch*
• French knots

Section 4 consists of composite stitches:

• laced double running stitch
• Pekinese stitch*
• threaded herringbone stitch
• whipped running stitch
• herringbone ladder filling stitch*
• threaded back stitch
• threaded chain stitch*

I found that some of the simplest stitches to work gave the best effect.

Stitch Effects

The challenge here was to choose just one stitch and explore different ways of working it to give a whole range  of effects, either in a formal rhythm or an informal one.

This was so enjoyable.  I deliberately chose a stitch which I thought would make it quite hard to achieve a range of effects.  (I was just in the mood for a challenge.)  I chose a long tailed daisy stitch and started by working it in three straight lines, putting alternate stitches upright and upside down.

5.9.Stitch Effects 1

I was intrigued when the effect looked a bit like hieroglyphics!

5.9. Stitch Effects 2

Next I tried a bit of variation while keeping a formal rhythm.  I worked stitches graduating in size and thickness of thread, starting with large stitches and 6 strands of stranded cotton, reducing the number of strands every 4 stitches.  I quite liked the effect it gave of perspective.

5.9. Stitch Effects 3

For the third sample I tried grouping the stitches in groups of 4 with spaces between, in a checkerboard pattern.  Again, I turned alternate stitches upside down.

5.9.Stitch Effects 4

Stitch Effects 4 had stitches radiating out from a central point, with thread alternating between matte thick thread and thinner shinier thread.

5.9. Stitch Effects 5

For number 5 I tried distorting the stitch slightly while maintaining a formal pattern.  I worked the tail of each stitch at an angle in the inside circle and the loop at an angle in the outside circle.

5.9. Stitch Effects 6

For number 6 I worked three large stitches with thick yarn and then used smaller stitches in thinner yarn to couch down the loop part of the larger stitches.  I used the loop part of the small stitches to trap the thicker thread and the tail to stick out giving a thorny effect.  I think this was my favourite sample.

5.9.Stitch Effects 7

Couching was the theme of sample 7 also, using medium thickness thread to couch down three rows of thick, fluffy yarn.  (I regretted this later as the fluff got everywhere and proved almost impossible to remove from the rest of the black fabric.)

5.9. Stitch Effects 8

Like sample 2, number 8 had stitches radiating out from a central point, but worked all in the same thin yarn, varying in length of the tail and worked in a circular shape.

5.9. Stitch Effects 9

I now tried to work the stitches in a less formal way.  Number 9 is similar to sample 1, but the lines now meander.  The orientation of the stitches between upright and upside down varies in a random way.

5.9. Stitch Effects 10

I had fun with number 10.  Again I used smaller stitches to couch a larger, thicker stitch, but worked them at random, some catching the thicker thread, some catching another thinner stitch and some not catching anything at all.

5.9.Stitch Effects 11

Back to formal arrangements in number 11.  I realised I hadn't tried working the stitches dovetailed together and so tried this while also experimenting with the ratio of loop to tail and trying the same thing with the loop and tail bent at an angle.

5.9 Stitch Effects 12

More couching for sample 12, this time a strip of twisted silk fabric with the stitches worked in different threads and sizes, some covering the fabric completely and others just catching in an edge.  one or two small stitches worked on top of the fabric catching in all layers.

5.9.Stitch Effects 13

Sample 13 is related to sample 2, but, although the size varies in a regular way, the thickness of the thread changes at random.

5.9. Stitch Effects 14 (a)

5.9. Stitch Effects 14 (b)

I liked the effect of the stitch worked with an angle between the loop part and the tail and so worked that in a simple way in 14 (a).  Then I noticed that because of the angle, one of the loops slipped down the tail slightly.  and so I tried working a few false loops into each tail at different angles in (b).

5.9. Stitch Effects 15

Sample 15 is simply lots of stitches, in two different threads, worked on top of each other in as close to random a fashion as I could manage.

5.9. Stitch Sample 16

Number 16 is groups of three stitches but scattered randomly and at various angles.

5.9. Stitch Sample 17

Finally, in sample 17 three stitches, worked large and in thick thread, were wrapped (the loop part only) with another thread.  The wrapping distorted the shape of the loop which gave an interesting effect.  It would be interesting to explore whether a non-twisted thread for the big, wrapped stitches would give a different effect as the thread I used had a fairly tight twist.

All in all, an interesting and enjoyable chapter and one that could be easily fitted into what has proved to be a very busy time in terms of family activities.