Melitastitches4fun's Blog

Key Needlepoint Tips and Technique Issues

I gave a talk about picking stitches to the members of The Needlework and Fiber Guild of Media earlier this month and here are my takeaway thoughts. I covered a lot in 40 minutes, but since then, I added a couple of more thoughts. I want to know where to find these when I need them and will be adding to this periodically as I come across any gems.

The non-stitchers in the guild (they do all sorts of various crafts such as needle felting, sewing, knitting, quilting, spinning wool, bookbinding, etc) were asking if we’re going to do a group project based on what they learned! I think a simple landscape would work well. This is a very creative group without the types of classes I’ve taken. So, I did stress technique is important although without a desire to become a Master Craftsman or plans to enter into a juried exhibit, it really is about enjoying what you do. If people want to work needlepoint in hand (I used to until I found out about bars), that is entirely fine with me. I’ve told them why I don’t. Some of this is applicable regardless of the medium.

Key Tips and Technique Issues (in no particular order):

• Basketweave area allows for a place for your eyes to rest.

• Color of thread: Light threads appear further away compared to dark threads that appear closer.

• Size of stitches: Small stitches appear further away compared to large stitches that appear closer.

• Odd rule is that odd numbered motifs (1, 3, 5, etc) in a design are more pleasing to the eye.

• Different stitches and threads can create varied texture (bumpy, ridged, smooth, etc).

• Direction of a stitch creates a different effect (water on a lake is typically horizontal; river flowing down a hill with a gradual slope probably has stitches at angles of 30° or less; a waterfall with a steep slope probably has vertical stitches or are 60° or more).

• Area should allow for repeats of 3 units or more (6 wide allows for mosaic and cashmere stitches but not Scotch).

• Companion stitches help create depth by using a smaller stitch such as Serendipity for further away areas, Criss Cross Hungarian for middle ground, and the larger Woven Trellis Variation for the closest areas.

• Composite stitches combine different types of stitches such as straight and cross stitches.

• If a stitch is fancy, use a simple thread; if a thread is fancy, use a simple stitch.

• Stitch diagonal stitches first if they will be next to straight stitches.

• Stitches are worked opposite of the direction you are moving (to get the proper pull). If a diagonal stitch is worked bottom left to upper right, then work towards the left. If a diagonal stitch is worked bottom right to upper left, then work towards the right.

• The direction of a stitch can be changed. In one color, the front of the canvas will look the same but done in two different colors or an overdyed thread, there will be differences.

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