Sunday Stitch School - Revision: Stitches 6 - 10

The last six lessons of Sunday Stitch School have taught me these stitches: Four Sided, Gate, Heavy Chain, Interlaced Running and Japanese Darning.

Here is a summery of my impressions.

Four Sided Stitch
It is easy and rhythmical. Each square could be used to frame crosses, knots, beads or sequins. Apart from that it is obviously great for filling empty spaces.

 Gate Stitch
A descriptive name for this stitch which indeed looks like a gate. It makes a compact filling stitch but also gives you a proper gate in a fence.


Heavy Chain Stitch
Oh, this fun and easy to work stitch leaves a rich cordlike line and can be a good replacement when you want something more dominant than a stem stitch. It 'writes' well and is perfect for monogramming or handwriting.


Interlaced Running Stitch
My box of fancy threads asked to be opened and out came cries of 'Use ME' and 'I want to LACE those Running stitches'. It was so much fun playing around with them all. There is no end to how this stitch can be spaced, curved and laced.


Japanese Darning Stitch
Worked row upon row it makes a  neat filling stitch, while in two rows it forms a unique ornamental border. As far as I can see it has no connection to Japanese embroidery.



Revision Homework:
Use the five stitches on this modern design of Sunbonnet Sue.

Friday Homework for Lesson 6: Four Sided Stitch (some progress)

As I have been unwell, I am lagging behind and have not completed my Sunday Stitch School homework for Lesson 6, Four Sided Stitch yet.

It was my intention to work on a piece of wine red even weave, I had bought in a thrift shop, attracted by the colour. It turned out to be a horrid piece of polyester and did not stitch up well. It was scrapped and I got out a lovely stretch of Danish 32 count linen instead. I am stitching in DMC Pearl #12 and the Four Sided Stitch  is highly addictive. Once you get started it is hard to take a break.

My homework task was to 'Be creative', but I have not had the brain power to stretch my mind beyond the basic stitch. The flu is a good damper on one's creativity.

Sunday Stitch School will take a break over the New Year holiday and open again on January 8th.
Wishing you all a Happy New Year.

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 6: Four Sided Stitch

Should I close school for a winter holiday? Nay, I want to go on, so here is a fast and easy stitch from the Pulled Thread category, the Four Sided Stitch. It is not new to me, still I wanted to dedicate a lesson to it.

Mum made this table runner when I was little and I remember it from that time.

 I used the Four Sided Stitch on a small quilt, a wall hanging, some years ago

With variegated thread it is never a dull stitch, and it is surprisingly easy to work even on even weave fabric.

It is made like this:

It looks like this on Aida:

English name: Four Sided Stitch
Swedish name: Myrgång or Kvadratsöm

It is often found in Scandinavian embroidery like Hardanger and Hedebo, but it features in many of my books, so I would say it is an international stitch:

Homework:
Stitch a border of Four Sided Stitches on this wine red even weave household linen (actually polyester). Try to be creative!