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 8: Heavy Chain Stitch

As the headmistress, 'teacher' and student of Sunday Stitch School I can decide which stitch to teach, how to teach it and how to work it.

Stitch no 8, Heavy Chain Stitch was a good choice! Oh, I LOVE this stitch. It is easy, quick and enjoyable to work, and the result is better than I expected.

For my homework I did some doodling and scribbled a loop,

then wrote the initial H for someone's birthday card.

I have not had the time to make them into cards yet, but will do.

Sunday Stitch School - Lesson 8: Heavy Chain Stitch

It is time for a new stitch at Sunday Stitch School. This week is dedicated to Heavy Chain Stitch, which I found in several of my books. The clearest illustrations were in Reader's Digest Complete Book of Embroidery. I hope my step-by-step photos will be easy to understand.

Start by making a short straight stitch. 1-2
Take the needle out a bit further down. 3
Then let the needle pass underneath that straight stitch, without going through the fabric.


Insert the needle at 3
and come out a bit further down at 4

Once again, let the needle pass underneath the same straight stitch, without going through the fabric.

Insert at 4.

Out at 5.

You now have a double Chain Stitch.

Next, let the needle pass underneath the upper chain of that double Chain Stitch, without going through the fabric. 

Insert at 5.

Out at 6.

You now have another double Chain Stitch.

Repeat in the same way 6-7,  and always let the needle go underneath TWO Chain Stitches.

Does it look complicated? With a bit a practice, it will become easier.

On Aida Heavy Chain Stitch looks like this:

It creates a beautiful braided line and looks good on curves so it would be perfect for monograms or text.
For stump work, it would make a beautiful knitted sweater if worked in a row of columns.

There are two names in Swedish: 1) Täta Maskstygn, eller 2) Kedjesöm under en länk. Is there a name in your language for this stitch?
Yes, according to Mattia (thank you) it is : point de chainette serré ou pt de chainette cordé


Homework:
Scribble something with red variegated Perle on this slip of batik and make it into a greeting card.