FREE class compliments of Linda Barry

Note: Large pattern at end of instructions.

Materials:

8x8" Congress cloth (24 count canvas) or any 24 - 25 count linen

#20 and #22 tapestry needles

One skein each:

• Watercolours 039, Lilac
• Waterlilies 106, Olive (107 Spruce, 112 Fir, 111 Navajo or 121 Evergreen may be substituted)
• Impressions 126, Faded Linen (134 Dawn may be substituted)
• Soie Cristale 2033, Medium Rose (6021 Plum or 6403 Medium Lavender may be substituted)
• Candlelight D21, gold/silver

 

Getting Started

Mark the center of the fabric or canvas. It will be four threads (one hole). Mount the fabric or canvas on a frame or stretcher strips to lessen distortion of the fabric caused by the stitches.

The stitching can be done from the center out or from the outer border toward the center. When starting at the outermost border count 36 diagonal stitches toward the upper right of your canvas and begin stitching at that point. Your first diagonal satin stitch will cover the 37th through 40th threads of the canvas.

If you are beginning at the center of the design follow the instructions in reverse.

The Stitches

BORDER 1 - SATIN STITCH

The satin stitches are worked with one strand of Impressions over four diagonal threads and can be stitched from right to left or left to right, but you should be consistent. The vertical sides should be worked from top to bottom, so it will be necessary to turn your canvas upside down to work one side. Note that the top left and bottom right corners require compensating stitches and will not look te same as the other two corners.

BORDER 2 - EYELETS

BORDER 2 - DANISH PLAIT

Start at the upper left corner with compensating stitches. Use one ply of Watercolours. Follow the numbered diagram below. Once you establish a rhythm, you will see that the stitches which slant from left to right go up 8 and to the right 6 threads. Those that slant from right to left go up 8 and to the left 4 threads. If you are doing the stitch properly, all of your stitches on the back will be vertical. Notice that the stitches which slant to the right will share with left-slanting stitches already completed (i.e. the 7th stitch shares with the 2nd stitch, the 9th with the 4th and so on).

Odd numbered stitches slant to the right. Even numbered stitches slant to the left.

#7 shares with #2, #9 shares with #4, etc

Continue the rhythm of the stitching at the end of the row even if you are unable to make a complete stitch.

BORDER 3 - RICE STITCH

Use one strand of Candlelight to stitch the base of cross sttiches over 4 threads. Cross the corners with 2 plies of Soie Cristale.

INNER FIELD - EYELETS

Repeat the eyelets in the outer bortder, placing as diagrammed on the chart.

INNER FIELD - SATIN STITCH MOTIF

Again use one strand of Impressions. This time the satin stitches will be straight instead of slanted.

(Permission to reproduce this has been granted by Linda Barry for personal use only. These charts cannot be reproduced, electronically or otherwise, or sold without the express written permission of the designer.)