Because I have set you the challenge of thinking about your favourite stitches, I have been considering what mine are. Its not so terribly easy, is it?!
So the easiest thing for me to do was to look through my left and right-handed stitch dictionaries. So here’s my list:
- up and down buttonhole stitch (p28) – there’s just so much you can do with this stitch, with so many variations
- cable plait stitch (p38)
- double chain stitch (p50) – I just like the shapes this one forms
- hungarian braided chain stitch (p54) – I love the way this interlaces
- half chevron stitch (p60) – a lovely cross between chevron and cretan stitch
- cretan catch stitch (p70) – a cross between herringbone and cretan stitch
- spanish knotted feather stitch (p89) – looks like a pretty braid
- interlaced herringbone stitch (p104) – I have no idea what you could use this for, but it is pretty!
- jessica stitch (p106) – a canvas/needlepoint stitch that I need to spend more time experimenting with as it has lots of possibilities
- palestrina stitch (p117) – lots you can do with this, including joining two edges together
- plaited braid stitch (p122) – worked in gold thread, this is just gorgeous!
- queen stitch (p124) – a counted thread stitch which when worked tightly creates an openwork pattern of holes
- spiral trellis stitch (p154) – with overdyed threads, this can create some wonderful effects
So that’s my list. I’d love to hear yours – and it doesn’t need to be nearly so long. Just one stitch would do!
White Threads is the blog of Yvette Stanton, the author, designer, publisher behind Vetty Creations' quality needlework books and embroidery products.
Oyster stitch is one of my very favourite stitches as it is so versatile when worked in different threads. It can be worked in a row , so useful for texture. It also works well as individual stitches like detached chain, used for flower petals.
To be honest my favourite stitch is one of the simplest. I love French Knots. By varying the number of strands of yarn and the number of wraps on your needle it becomes one of the most versatile stitches out there.
Coral stitch. It gives a lovely neat, yet decorative border. I use it mainly in crewel projects and I like the way it works up stitching with wool.
Cable Chain, up and down buttonhole stitch, and braid stitch. I’m sure I could think of a few others, if I weren’t supposed to be preparing for a visitor!
The Curl Stitch! It has a few variations and I love the textured look of it sitting on top of the fabric!
http://italian-needlework.blogspot.com/search/label/Curl%20Stitch
I now need to go look up the difference between the Cable Plait Stitch and the Plaited Braid Stitch!