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| In this months internet exclusive feature, we look at some traditional and, perhaps, some forgotten stitches for you to experiment with. |
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Since embroidery nowadays is worked for recreational purposes rather than for functional reasons, there is no need to stick to the traditional and durable stitches that were originally worked to last, so we can play around with different techniques and develop themes through experimenting with fabrics, threads, stitches and shading for pure pleasure. |
| You could start by tracing off outlines from handy reference material that takes your eye, such as the seasonal illustrations that we've provided here, and taking Autumn as a theme, develop ideas for using all or part of these drawings, for table linen, pictures, samplers, or since Christmas isn't far away, perhaps for a gift for a member of the family or a friend. Fruits and berries make a good . starting point, and you could look out for fine examples in your garden and the countryside from which to draw additional inspiration. We've found some lovely and, perhaps, rather forgotten stitches for you to experiment with: |  |
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1. Roumanian Stitch: Fig. I - Bring the thread through at the top left of the shape, carry the thread across and take a stitch on the right side of the shape with the thread below the needle. Fig. 2 - Take a stitch at the left side thread above the needle. These two movements are worked until the shape is filled. Keep the stitches close together. The size of the centre crossing stitch can be varied to make a longer oblique stitch or a small straight stitch. If necessary, commence a shape with a few Satin Stitches until the laid thread is an appropriate length for the crossing stitch. |
| 2. Jacobean Couching or Trellis Couching Stitch: This stitch makes an attractive filling for the centre of flowers or shapes where an open effect is required. It consists of long evenly spaced stitches (Laid Threads) taken across the space horizontally and vertically (Fig l ) or diagonally (Fig.2): then the crossed threads are laid down at all intersecting points. The tying or couching stitch can be a small slanting stitch or cross stitch. (It might be nice to work the couching stitch in metallic thread). |  |
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3. Wheatear Stitch: Work two Straight Stitches at A and B. Bring the thread through below these stitches at C and pass the needle under the two Straight Stitches without entering the fabric. Insert the needle at C and bring through at D. |
| 4. Vandyke Stitch: Bring the needle through at A. Take a small horizontal stitch at B and insert the needle at C. Bring the needle through at D. Without piercing the fabric pass the needle under the crossed threads at B and insert at E. Do not pull the stitches too tightly otherwise the regularity of the centre plait will be lost Depending on the desired effect stitches may be worked slanting or horizontally. |  |
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5. Sheaf Stitch: An attractive filling stitch consisting of three vertical Satin Stitches tied across the centre with two horizontal Overcasting Stitches. The Overcasting Stitches are worked round the Satin Stitches, the needle only entering the fabric to pass on to the next sheaf. The sheaves may be worked in alternate rows as shown, or in close horizontal rows directly below each other. |
| 6. Spanish Knotted Feather Stitch: Bring the thread through and hold down to the left with the left thumb. Take a slanting stitch to the left through the fabric under the laid thread and pull through with the needle point over the working thread as shown in Fig 1. Pass the thread over to the right and back to the left to form a loop and hold down then take a slanting stitch to the right under the laid thread and pull through with the needle over the working thread as in Fig. 2. Take a stitch in the same way to the left as in Fig. 3. Repeat Figs. 2 and 3 to the end of the line then fasten off with a small stitch as shown in Fig. 4. |  |
| Stitch diagrams 1 to 6 have been taken from a selection of stitch publications from Coats Crafts UK including 100 Embroidery Stitches book number 10701. Ring the Anchor helpline on 01325- 365457 for details of other Coats Crafts UK publications. Illustrations: Hilary Mackin |