This week I have an easy quick stitch which I hope people will enjoy. Coral stitch is also known as coral knot, German knot stitch, knotted stitch, beaded stitch, and snail trail. It is also incorrectly known as scroll stitch which we looked at in TAST week 63. If you compare the two stitches you will see the needle is wrapped in a different manner producing a different look to the line.
Coral stitch is an old embroidery stitch which creates a line that looks like a row of knots and is used for outlines as it follows a curved detail well.
It is also a very useful stitch for twiggy bits in a floral design. If you work it in a very precise manner with knot spaced at exact intervals coral stitch can also be used to create a knotted filling with the knots forming a secondary pattern across the filling.
How to work Coral Stitch
Coral stitch is worked from right to left. To work bring the thread up from the back of the fabric and hold it loosely on the surface of the fabric with your thumb.
Insert the needle at a slight right angle, above the line to be worked and bring it out just below the line to be worked and under the fabric that is laid flat to the fabric. Wrap the thread under the needle as illustrated.
Pull the needle through the fabric to form a knot.
Continue in this manner along the line.
Coral stitch can be varied by altering the angle of the needle as it passes through the fabric. Some people work this stitch with the needle entering the fabric in a vertical position as it passes through the fabric. This will produce a tighter knot. By altering the spacing of the knots along the row the stitch can appear to be different.
The effect created is also altered by the weight and twist of the thread used. This sample was worked using perle # 5 cotton however experiment with threads as this stitch looks good worked in thicker threads or even a fine ribbon.
How to join in
It is not complicated. All you need to do is stitch a sample of this stitch or ANY of the stitches listed on the TAST FAQ page.
Once you have worked a sample, photograph it and put it online at your blog, flickr etc then swing back to the Last TAST post (you will find it under the category each week) and leave a comment that includes your web address. When you leave a comment include the http:// part of the address as then your address becomes a link and readers will be able easily visit and see your sample. Remember you can leave a comment about any stitch you have worked as long as it is listed on the TAST FAQ page.
Any special rules?
There are no rules but I do have a request, please link back here.
Further information
If you need further information on the challenge a list of stitches covered so far or directions on how to participate please visit the TAST FAQ page.
You can read back through TAST articles by browsing Challenges - Take a Stitch Tuesday category
Other groups and networks
You can also share your explorations with other members on the social network site of your choice. There is a Facebook TAST 2012 page, stitchin fingers group and the flickr TAST site. All these sub groups are set up at request of members
Buttonhole bar is often used in traditional pulled and drawn needlework and often seen used in combination with needle weaving. Used in a freeform manner it is fun and I find it highly addictive!
It is also easier to sew than most people realise. The main trick is to keep your tension even, so stretch the fabric in an needlework hoop or frame while you work.
This forms the bar on which you sew.
Work from left to right. Bring the thread out on the lower left hand side of the straight stitches you have just created.
As you work nudge the stitches long the bar so that they are snug but not so tight they twist the bar.
Take your needle to the back and secure it.
When you first learn this stitch use a thread such perle #8 or #5. When you have mastered it experiment with other threads. All sorts of threads can be used such as metallic, novelty or textured threads.
This stitch is worked from left to right between two lines.
With the thread under the needle as you would do in normal buttonhole stitch pull the needle through the fabric downward towards you to make the first stitch.
If you have trouble controlling the knot at this stage place your left thumb and hold your half formed stitch between thumb and forefinger as you pull the thread through.
Continue in this manner along the line.
You can work it on a tight curve and looks good when used to define a disk. As you can see in the sample above I worked a series of scallops on my 
Work scroll stitch from left to right along the line.
With the thread wrapped behind and under the needle, pull through the fabric. As you work along the line do not pull the loop too tightly.
This sample was worked using perle # 5 cotton however experiment with threads as this stitch looks good worked in thicker threads or even a fine ribbon.
