This week’s stitch is Chevron stitch. As usual, follow the link for a tutorial and eye candy. Chevron stitch is an old favourite, as I turn to this stitch more and more when I’m stuck for ideas. There is a lot of fun to be had with this stitch. With Chevron stitch you can vary the spacing of the feet and, the height and width of the stitch, to create all sorts of interesting effects.
As you can see from the above sample, Chevron stitch works very well with Herringbone. This sample was created by stitching a line of Herringbone in dark blue cotton perle #5 thread. The next journey was creating in Chevron stitch in light blue cotton perle #5 thread. To each of the feet, I added two Bullion stitches in wool thread. I used a hand-dyed silk thread to add a fly stitch to the base of the bullion stitches to create what looks like a little flower-bud.
Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 16 Beyond TAST
Half Chevron stitch is an interesting variation on Chevron stitch so I have chosen it for Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 16. This stitch is comprised of parts of two different stitches that make up a new stitch. Half Chevron stitch consists of half Chevron Stitch and half Cretan Stitch. Both are in the TAST challenge, but if you need a reminder of which is which, then follow the links to the tutorials for a bit of a refresher.
This stitch is fun to use as a simple border. Alternatively, you can work it row upon row to create a filling pattern. It will also follow a curve and you can use it to couch down threads. Of course, for crazy quilters, it is a fun foundation stitch to embellish seams. In addition, you can easily add beads to it. Generally, it’s fun and interesting.
If you are new to hand embroidery the challenge is to learn the stitch and share what you have learned. If you are an experienced embroiderer, enjoy Beyond TAST and give your work a modern twist. And of course, share it online so beginners can see what can be done with a little imagination.
If you are looking for past TAST stitch challenges the archives are in the Take a Stitch Tuesday category
Where to Share
So the idea is to stitch a sample, photograph it, share it in the Take a Stitch Tuesday facebook group, or use the hashtags #TASTembroidery and #PintangleTAST on Instagram.
If you need more information the challenge guidelines are on the TAST FAQ page.
Thread Twisties!
Experimenting with different threads can be expensive. You would normally have to buy a whole skein of each type of thread. My thread twisties are a combination of different threads to use in creative hand embroidery. These enable you to try out stitching with something other than stranded cotton. For the price of just a few skeins, you can experiment with a bundle of threads of luscious colours and many different textures.
These are creative embroiders threads. With them, I hope to encourage you to experiment. Each Twistie is a thread bundle containing silk, cotton, rayon and wool. Threads range from extra fine (the same thickness as 1 strand of embroidery floss) to chunky couchable textured yarns. All threads have a soft and manageable drape. Twisting them around a needle makes experimental hand embroidery an interesting journey rather than a battle. Many are hand dyed by me. All are threads I use. You may find a similar thread twist but no two are identical.
You will find my thread twisties in the Pintangle shop here.
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Love all that you have taught me