Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 44. And here, I would like to introduce you to Twisted Chain stitch or Rope stitch. These are two very similar stitches. Rope stitch is a twisted chain stitch worked closely together, so I am inclined to group them together. They are a perfect example of a stitch that can look very different if you play with the spacing. You can also lengthen the ‘arms’ of each stitch to produce a barbed line useful for floral sprays.
Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 44 Beyond TAST
Beyond TAST this week, is actually two stitches: Barred Chain and Alternating barred chain. As a variety they are so close, I have grouped them together. Once you have the hand action of one, you have it for the other too, so I am sure people will enjoy playing with both. Visit the tutorials for Barred Chain and Alternating barred chain.
Both Barred Chain and Alternating barred chain follow a curved line well and make wonderful spiky twiggy bits in floral motifs and organic flowing sprays of flowers and greenery. Once again these are stitches that have hidden talents, and until you try them you won’t discover them. There are not many stitches that are linear and highly textured but these are among them.
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.
I hope you enjoy the stitches for Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 44 — see you next week!
I was asked if I would be running TAST again next year. And the answer is: yes I will, so I’ll see you again next year (and of course next week) 🙂
And next week our online shop re-opens with all the goodies like templates, seam rippers, threads, and more!
My book for creative stitchers
If you enjoy my site you will gain real value from my book: Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery: Visual Guide to 120 Essential Stitches for Stunning Designs
Feeling stale? Wondering how to add sparkle to your embroidery? I have aimed Creative Stitches for Contemporary Embroidery to be suitable for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers. It introduces techniques to encourage your creative interpretations of stitches. I guide you towards discovering play-points in your embroidery by varying the height and width; by stacking stitches; or by filling multiple rows with the same stitch. With creative variations and demonstrations of tiny tweaks, You will be ready to head off down your own creative path and, of course, illustrated with plenty of eye candy!
