Welcome to TAST Week 35. This week, I have a stitch that is a bit different because it is usually worked on a grid. You could experiment with it off-grid – in other words, work them in a free-form manner but people usually work them within a square.
I think you may be surprised by Woven Cross Stitch, as although at first sight, it looks a bit mundane, it is very addictive. It is also one of those stitches that once you work it, you realise how much potential it has. Try different threads such as perle cotton #5, a variegated thread or even a fine knitting yarn. As usual, you can find a tutorial for the Woven Cross Stitch in my Stitch Dictionary.
Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 35 Beyond TAST
For Beyond TAST, I am suggesting you experiment with Feathered Up and down buttonhole which is a stitch I often use for embroidery motifs that involve flower sprays, or in a situation where I want an organic feel to the pattern. This stitch looks lovely following gentle curves, and it produces what I call thorny stems for plant-like patterns.
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 Take a Stitch Tuesday Week 35
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!
