Do you struggle to find decorative needlepoint stitches that show well in small spaces?
Do you need a stitch that is small enough that you can fit more than one pattern repeat in your space, yet distinctive enough that you can see the pattern?
In previous posts we’ve talked about the Upright Cross, Double Brick and Criss-Cross Hungarian - that's the one that makes this heart so cute in this needlepoint kit from Superfine Stitches...
Love The Wine You're With needlepoint kit with silk threads
and a Criss-Cross Hungarian stitch that rocks this small space.
But wait, there's more...
We've chosen three little-known needlepoint stitches that are small in scale, non-directional, and easy to compensate. In other words... ideal for use in small areas!
Needlepoint Stitch For Small Spaces #1 –
Small Leaf Variation Stitch
This cuter-than-cute, tiny stitch produces a lacy look that is non-directional and easy to compensate. While it can be used anywhere, it is particularly good for foliage and fur.
The lion's mane on our Sir Lion Heart needlepoint kit would handsomely sport this Leaf Variation stitch.
Here's how you would work the Leaf Variation stitch into a small space...
Needlepoint Stitch For Small Spaces #2 –
Damask Stitch
The Damask stitch is nice and smooth and produces an elegant tone-on-tone effect.
It works well anywhere that you want a relatively untextured look - maybe flower petals, windows, water, clouds and small patches of smooth grass. The bottle on this Gin and Bare It needlepoint kit would gleam beautifully in Damask...
The Damask stitch is easily compensated by shortening the stitch length to fit around other objects. Here's how it is worked...
For this diagram we have worked the Damask stitch over two intersections to fit in a small space. It is also a great stitch for backgrounds and larger areas if worked over three intersections. Notice that it does leave some of the canvas showing so be aware of that when choosing your thread thickness (the thinner your thread the more canvas will show), and the area you are placing it over for color matching.
Needlepoint Stitch For Small Spaces #3 –
Oblique Variation Stitch
The Oblique Variation is a little-known stitch to add to your library of handy needlepoint stitches for small areas. The combination of three smooth diagonal stitches, interrupted with a single opposite diagonal stitch, makes this interesting to stitch and gives a rich texture to a small space.
This stitch is a little larger in scale than the Leaf and Damask stitches and should be used in areas where you have room for at least 2 pattern repeats horizontally and vertically. It is great for rocks, rough ground, fur, or anywhere that you want a more textured look. The flames on this Comin' In Hot needlepoint kit by Superfine Stitches would dance under an Oblique Variation stitch...
It is worked in horizontal rows back and forth, like so...
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