Needlepoint Stitch Guide for Nutcracker Soldier

This guy would look great stitched all in a Tent stitch but if you want to follow our guide we had a lot of fun with these stitches:

This is simply a cross stitch completed on every second stitch intersection. It doesn't matter if you choose the steps or the poles. The diagram shows it being worked in horiozontal rows (like a Continental stitch) but you could also work it in diagonal lines (like a Basketweave stitch). 

It doesn't matter where you begin and end this stitch, just be aware that the last stitch you place will be the most prominent. The diagram shows 16 stitches, you might have more or less than this to create your circle.

This is quite a tight stitch. It forms a heavily textured, luxurious pattern which is why we liked it for this regal guy. The diagram shows it being worked in two steps, in diagonal lines, like a Basketweave stitch. This makes it a little less tight to stitch, but you can also work it in horizontal rows if you find this easier. Here is a video.

 

Blue Hat Band—Satin stitch:

Vertical long stitches laid down in parallel to fit the space. Easy peasy!

Grey Hair—Horizontal Satin stitch:

See above but go the other way!

Red Coat—Mosaic stitch:

Blue Coat and Sleeves—Opposing Nobuko:

 

This is a small space for this stitch, so there are a lot of compensating stitches (shown in red in the diagram), but it works! Here's a close-up of the stitch on this canvas...

 

Green Stems—Wrapped Back stitch:

Stitch long stitches that follow the line of the stems. They don't need to be of equal length. Then go back and wrap your thread under each of the stitches and it forms a smooth, rope-like line.

Beard—French Knots:

Come up and down in the same hole to make the knots small and compact. You don't need to stitch every hole, just make them as close together as you like. Here's a video.

We used a cross stitch for the gold buttons. All the other stitches are Tent stitches. Enjoy!

 

You can purchase the Nutcracker Soldier here...