Needlepoint Stitch Guide for Seashore Crab
Stitch Guide
Use the threads as a single strand, just as they come.
Stitch the crab first:
Crab Shell (Main Body)—Double Woven stitch:
To center this stitch on the crab's body (optional), start in the middle of the crab with two of the red stitches from the diagram below, and work left to the end of the row. When you arrive at the end of this and other rows, you will likely find the space doesn't allow for a full stitch. "Compensate" by adding half stitches as necessary (see the small half blue stitch on the diagram below). You can add these compensating stitches as you go, or if you find it easier, complete all the full stitches and add the compensating stitches at the end.
NB: If you have started in the middle you will have half a row at the top to complete. You can do this at any time, following the established pattern.
Crab Legs—Tent stitch (Continental or Basketweave)
Crab Eyes—French Knots (Youtube has videos for how to do a French knot in needlepoint).
Crab Pincers—T Stitch with Satin stitches at the base (optional):
Background Stripes:
To make these stitches fit, you may have to veer slightly from the design printed on the canvas.
Start with the middle column of Opposing Satin stitches, and work out on either side, fitting in rows of the Open Herringbone darning pattern (white).
Background Blue Columns—Opposing Satin Stitches:
Background White Columns—Open Herringbone Darning Pattern:
NB: These stitches are worked up 2 and over 1. Start at the top of the column and work down. You skip a hole as you move down. When you have reached the bottom of the column, move over two holes. Follow the diagram below.
You can purchase the Seashore Crab needlepoint kit here...
And the Seashore series of three (20% discount) here...
