Saturday at the Shop - January 22, 2022
This week's stitch is inspired by wallpaper. It is a great background stitch or any large area. Since it is an open stitch, it will stitch super fast, but looks way more complicated than it really is. I am currently planning on where I can use it again!!!
The stitch is a nod towards a geometric wallpaper design. The backdrop stitch uses a combination of vertical stitiches (over 2 canvas threads) and diagonal stitches (over 3 canvas threads). Next, we added a fill-in stitch which mimics a star and is similar to a Smyrna Cross. The major difference is we are sinking the thread into the center hole vs crossing over the middle. It takes a little bit longer to stitch, but it results in a stitch which is flatter than a Smyrna Cross. The Smyrna Cross creates a raised affect.
Now for my favorite part, choosing threads. I decided to use Silk and Ivory for the base thread (any wool or silk would work great). In addition, this is a great spot to use an overdyed thread. The fill-in stitch needs to be sparkly. I chose a Ribbon Kreinik, but you could use Silk Lame, Neon Rays or any type of Kreinik. In addition, you could randomly skip the stitch in this section and add an embellishment like an oversize bead, ribbon flower, etc.
Check out live demo of Kelly teaching us how to stitch on Instagram @Chaparral_Needlework.