Variation 1

Variation 2

This stitch is fun when used as an airy filler. Turn the stitch whichever way works best for your design. You can also vary the way a stitch looks by the order in which you do your lines. For example, try an experiment stitching the long single stitch first. Then try making that stitch your last. You will be amazed how much different the stitch can look when done in an opposite order.

« Back to Stitches

Written by: Ryan

The Complete Needlepoint Guide gave this variation calling it Corn Field. You create the corn stalk just like the wheat except it is a little longer. Rather than spacing the stalks side by side, start your next stalk one thread over. You can leave it like that, which will leave some canvas showing through, or fill in with a small stalk.

« Back to Stitches

Written by: Ryan

Variation 1

This stitch uses a two-part process where you stitch the “stalks” and then gather them together into the sheaf shape. The number of stalks can vary depending on the space you are trying to fill, so experiment with 3, 4, or 5 stalks. Try varying the length of the center stalks to create a taller stitch.

Variation 2

You can also layer them to fill in an entire area as shown in this example.

« Back to Stitches

Written by: Ryan

Small Rice Stitch

The Small Rice stitch not only produces a nice background but will reinforce your canvas. You can work the stitch in two colors for a diamond effect. Stitch the large “X” first and then add the cross-hatches.

Medium Rice Stitch

The Medium Rice stitch doesn’t cover entirely, which may allow your canvas to show through a bit. Again, work the larger “X” first and then add the cross hatches.

Large Rice Stitch

The Large Rice stitch is very open and airy, almost lace-like. If you are using multiple ply threads, you will want to strip your threads before stitching so that your threads will lie nicely.

Variation 1

Variation 2

Variation 3

Just like the rice dishes we have today, there are quite a few variations. Here are a few to get you thinking. Experiment with colors, size, and cross hatching to get the coverage and effect you want.

« Back to Stitches

Written by: Ryan

Variation 1

Let’s explore our leaf stitches, which are very versatile. Not only can it be used for leaves, but it can create flowers, trees, grasses, even fur and feathers. It all depends on your threads and stitch lengths.

Here are two of the more traditional leaf stitches. This is another stitch you can vary the length and width to fill your design space. Try grouping several together or layering them for further effect. This is a fabulous stitch for experimenting with variegated threads. You can stitch the leaf back and forth so the variegation goes down the leaf. You can also stitch down one side and then up the other which makes the variegation change between sides.

Variation 2

This stitch can also be used for special effects. For example, this one could be a feather or a wheathead.

Variation 3

This one would be great for grass or perhaps fur.

« Back to Stitches

Written by: Ryan

Variation 1

Variation 2

There are many variations and versions of the shell stitch. Here are two examples that really do look like shells.

The first shell is worked from side to side sharing the center hole. You may want to use your needle or laying tool to open that center hole so that your thread will pull through easier. Your last stitch is the long stitch in the middle. Don’t be afraid to vary the length and width of your shell to fill the space.

The second shell actually creates a shell shape. First you stitch your shell shape, again sharing that center hole. Beginning in the very center, needle weave through all the spokes, continuing until you run out of thread at the “foot” of the shell. Move up to the next spoke and continue to weave back and forth. When you get to the end of that spoke move up to the next spoke and continue weaving. You will have a row or two of weaving just at the top on the last three spokes. Really tight and even wraps will make this shell pop out and look like a shell.

« Back to Stitches

Written by: Ryan