Small Tramme

Truth be told, most Tramme stitches qualify as small space stitches.  However, I singled this background out as a small Tramme background because the stitched sample is an ornament I did many years ago.

The stitch is very straightforward.

Sequence: 1. Dark gray vertical lines (aka base threads) 2. Yellow lines (aka accent threads) 3. Black lines

Sequence: 1. Dark gray vertical lines (aka base threads) 2. Yellow lines (aka accent threads) 3. Black lines

The vertical rows are over three to add a smoothness to the background and moderate the tramme rows in the stitch.  That is a personal choice; you can do over more or fewer rows in your own piece.

The stitched sample is a combination of three different finishes in the same color family.  

The threads are DMC Pearl #8, Very Velvet, and Kreinik Metallics Very Fine Braid, all in a very light blue.  The Kreinik is a very subtle touch and may be hard to see.  That was purposeful...the light weight creates a very subtle metallic pop to the background that I love. 

The possible thread combinations and color combos are endless.  This stitch makes a fantastic background (obviously), but would also be adorable on a pair of pants with the base thread of the tramme row in a contrasting color.  It would serve well as a wallpaper, floor, rooftop (yes, again with the rooftops), or ground cover.  Its strength lies in the tramme rows, which add definition and strength to the stitch.  If you want a strong vertical (or horizontal) design element, this stitch is for you.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley Designs and Zecca Designs.  28 guides are currently available, including the newest Tea by the Sea, and more are in the pipeline.

I hope you enjoy this stitch and have the perfect spot for it!  Enjoy!

X's and O's

I love stitching snow.  The variety of stitches we can use are virtually limitless.  I can't think of a needlepoint artist who doesn't add some sort of secondary color, whether it is gray or blue, to add depth and nuance to the snow.

And those additional colors are exactly why I favor open stitches.  The shading is so beautiful and subtle I don't want to cover it up.  Today's stitch honors that objective and is for a snowman you want to stand out.

Add the base threads (gray lines) first, and follow up with the accent threads (green and yellow lines).  

With most tramme stitches I previously shared with you on this site, I used a matte thread for the base (typically Very Velvet or a heavy Pearl Cotton).  On the stitched sample on Instagram for this stitch, I used all shiny threads.  The base thread is Petite Sparkle Rays.  The green accent thread is Crystal Braid and the yellow accent thread is Shimmer Ribbon.  

When using threads with the same finish, take a moment to make sure they are distinguishable from each other.  As an example, Neon Ray would not work with either Neon Rays + or Shimmer Ribbon as the finishes are too similar.  If you are using contrasting colors, have fun with the colors!  Finish matters less in that scenario.

This stitch diagram, along with all other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on a Pinterest board here.

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for Melissa Shirley and Zecca Designs.  27 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!

Throwback Tramme

It's Tramme time once again.  

Today's TBT features the Tramme stitch.  

Diagrams for this stitch, along with other #whimsicalwednesday and #smallspacesunday stitch diagrams, can also be found on www.pinterest.com/whimsicalstitch/whimsicalwednesday.  

Be sure to follow whimsicalstitch.com on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and Twitter.

If you like what you see on this blog, want to learn some very creative decorative stitches, and how to put them all together, whimsicalstitch.com sells stitch guides for seasonal Melissa Shirley designs.  22 guides are currently available and more are in the pipeline.

Enjoy!