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A Few Tips Before We Move On
We’re here to help you get started with the basics, providing clear instructions and images for each stitch to help you explore new techniques and styles. Be sure to check back often for the latest updates!
Begin with a Waste Knot to Secure Your Thread
Using a waste knot in needlepoint is a great way to secure your thread without having to weave it into your stitches immediately.
Here's How to Do It
Thread Your Needle: Cut a length of thread (we prefer 18 inches) and thread your needle.
Tie a Knot: At the end of your thread, tie a knot large enough that it won’t slip through the canvas.
Position the Waste Knot: Insert the needle through the front of the canvas, placing the knot about 2-3 inches away from where you plan to start stitching. The knot will sit on the front of the canvas, outside the area you’ll be stitching.
Start Stitching: Begin stitching as usual, with the loose thread running along the back of the canvas. Your stitches will secure the tail of the thread as you work.
Cut the Waste Knot: Once you’ve stitched over the tail and it’s securely anchored, you can snip off the waste knot at the front of the canvas.
This method keeps your back tidy while avoiding the need to weave in the thread until it's anchored properly!
Continental Stitch
1. After you have secured your waste knot, (see above), guide the needle up at 1 and down at 2.
2. Bring it up again at 3 and down at 4.
3. Repeat until completing the row.
4. Initiate the next row by reversing the direction.
5. Now work from left to right.
6. Bring the needle up at 11 and down at 12.
7. Repeat until reaching the end of the row at 14.
8. Alternate the direction of each new row to maintain a consistent pattern.
9. Continue to follow the numbers till you get the hang of it.
10. To neatly finish a thread, simply weave it through several stitches on the back of the canvas. Glide your needle beneath three or four stitches, then trim the thread closely to the canvas.
Bringing Caravan to Life with Decorative Stitches
Hannah Kilburg’s designs often leave room for personal interpretation, and this new stitch guide elevates Caravan by offering a curated selection of decorative stitches tailored to bring the design to life. These stitches go beyond the basics, incorporating techniques that add depth, movement, and personality to the piece.
Keep scrolling to follow along!
How to Work the T Stitch
1. The T stitch is basically a diagonal tent stitch where you skip a row then reverse it to form a T. Follow the numbers in our diagram and you may find this open stitch one of your favorites. We have!
Continental Stitch
2. This stitch is versatile and pairs beautifully with other decorative stitches. It is a reliable choice for balancing complex elements.
Upright Cross
3. The Upright Cross Stitch is a small, decorative stitch that forms a simple cross. It’s perfect for adding subtle texture or accents to your canvas.
Vertical Brick
4. The Vertical Brick Stitch is an interesting choice for stitching evergreen trees. Its staggered pattern mimics the natural texture of tree branches, creating both movement and depth with minimal effort
needlepoint reimagined