Using variegated thread makes embroidering so much easier because I never have to change the color of my thread! I used #12 pearl cotton on these blocks.
The block on the left has been embroidered with the outline stitch. This is my normal stitch, one that I have been using for 50 years. It just comes natural to me.
The block on the right is embroidered with a back stitch. This is the stitch that Gail Pan used for most of the projects in her book. It was very hard for me to have even stitches. You know what this means, practice, practice and more practice.
Every time I show a knitted dishcloth, someone asks for the pattern and what kind of yarn I use.
I use Lily brand cotton yarn and here is the pattern.
I don't know where I found this pattern, I do know it was a free pattern where ever I found it. Seed Stitch Dish Cloth - With a size #4 circular needle cast on 40 stitches. Row 1 & 2 – knit. Row 3 & 4 – Knit 2 *K1 P1 repeat from * across to last 2 stitches k2. Repeat rows 1 – 4 for pattern until measures 9” (same as bottom edge), ending with Rows 1 & 2. Bind off.
Linking to - Slow Stitching Sunday, Show & Tell Monday With Bambi, Love Laugh Quilt, Em's Scrapbag, Super Mom - No Cape, Esther's Wednesday Wow!, Finished Or Not Friday, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, Friday Night With Friends
If you are more comfortable doing stem stitch then go ahead. You don't have to use back stitch.
ReplyDeleteI like the look of the back stitch, it's just a matter of keeping my stitches even.
DeleteYour embroidery projects are lovely. The stem stitch seems to pop a bit more than the back stitched piece. When I retire, I want to learn to knit. I will probably start with making a dish cloth!
ReplyDeleteDish cloths are about the only thing I knit. It's an easy project to have on hand for when I don't want to do any other hand work.
DeleteLove your embroidered pieces, the outline stitch does enhance the embroidery more that the back stitch. I have a few embroidery projects using the back stitch and lately I have changed stitches for a different look. Very simple knitted pattern I think I'll give it a try. Love the color yarn used for the dish cloth.
ReplyDeleteWonderful projects. I just learned to knit a few years ago...the dish cloth is a nice pattern.
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery is so pretty. I recently taught myself some new stitches and they certainly improved as I worked them over and over. Thanks for the dish cloth pattern.
ReplyDeleteI really like the variegated embroidery floss! What a good idea! I'm interested in your dishcloth pattern, too - thanks for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteI've been embroidering lately too. I find it both stimulating, creatively, and relaxing. Interesting to see the same design stitched in two different stitches - thanks for that!
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery is beautiful! I love those blues on the squares. Happy stitching! Andrea
ReplyDeleteReally love the blue embroidery. It's gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteI like the outline stitch - so pretty. Hard to tell that Blue is your favorite color? LOL
ReplyDeleteNice knitting.....
I too love embroidery for a change of pace. It is also so easy to just throw in my purse to work on at airports, dr. offices etc. The back stitch is also one I learned within the past couple years. It is so much more defined for certain tight designs or corners. I love to combine the two stitches. Your variegated thread with a touch of applique makes my heart sing. Isn't handwork the best!!!!!! Even though I machine piece tons and am a longarm quilter....EPP and stitchery will always be my favorites. Thanks for sharing. Carrolyn V
ReplyDeleteI love your projects. Your embroidery is lovely! It is a great way to unwind in the evening, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteisn't it interesting that embroidery is making a come-back in popularity! Your embroider is so nicely done. I liked seeing the clear difference between back stitching to outline and the outlining stitch. They are both nice but the back stitching produces a more delicate look. I googled the Pastor's Attic applique quilt-looks right up your alley and will be a beautiful quilt. What color scheme are you thinking of?
ReplyDeleteThank you for your participation this week at the Show and Tell Monday !! Bambi
ReplyDeleteVery pretty embroidery ; nice to be able to knit as well! :)
ReplyDeleteYour embroidery is so pretty. I love the shades of blue in your blocks. Knitting and handwork are so calming for me, too. I love binding quilts for this reason.
ReplyDeleteSweet little embroideries. Your dish cloth makes me wish I knew how to knit.
ReplyDeleteHi Gretchen,
ReplyDeleteI think your outline stitch on the embroidery looks great, and 50 years of practice says a lot. I think you can give yourself a break on the backstitch - how can you compare it to 50 years? That's like comparing a KG student in reading to a doctoral student . . . I love the blocks, and especially the variegated thread idea. Brilliant! ~smile~ Roseanne
I love the little heart applique in your first piece. It adds that extra little bit of detail. Stem stitch and backstitch do create a subtly different look, don't they. I used to use stem stitch all the time. When I came back to do embroidery after a several year break, I switched to backstitch and I can't quite remember why I did.
ReplyDeleteI've been working on dishcloths too for the past few weeks as ours were starting to look pretty tattered. So far I've got three knitted one finished and three crocheted ones. It's nice being able to switch up what craft we're working on. :)
Thanks so much for linking up to this week's Stitchery Link Party and for linking back. Aloha hugs!
Thanks for the pattern of the dishcloth Gretchen going to try making them, my girlfriend in Alaska use to make them and they are great to use. Your little embroidered
ReplyDeleteblocks are so sweet. Cheers Glenda
It's your pleasure time ... so do whatever you want... xox
ReplyDeletethank you for this your broadcast provided bright clear concept..
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