Can You Do Embroidery Stitches on Canvas? is a question I often ask myself when I look at embroidery books.
While it isn’t quite as easy as converting Cross Stitch charts or stitching Blackwork patterns, in many cases embroidery stitches can be used on needlepoint canvas.
The first thing to remember is that many stitches are the same for both techniques. You’ll find stitches such as Rice, Scotch, or Long & Short in both kinds of stitch dictionaries.
The second thing to remember is that a very common stitch in embroidery, Satin Stitch, we know as Gobelin Stitch. Same stitch, different names.
Embroidery stitches can be very easy to adapt if the elements:
- all come out of the same hole, you’ll just use one canvas hole,
- use something in a straight or true diagonal line and are worked off the surface, just stitch the lines and make them the same way.
- have stitches that are straight or at true diagonals and of fixed lengths, that’s just what most needlepoint stitches are.
The tricky thing happens when none of these apply. Because fabric is not evenly woven, staying in a line of holes isn’t critical. If it look ‘about’ straight, it’s probably OK. When you convert am embroidery stitch you’ll have to turn ‘about’ into even.
The best way to do this is to look at a diagram, preferably one where you can see the threads. Count how many the stitch covers. On a doodle cloth, try the stitch covering as if the canvas threads were fabric threads.
Do you like the scale?
Did the stitch work?
If so, you have a new stitch to use. IF not, adjust the length and try again.
Either diagram your new stitch or makes notes about what you did.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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