This mini-sock features five cross stitches, all that have “double” in their names.
I tried something different with this sock, Tahiti is used in every patch, along with a red thread. I did that because I wanted some consistency. But I got too much consistency. If you look at the picture, it can be hard to see the border between adjacent blocks.
I will be fixing that by adding some ribbon or thread borders in another color. I think a better choice would have been to combine Tahiti with two different colors, alternating them in the patches.
Anyhow, onto the stitches. To make things easier, I’ve done a new outline, below (click for full-size) with numbered patches.
Patch #1 uses Double Dutch, an oblong cross stitch. The rows alternate vertical stitches between two stitches or in the center of the stitches. I used Tahiti with JL Walsh silk/wool for the ties.
This stitch looks kind of open until you get the ties in. I think it makes a nice subtle pattern.
Patch #2 uses Double Straight Cross, above, an amazingly versatile stitch. Upright Crosses, in Tahiti here, are made and then tied down with a diagonal cross, done in overdyed perle. You can vary the ties, the Upright CRosses, make checked patterns, lots of things. It’s also a fun stitch to do.
Patch #3 uses Double Rice, above. I used Tahiti for the Cross over four threads and Ty-Di Just Cotton for the ties. I like Rice but often find it a bit too open. By adding additional tying stitches, the stitch pattern becomes more dense.
Patch #4 uses another favorite stitch, Double, above. This stitch alternates a thin oblong cross with a tiny cross stitch over one thread. When I’ve done it in the past I thought it looked rough and rustic, but here, donee in Tahiti Waterlilies and Soy Luster, it’s very delicate.
Patch #5 uses Double Smyrna, above, using Tahiti for the diagonal cross and candy glass Kreinik for the horizontal and vertical stitches. You can make this stitch look less rigid by alternating the direction of the top stitches.
Not my best color choice all in all but fantastic stitches!
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
Patt says
Nice job, Janet. I really like the choices in this one (threads and stitched)
Gayle says
Can’t wait to start the stocking love the challenge of the stitches. Thanks for numbering the patches to the stitch this will be easier to match the right position.
Pelin says
This is very pretty Janet, congratulations! Lovely colours 🙂