Instructions
STEP 1:
Preparing the Canvas: Find the center of your canvas and mark it with a piece of thread. Place masking tape over the edges of the canvas to keep your thread from snagging on it as you stitch. Mount your canvas on the stretcher frame or bars, whichever you chose to keep it taut while stitching. This also enables you to stitch more efficiently with your both hands, one on top and one underneath.
STEP 2:
The Chart: The chart indicates the placement of all stitches, and the Key indicates the stitches, color, and number of ply to use of the 6 ply thread. The Key is also set up in a logical working order from the inner to the outer borders.
STEP 3:
Stitch Diagrams: All stitch diagrams follow the rule of coming up at 1, going down at 2, up at 3, down at 4, etc.
STEP 4:
Stitching: To achieve the nicest results when stitching with thread, separate all 6 ply, then put back together the number of ply you need to stitch. It might sound tedious, but it does give a smoother finished look and better coverage. Begin in the center by working the Back Stitch lines with 6 ply of 815, then 816.
STEP 5:
Next, work the Lattice Stitch sections: when you follow the diagram, the first color you put in will be the lighter of the two blues—322 in 6 ply. The second color will be the darker blue 336 in just 4 ply.
STEP 6:
Add the Straight Stitches in the two shades of green.
STEP 7:
Work the next border of purple Satin Stitch.
STEP 8:
Counting the number of canvas threads very carefully, add the Jessica Corners with just 4 ply of 336.
STEP 9:
Stitch the Satin border in 6 ply of 322.
STEP 10:
Add the leaves and the gold 976 background in Satin Stitch.
STEP 11:
Stitch the purple Continental Stitch border. Be sure to follow the stitch direction indicated in the diagram that creates the long stitches on the back of the canvas. This creates the proper angle and the best coverage for this stitch.
STEP 12:
Work the Smyrna Cross border.
STEP 13:
Add the Raised Square corners, notching one corner of each square around the purple Continental Stitch border.
STEP 14:
Work the outermost border with Continental Stitch. Lastly, add the gold beads in the center area as indicated on the chart following the Bead Attachment diagram.
Related Resources
Framing: You may wish to frame your
finished piece as a miniature, leaving an inch or so perimeter of unstitched
canvas inside the frame, or add a mat for a larger display size. A beautiful
gold frame will highlight the elegant look of your needlework. You can also
consider the option of displaying your finished piece in a diamond orientation
as opposed to a square—very eye-catching!