Curve question

I'm not sure if I ever did trailings, or if I did, I don't remember that name. Is there somewhere I can see this stitch? A google search described it as satin stitch over an outline, which I've done, but I can't remember it being called trailings.

Lucille

I'm sure you didn't think I was a stitching cop. I think it is important to understand the differences between the stitches. I have three (four) pages devoted to stem stitch because there are different ways of working it. The Asian stitchers have another method similar to one I have shown (going back half way).

I think it's important that you learn how to go around curves neatly. Mostly that just means tinier stitches - not changing thread direction. Or it may be using a different method of doing stem stitch than the one you are currently using.

I've looked at old pieces I have done and I had the same problem. Jagged edges. I no longer have that problem.

And as Lucy said, there is always trailings. :-) Now there's something to master. Tricky little devil that it is. Someone else mentioned whipped back stitch. Well, backstitch is the opposite of stem stitch and is a tedious stitch if you make it tiny. I'd prefer to do whipped stem. Whipped chain (tiny chains) makes a beautiful, raised line.

Another consideration is the number of strands of floss you are using.

Something else to learn: Brazilian embroiderers reverse the term stem and outline stitch. Why? Because the thread is a Z twist and works up the exact opposite.

Dianne

Trailings is satin stitching over a pad, such as one or two (or three, depending upon what type of needlework you're doing and the thickness of the thread) threads laid on the stitching line. The padding threads are anchored at the beginning of the line of stitching and kept loose throughout. They are satin stitched down.

I've also seen a method where a running stitch is worked first, and then the loose thread used.

It's tricky to keep the line smooth (not wrinkled). Dianne

Dianne Lewandowski said

As always, I bow to your superior knowledge ;-)

If one is being judged in a technique, then one should worry whether or not it's proper to change directions to get the best fit. However, if the piece is being done for the joy of stitching, then why lessen that joy by agonizing over the direction of a thread or stitch?

I'm gonna have to find a 'competition' to see what judges think of my work. I know it's creative in terms of subject and fiber use but . . .

And why not prod yourself to learn how to do it without changing directions? I challenge you - as an interested embroiderer - to take some pearl cotton (No. 5) and do both stitches and see the difference and watch what happens to the thread.

I have a Group Correspondence Course which teaches very beginning whitework. Going around curves is one of the points of the finished work. There's tons of curves.

And in all the evaluations I've done, the curves have been perfect.

As I said earlier, you may have to change the way you do stem stitch.

I wish you well in your endeavors. I have seen some of your work and it is wonderful, fresh.

Dianne