Take a stitch Tuesday Challenge week 17

Sorry for the late post this morning I have had trouble getting to my own site!

This week I thought I would give everyone a simple stitch. This has to be one of the simplest stitches used in embroidery and it is used throughout the world. This week the challenge stitch is Running stitch. The challenge with this stitch is more what you can do with it rather than master how to do it which I am sure many people will find a relief. For new hands this stitch is easy.

It is a deceptively simple stitch which can be worked in freeform meandering tracks, looks good layered at different angles and when worked in a regular fashion patterns can easily be created.

This easily developed patterning makes the stitch ideal for simple and quick borders

This sample is worked using a fine embroidery wool. Many patterns of running stitch have been developed into pattern darning. The ANG site has published some ideas for patterns While I am dishing out links you might like to read a little about the historical aspects of pattern darning

You can also whip or thread this stitch easily and worked row upon row creates an interesting filling. The sample below is worked on linen and running stitch has been threaded with various yarns.

For those interested in contemporary embroidery this sample also features threaded running stitch threaded with various weights of thread.

You can also lace the stitch in a number of ways (some are listed in my stitch dictionary) Here I have used double running stitch which has been laced to create a seam embellishment on a crazy quilt block.

The latest classes have been announced on Joggles.com. If you have been enjoying the TAST challenge you might enjoy my latest class Sumptuous surfaces. It is a 6 week online course which will start July 11th. Details are on the joggles site so follow the link for more information.

When you have stitched a sample swing by and leave a comment (preferably on this post) so people can check out your site. Don’t forget to leave your URL. To avoid spam you must be registered to leave a comment and all comments are moderated. This means when I have read them I approve them and they are published.

Don’t forget that Debra Spincic generously runs a web ring for the TAST challenge which is found here and for those who have a Flickr account there is the Take a stitch Tuesday flickr group

That’s the Take a Stitch Tuesday Challenge stitch this week …as usual experiment, explore and Enjoy!