This tutorial is intended to be a demonstration of how embroidery can be incorporated into straight stockinette. It will introduce the concept of “anchor stitches” on both the right side and wrong side of a stockinette swatch and then show how these anchor stitches can be used to guide further embellishment. Anchor stitches allow for the canvas to be REVERSIBLE, meaning that you can achieve two distinct looks on one swath of stockinette. Instructions are provided on how to make a swatch, apply anchor stitches to both the right side and wrong side and embroider two different motifs.
This primer is particularly useful for adding visual interest to other designs of mine, such as My Cowl Canvas and My Hat Canvas, which have been designed with this technique in mind. I truly hope it serves as a creative springboard for you!
Yarn
Madelinetosh Tosh DK
100% merino wool
DK weight
225 yards (206 meters)
per 100 gram skein
20g of Antler
~100” (255 cm) of Dirty Panther
Tools
US 6 (4.0 mm) needles
Darning needle
Removable stitch markers
Blocking mat and pins
Gauge
5.5 sts and 6.5 rows / inch