Lattice Holding Stitch, step by step

A while ago, I was asked how to do the lattice holding stitch. This stitch was taught to me on a Japanese embroidery course held by Japanese Embroidery UK and is fully detailed in The Techniques of Japanese Embroidery available from the Japanese Embroidery Centre.

I used this stitch on the Blue Eyed Boy and am using it again on the Pink Lady. First I covered the whole area in Vertical Foundation Stitch. I used a double strand of pale pink silk.

© Jennifer Ashley Taylor/Carol-Anne Conway

Next, I laid stitches across the whole area at a 45 degree angle to the foundation, taking care to space the stitches evenly and keep them parallel to one another. The area of the hind wing is rather small so I have spaced the stitches at 3mm in this case. I could have used a twisted silk of the same colour as the foundation or in a colour to either compliment or contrast the foundation. Here I have used twisted imitation silver.

© Jennifer Ashley Taylor/Carol-Anne Conway

I used the same thread to lay more stitches, this time at 90 degrees to the first laid stitches. to create a grid of small squares.

© Jennifer Ashley Taylor/Carol-Anne Conway

Finally, wherever the laid stitches intersect, I have tied them down with little couching stitches. I have used the same twisted silver thread for this but twisted pale pink could also have been used.

© Jennifer Ashley Taylor/Carol-Anne Conway

I think the finished effect is quite lovely.

© Jennifer Ashley Taylor/Carol-Anne Conway

Happy Stitching