Cord #3

With cord #1 complete, I could resume stitching cords #2 and #3. Cord #2, "imitation wicker" is done in two steps. Step 1 consists of a diagonal foundation. The only real complication with this step is adjusting the angles around the curves. However, the basic angle for the stitches should be quite steep to support the over stitching that will be added in step 2. I am not confident that mine are steep enough. I will soon know when I move on to step two.

I find "single central braided" used on cord #3 one of the most difficult to stitch. Essentially, it is four diagonal stitches the full width of the cord, then four short stitches worked across them at the opposite angle. One end of the short stitches 'tucks' under the previous set of stitches; the other end will be covered by the following set. The trick is to get the angles correct and to space your stitches consistently so that regular diamonds are formed in the centre of the cord. Difficult enough on a stretch of fairly straight cord, perplexing when working around a curve.

Cord #3 also has an optional colour change. The transition from the first colour to the second should be gradual. It is achieve by twisting several threads with varying quantities of each colour, eg, thread 1 - 4 parts colour A; thread 2 - 3 parts colour A + 1 part colour B; thread 3 - 2 parts colour A + 2 parts colour B; etc. Thread 2 needles; one with thread 1 and another with thread 2. Continue stitching as before but randomly switching between threads, initially using mostly thread 1 but gradually increasing the use of thread 2. Then substitute thread 1 with thread 3 and continue in the same vain until you are stitching entirely with colour B. Got that?

© JEC/Carol-Anne Conway

It is because of techniques like this that I love learning and doing Japanese Embroidery.

Happy Stitching.