The method describe in my previous post was based on the Japanese embroidery technique nagamijika-sashinui (alternating LSS). The foundation row consists of long stitches (approx. 10mm) alternating with short stitches (6-7mm).
The stitches of the following row are all the same length (approx 10mm) and worked between the long stitches of the foundation row, splitting the short stitches about half way along their length.
The stitches of the following rows are also the same length and are worked between the stitches of the preceding row, splitting the stitches of the previous row about one-third along their length.
The stitches in the final row are worked in the same way and are shorter, ending in line with the ends of the stitches in the previos row.
In her book Painting with a Needle, Young Yang Chung describes a different method; one that uses long and short stitches in every row.
The first row is worked in the same way as for nagamijika-sashinui but with slightly shorter stitches (approximately 8mm and 5mm).
The following rows also consist of alternating long and short stitches that overlap and interlock the stitches of the preceding row. The long stitches are roughly 13mm and the short stitches about 5mm.
Young Yang Chung says that the stitches should come from below the stitches in the previous row rather than split them. She suggests moving the stitch aside with your finger; I found it easier to do this with my tekobari.
The stitches do not travel across the fabric as the above diagram suggests. I drew it this way to illustrate how the stitches overlap and interlock.
And this is how it looks stitched.
Happy Stitching
8 comments:
Great explanation, thank you. This method seems a little more complicated but because the stitches aren't pierced like the other one it's a little less intimidating, I think. I'll give it a try. :-)
It's interesting isn't it how we each break down and visualise the same techniques into ways which suit our individual ways of thinking/learning/embrodiering. Your great explanation of long and short stitch which makes this technique clear for you just confuses me, I know what you mean of course but I picture it quite differently in my head, almost like I see the finished section not the idividual rows. Still, life would be very boring if we were all the same, and learning new ways of looking at things is all part of the journey! Happy stitching
I think I prefer the result of Madame Chung's method....
shh...don't tell Master Tamura...
Thank you for the very clear descriptions and diagrams. I am new to embroidery and didn't realize there were such variations in the L&S stitches. I am looking forwarding to practicing the variations.
Just commented on your later post, then read this one.
In my very humble opinion, the shaded block at the end of this post looks better- blended colour wise - than the one in the second post. The cream isn't as 'in your face'.
I hope this is helpful- I feel a bit funny offering advice to one such as yourself!
Fascinating to see the variations in technique on Long and Short Stitch. I suppose each one produces a slightly different effect and is used for different purposes.
I understood the alternative long and short stitch but this is harder to follow. You say the stitches should not split the one above and it should come from below the stitch above, yet in the picture where you are doing the embroidery, the needle seems to be placed half way up a stitch. I really would appreciate more help on where the needle goes as I am very unclear. Also is it in the same place for all the stitches along? Are the new stitches on top or behind the ones before. How do they interlock? I can't seem to understand this at all.
I forgot to say - does the needle go back into the stitch at the point the stitch above finished or do you go behind it. If you go behind it, how far up it do you put the needle in? Yes, I am very confused. The diagrams, the photos and the words seem to all be saying different things.
Post a Comment