Counted Tapestry - Something Different
Tapestry is normally worked on canvas with the picture printed on the surface and follow the colour changes from this.
Counted tapestry is the same principle as counted cross stitch except canvas replaces the fabric and wool is used in place of stranded cotton.
Tapestry is always best worked on a frame as this keeps the tension right, there is only one stitch used so they are simple to complete.
The stitch used is tent stitch, this gives an even covering over the back of the work.
Unlike counted cross stitch where varying strands of thread are used dependent on the type of fabric being used.
Counted tapestry uses one length of wool over one square of the canvas.
On the design chart one square represents one stitch and each symbol denotes which colour to use.
As with cross stitch there will be arrows on the chart to enable the stitcher to find the centre of the design.
Once you have found the centre of the chart next locate the centre of the canvas.
There are two ways to achieve this, the first gently fold in halfways and widthways.
The crossing point indicates the centre of the canvas to commence stitching.
The second way is to measure the canvas to locate the centre and mark with a pencil at the crossing point.
The pencil mark will be covered by the stitching.
With the first stitch or when starting with a new length of wool, leave a short length of thread approximately 1-2 centimetres at the back of the first stitch.
The loose thread can then be worked under the other stitches securing it.
It is not advisable to use a knot as this spoils the project by making it uneven.
If a knot is used to anchor the loose thread, once the loose end has been secured the knot can be cut off.
To finish off a section of thread or stitches carefully run the needle under a few stitches on the back of the canvas to secure the loose end of the thread.
Counted tapestry is the same principle as counted cross stitch except canvas replaces the fabric and wool is used in place of stranded cotton.
Tapestry is always best worked on a frame as this keeps the tension right, there is only one stitch used so they are simple to complete.
The stitch used is tent stitch, this gives an even covering over the back of the work.
Unlike counted cross stitch where varying strands of thread are used dependent on the type of fabric being used.
Counted tapestry uses one length of wool over one square of the canvas.
On the design chart one square represents one stitch and each symbol denotes which colour to use.
As with cross stitch there will be arrows on the chart to enable the stitcher to find the centre of the design.
Once you have found the centre of the chart next locate the centre of the canvas.
There are two ways to achieve this, the first gently fold in halfways and widthways.
The crossing point indicates the centre of the canvas to commence stitching.
The second way is to measure the canvas to locate the centre and mark with a pencil at the crossing point.
The pencil mark will be covered by the stitching.
With the first stitch or when starting with a new length of wool, leave a short length of thread approximately 1-2 centimetres at the back of the first stitch.
The loose thread can then be worked under the other stitches securing it.
It is not advisable to use a knot as this spoils the project by making it uneven.
If a knot is used to anchor the loose thread, once the loose end has been secured the knot can be cut off.
To finish off a section of thread or stitches carefully run the needle under a few stitches on the back of the canvas to secure the loose end of the thread.
