A stitch guide is a set of instructions that tells you how to stitch a specific needlepoint canvas or design. Essentially, it’s a personalized “how-to” manual that helps bring a hand-painted needlepoint canvas to life with specific stitches, threads, and techniques.
Here’s what a stitch guide typically includes:
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Thread Recommendations: Lists the exact type/brand and color of threads to use, such as silks, metallics, or specialty fibers.
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Stitch Suggestions: Recommends which decorative stitches (such as Skip Tent, Woven, or French knots) to use in different parts of the design to add texture and dimension.
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Stitch Diagrams and Photographs: Provides visual aids to help you understand where and how to place each stitch.
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Written Instructions: Offers step-by-step guidance, often organized by area (such as background, clothing, basket, sky).
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Techniques or Tips: May include suggestions for embellishments (like beads or ribbons), or advice on padding, shading, and thread management.
Stitch guides are perfect for stitchers who want to elevate their work beyond basic tent stitch but need some guidance on how to do so. Consider a stitch guide to be full of suggestions. If you would rather use Diagonal Mosaic as a background stitch rather than the suggested Skip Tent, you can absolutely do that! If you want to make something sparkle, you can choose to stitch with Silk Lamé Braid rather than Vineyard Silk.
At Golden Thread Needlepoint Studio, our stitch guides are thoughtfully crafted to elevate your stitching experience and are available as digital downloads so you can start stitching right away. Each guide includes thoughtfully selected stitches, fibers and tips to help bring your canvas to life with confidence and creativity. The guides we currently have available are paired with our canvases: “Queso” and “Shaken, Not Stirred” and can be found on our website or by clicking the links provided.
Happy Stitching,
Anne & Rachel