What is Canvas Work?
By: Jo Kefford
Canvas work is the technique of forming stitches on a special open-weave fabric known as canvas. Canvas is constructed if vertical and horizontal threads that are
woven together to produce precisely spaced holes between threads. The points at which these threads intersect are known as meshes. All canvas work stitches are worked to make use of the grid-like structure of the canvas.
Basically, any canvas work stitch can only go in two directions – either diagonally across or parallel to the canvas threads and meshes. The direction of the thread takes is dictated by the kind of stitch that is being worked. Several canvas work stitches only fall in one direction; others require threads to be laid in several directions or even to be crossed over each other.
The size of a stitch depends upon two things. One of these is the character of the
stitch. Certain of the stitches span only one canvas thread or mesh; other stitches span two or more. Stitch size also depends on the gauge of the canvas that is being used. (The gauge of the canvas is the number of meshes to each one-inch or 2.5 cm of that canvas).
The more meshes per one-inch a canvas has, the smaller the stitches worked on it can be. Canvas is available in many gauges; this wide range generally falls into one of two categories – Petitpoint (16 or more meshes) or grospoint (fewer than 16 meshes). In general, the smaller the mesh, the more time it will take to complete. However, the smaller stitches are more durable.
Jo Kefford has been creating needlework for many years, and loves to encourage others to renew their creative flair. For more top tapestry and canvas work tips, visit http://www.toptapestry.com . All the sources of inspiration you need to complete your very own masterpiece.
stitch is added. You may choose to use a different color yarn for the upright cross stitch. This will create an interesting effect. Three diagrams have been used to demonstrate this stitch. Clicking on the PRINTABLE VERSION icon, located at the end of the series of diagrams, will direct you to the page to print these instructions.
BRIGHTON STITCH
The Brighton Stitch consists of blocks of diagonal stitches. The blocks alternate to create a "mirror-image". At the center of each block of diagonal stitches, an upright cross
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
J
H
I
K
L
M
N
P
Q
O
Brighton Stitch (Diagram 2):
This diagram illustrates how the second row should be worked into the first row. When the second row is complete, continue on to Diagram 3...
Brighton Stitch (Diagram 3):
Once you have completed the diagonal stitches, it is time to add the upright cross stitch. The upright cross stitch should be added to the middle of each block.
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Brighton Stitch (Diagram 1):
Bring the needle up at A, move up and the the right over two canvas intersections, bring the needle down at B. Bring the needle up at C, move up and to the right over three canvas intersections, bring the needle down at D. Bring the needle up at E, move up and to the right over four canvas intersections, bring the needle down at F. Bring the needle up at G, move up and to the right over three canvas intersections, bring the needle down at H. Bring the needle up at I, move up and to the right over two canvas intersections, bring the needle down at J. Bring the needle up at K, move up and to the left over two canvas intersections, bring the needle down at J. Bring the needle up at L, move up and to the left over three canvas intersections, bring the needle down at H. Bring the needle up at M, move up and to the left over four canvas intersections, bring the needle down at F. Bring the needle up at N, move up and to the left over three canvas intersections, bring the needle down at O. Bring the needle up at P, move up and to the left over two canvas intersections, bring the needle down at Q. Now, continue on to Diagram 2...
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Do you have a sample of this stitch that you would like to share? If so, click here...
***Stitch Index*** (Alphabetical)
A - I
***Stitch Index*** (Alphabetical)
I - Z
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Stitch-opedia
An encyclopedia of needlepoint Stitches...
