Every needlepointer is familiar with the tent stitch. It’s the basic needlepoint stitch that most people associate with the way their grandmas used to make needlepoint pillows and piano bench covers. But, no matter how you learned about the tent stitch, almost all needlepoint projects use the tent stitch in some fashion.
In Bargello needlepoint, the tent stitch combines successfully with other Florentine embroidery stitches to create beautiful designs. An area worked in tent stitch will be flatter than the surrounding Bargello stitches and therefore will provide quite stunning effects.
When to Use the Tent Stitch in Bargello Needlepoint
Use the tent, continental and basketweave stitches to accent your needlepoint project when:
- Filling in small spaces that aren’t large enough for a Bargello stitch.
- Creating depth or a three-dimensional look to your design.
- Accenting a particular area of the canvas.
- Stitching with one color to establish a pattern resembling fabric like brocade.
To ensure that the canvas is covered in areas where Bargello and tent stitches meet, work the tent stitches up to the very edge of the long Bargello stitches. At the edge of the last row, slightly lift the Bargello stitches and place the tent stitches underneath.
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My current piece “Heart of The Thistle” isn’t bargello, but reminds me of a Bargello piece and that’s why I choose it. I’ve used tent stitch to highlight the inner heart bit, then swopped to cross stitch. I’m pleased to read that it’s used as a highlighting stitch, coz I just kind of …. choose to do it that way. The dimensionality of the tight, low tiny tent stitches is nice too.
Looks Great! Thanks for sharing the link. Althea