If you've only recently begun to plunge your needle into the huge world of sewing and crafts, chances are you've come across something called long stitching. If after glancing at one of the beautiful designs on Past Impressions you're 'longing' to create such a pattern, you no doubt have some questions. What is long stitch? What makes it unique? What are its benefits?


Traditionally worked at vertically, long stitch is hard to distinguish as being either needlepoint or embroidery due to its unusual technique (though using needlepoint yarn and a canvas would suggest it to be the former). It combines stitches in a variety of lengths for images and patterns that are noticeably vibrant and striking to the eye, whether they're simple images or expansive vistas.

Producing textures similar to Satin Stitches, long stitch is used to fill long areas of canvas, with one square on the needlepoint equalling one hole, as opposed to other forms of stitching where a square equals one intersection of the material. Long stitch is most excellent in creating wrinkles in a face or item of clothing on the pattern; the line created where one stitch ends and another begins pulls together an intriguing optical illusion of a fold. The important thing to remember is to not create a stitch that is too long, else the canvas will poke through.

Among our existing range of long stitch designs, our newer product highlight the eye striking, smattering of colours created by the patterns (one could even dye the fabric for greater effect). Our new Unicorn Long Stitch Kit and Farm Long Stitch Kit are great examples of how it produces decorative pieces highly appealing to children, whereas some of our older items (like our Poppy Head Long Stitch Kit, seen below) are a highlight of the unique sense of shape and detail that can be evoked.

What are your thoughts on Long Stitching? Do you find it preferable to other forms of needlework, or have you never been tempted to reach out that far with your thread? Let us know here in the comments, or by following us on Facebook, Twitter as well as our Google+ and Pinterest pages.


Post By Graham Ashton

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