Simple drawn thread patterns

No. 479
category: simple drawn thread filling pattern
stitches used: bars of Satin stitches over 2 threads in the width and 2 threads in the height
vertical axis: withdrawn thread line
materials used: 13.5/cm thread-count Weddigen linen Coton à broder No. 20 for the filling pattern

Figuring out filling pattern 478, I conceived the idea of filling a shape only with Satin stitches over 2 threads in the width and 2 threads in the height and working them alternating slanting up to the right and then to the left The result is a nice pattern for narrow shapes on the straight of grain.
Starting in the middle, alternate withdrawing 1 vertical thread and leaving 2 vertical threads.

In vertical columns, from bottom to top and back, embroider Satin stitches as “bars.” Start at the bottom right of the longitudinal axis and work Satin stitches. They are worked slanting and crossing 2 fabric threads in the height and width.
Also, the stitches are worked alternating slanting up to the right and then to the left. So, after working the last stitch of the first bar, do no turn the work but bring the needle up at the left of the next two-thread column (to the left of the column just worked)
and work slanting Satin stitches from top to bottom.
Continue working Satin stitch bars always alternating from bottom to top and back without turning the piece
until the half of the shape is filled.
Now turn the piece and working from the already embroidered section, fill the remaining section.
Start there with a bar worked from top to bottom and continue working in the established way
until the entire shape is filled.
Washed, starched, and ironed the finished pattern shows its full charm.

No. 478
category: simple drawn thread filling pattern
stitches used: Four blocks of 8 Satin stitches over 2 threads in the width and 2 threads in the height and Rose stitches
vertical axis: withdrawn thread line
materials used: 13.5/cm thread-count Weddigen linen Coton à broder No. 20 for the filling pattern

As already mentioned in the previous article “The Filling Patterns of the Traditional Schwalm Bodice A” I here present the filling pattern of shape 1.
Because it is easier to understand how to work this pattern without a shape, I first show it as a practice exercise.
Alternate withdrawing 1 vertical thread and leaving 2 vertical threads.
In vertical columns, from bottom to top and back, embroider Satin stitches as “bars.” The Satin stitches are worked slanting and crossing 2 fabric threads in the height and width. A Satin stitch bar is made with 8 stitches in all.
Also, the stitches are worked alternating slanting up to the right and then to the left. So, after working the last stitch of the first bar, do not turn the work but bring the needle up at the left of the next two-thread column (to the left of the column just worked)
and work 8 slanting Satin stitches from top to bottom.
Work 4 Satin stitch bars in all, alternating from bottom to top and back without turning the piece.

After the last Satin stitch, bring the needle up at the left of the next two-thread column (to the left of the column just worked) – 4 fabric threads up from the bottom.
Work a Rose stitch with the first step worked over 2 fabric threads to the left,
the second step is worked over 4 fabric threads at the top,
the third step is worked over 2 fabric threads to the right, and
the fourth step is worked over 4 fabric threads at the bottom.
Take the needle over the last step’s stitch, insert it in the center hole and bring it up 2 fabric threads to the left and 4 fabric threads up from the center.
Again work a second and
a third Rose stitch in the established way. You should create “a die with 5 pips.” So bring the needle up 4 fabric threads to the right of the last Rose stitch center. Moving straight to the right will make the working thread in the back visible (please see red arrow).
To avoid this and to keep the holes open and clean, slide the working thread along a curved path through the stitches on the back.
Work 1 Rose stitch at the top right and 1 Rose stitch at the bottom left (please carefully look to the picture).
To start the next Satin stitch block, bring the needle up 4 fabric threads down and 4 fabric threads to the left of the last Rose stitch center.

In this established way work always alternating four blocks of Satin stitches and “dies with 5 pips” of Rose stitches.
Work the “dies” staggered in the next row.
Because the pattern has a tall narrow effect, I looked for a matching shape and decided on a bell.
Starting in the middle, alternate withdrawing 1 vertical thread and leaving 2 vertical threads.
In vertical columns, from bottom to top and back, embroider Satin stitches as “bars.” Start at the bottom left of the longitudinal axis (red marked line) and work – in the established way – always alternating four blocks of Satin stitches and
5 Rose stitches.
Work the next row staggered.
Finish the first row up from the already worked section.
Work the rows like a checkerboard all over the shape.
Washed, starched, and ironed the finished pattern shows its final charm.

No. 446
category: simple drawn thread filling pattern
stitches used: Satin stitches over 3 threads in the width and Honeycomb Darning stitches
vertical axis: withdrawn thread line
materials used: 13.5/cm thread-count Weddigen linen
Coton à broder No. 20 (Coral Knot stitches, Satin stitches and Honeycomb Darning stitches), No.
25 (Blanket stitches) and No. 30 (Chain stitches)

Starting in the middle, alternate withdrawing 1 vertical thread and leaving 3 vertical threads.
In vertical columns, from bottom to top and back, embroider Satin stitches as “bars”. From the center, leave unworked the 2 centermost groups of 3 vertical threads. Stitch a Satin stitch bar over the next 3 threads, *leave 2 groups of 3 unworked, then work another Satin stitch bar*. Always repeat the steps (*), until one half of the shape is filled.

Again starting in the middle, fill the second half mirrored.

The right of the two remaining groups of 3 vertical threads are now embroidered, from bottom to top, with Honeycomb Darning stitches over 4 threads in the width (when the heart is turned 90°).
Finally, the remaining group of 3 vertical threads is embroidered from top to bottom mirrored to the first.

The enlarged image shows how the Honeycomb Darning stitch is worked. However, more detailed instructions can be found in my book “Basic Principles of Schwalm Whitework”.

The finished pattern – here unwashed – has a three-dimensional effect.

Washed, starched and ironed the finished pattern shows its full charm.