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Many stitchers do not like stitching part (or fractional) stitches. They are undoubtedly more time consuming and can be a little tricky at times, but the effect which can be produced by using them more than makes up for this, in our opinion. The stitches in question are 1/4-stitch, half cross stitch and 3/4-stitch.
The illustration below shows a quarter-stitch and a three-quarter-stitch separately and then both together in a single square of aida fabric. This would be shown as two small symbols sharing the one square on the chart. On the right, the quarter-stitch is worked by bringing the needle up at one corner of the square (1) and down in the centre of the square (2).
The three-quarter-stitch is worked by making a quarter stitch first and then completing it with a half stitch, as shown on the left of the illustration. It is possible to do the half leg of the stitch first and then the quarter leg, but this does not normally produce such a neat result.As there is no hole in the centre of the aida square it is necessary to punch one through. Sometimes stitchers find it easier and more accurate to do this with a smaller tapestry needle or a sharp chenille needle. One of the advantages of using evenweave fabric (stitching over 2 fabric threads) is that there is already a “middle hole” to stitch into, when making part stitches. These part stitches should be used where there is a need for more shaping. For example, let’s suppose you are stitching a scene with a sloping roof. Three-quarter stitches, with the half leg running in line with the roof, will look much better than a line of full cross stitches. This is less pronounced when working on very fine fabric, where the stitches are smaller and appear to lose their X shape and become more like small pixels of colour. But for achieving fine detail (especially curves) and subtle effects, part stitches can be very useful.To make a row of half cross stitch, bring your needle up at the corner of one square (1) and down at the opposite corner (2), then up through the hole below(3) and down at the opposite corner(4) etc.
You may have noticed that more and more designers are using areas of half cross stitch. This is because they appreciate the advantage of a “soft focus” background. Half cross stitches look less dense, covering less of the fabric. So they tend to recede into the background, compared to the cross-stitched areas of the design. This three dimensional effect can greatly improve the image by adding perspective to the finished design. | |
