This is a tutorial to make a drawnthread motif that can be use on a collar or the yoke of an outfit. It was inspired by a vintage dresser scarf that I found on one of my antiquing excursion. I wrote about it here. It uses simple stitches that can be learned from this resource. I used the motif on the collar of my new Preemie Crossover Bubble which will be ready for testing soon. Here’s a sneak peek:
Step 1- Build a Square Grid
First, mark the bottom point of the motif on your collar or yoke. Make sure it is centered. The first shape you are making is a square, 4 empty spaces and 3 sets of bars. Think of a grid pattern. You will be pulling threads in a pattern that leaves empty squares 4 threads wide and bars that are four threads wide. Starting a short distance in from the corner point and clip 4 threads and pull them out until you reach the mark. Repeat for the other side until you have an empty space as shown below.
Now you will be skipping 4 threads and clipping 4 threads along each side of the square. Don’t clip at the edge, go in a little farther to the middle of the space. Alternate sides, one section at a time until it looks like this:
Don’t trim the threads, you will be basting them down later.
Step 2- Add the “Wings”
Now that the foundation is set, you need to pull out additional threads to build the “Wings” that will make the chevron shape.
The photo below shows how far to pull out the additional threads to build the wings. Always cut the thread in the middle of the space and pull out one side, then go back and pull out the other. This leaves threads on each side that can be basted down and covered in the satin stitching for extra strength.
Step 3
Next is the basting step. I like to put the piece in the hoop at this point. You can hoop it before you start clipping and pulling out threads, it’s totally up to you. I used DMC cotton size 80 all through the project. You can also use 1 strand of floss depending on the look you are aiming for. Try both and see which you prefer.
I really wanted to use my new hoop from Hartwicke Manor. It’s a beautiful wooden hoop that’s recommended by Mary Corbet at Needle and Thread. However it’s too large for my piece so I basted some muslin to the edges to make the fabric area larger. I did order smaller sizes, but they weren’t in stock and took forever to come in.
I basted down all the clipped threads. I started my basting stitch 3 threads in from the open squares. This way I can cover them in the satin stitching.
Step 4
Start with a waste knot which will be woven in when the stitching is complete. Satin stitching is described in the above link to the antique Drawn Thread book from DMC. Make each stitch the same size by following the threads and keep the tension consistent. Here, my satin stitches cover 4 threads, so my basting is covered. One diagonal stitch at the corner is enough coverage to turn the corner. The extra threads on the back can be trimmed away when the satin stitch is complete.
Step 5
Darning Stitches on the exposed threads to make the bars. I stitched a small section on a doodle cloth because I forgot to take photos of the stitches on the collar! Sigh. You can still get the general idea.
The thread will follow a figure 8 pattern and wrap around the exposed threads.
Place your needle as shown below and weave the thread to the left and the right.
Step 6
The final step is to add the Dove’s Eyes. The thread is stitched around the square and twisted so that a tiny cross is created.
Bring the needle up at the satin stitching. Proceed to the next side of the square space and bring the needle up in the center of the darning stitching.
Slip the needle under the diagonal thread and bring it up in the middle of the darning stitching on the next side. The thread will twist under the stitch. Proceed around the square.
