Crathorne Bug - so far

Long & short edging, block shading, trailing, satin stitch dots . . .

Crathorne Bug - completing block shading

bringing the needle up just inside the previous block

taking the needle down just over the line of the next block

taper stitches at the sides to fit the shape

split stitch the final block, by bringing the needle up in the previous stitch

complete!

All using one stranded of stranded cotton, pale colour DMC 822; pale blue DMC 927; mid blue DMC 926; dark blue DMC 376, and a number 9 crewel embroidery needle.

Tips - Keep the stitches 'very' close together, as this will give a finer effect.  Also, keep the stitches firm, not too loose. Always work from the previous row, 'not' into it.

Crathorne Bug - more on block shading

Follow the block shading with DMC stranded cotton 3768, and DMC 926

Crathorne Bug - starting a thread, and block shading

4. Starting a thread - use a 'waste' knot, and work two little back stitches to secure the thread.  Once the thread is secured, the knot can be removed.

5. Start in the middle with the palest blue thread DMC Col.927.  Work the thread just over the line by an ⅛" of an inch or 2mm.

6. Fill in the whole block, working out from the middle on both sides, to help keep the direction straight.  The shape of the block widens at the bottom, and therefore, it is necessary to add in a shorter stitch to retain the shape.

7. Next colour - DMC Col.822, an off white colour.  Work from the middle of the first colour, bringing the needle up on the original design line.  Work the block in the same way, middle out on both sides, and work slightly over the next line.  Keep the stitches very close together for the best result!

 8. Again work the stitches to fit the shape on each side.

This design has been worked using a No.10 crewel embroidery needle, or it is possible to use a 9 or 8.

seeding and block shading

seeding with needle action - part 1

seeding with needle action - part 2

seeding complete with Bayeux stitch

block shading over split stitch - stage 1

block shading over split stitch - stage 2

block shading complete!

Seeding - I had worked the seeding previously all over the leaves - then, when I read Nikki's instructions - I realised it only needed to be around the edge of the leaves, which I preferred - so I started again!

Block shading - This stitch is worked similar to long and short shading, except, on the second row, each stitch is worked in line next to one another, so that bands or blocks of shading are created!

P.S. - I have now actually finished this whole project, but I have decided to spread my posts over the coming weeks so you will still be able to follow my progress and watch this crewel work design for Nicola Jarvis's exhibition grow!