Tent stitch is a small, diagonal embroidery stitch
that crosses over the intersection of one horizontal (weft) and one vertical
(warp) thread of needlepoint canvas forming a slanted stitch at a 45-degree
angle. It is also known as Needlepoint stitch and is one of the most basic
and versatile stitches used in Needlepoint and other Canvas work embroidery.
When worked on fine weave canvas over a single warp and weft thread it is
known as Petit point in contrast to stitches, such as Gobelin, worked over
multiple warp and/or weft threads. "Petit point" comes from the French language,
meaning "small point".
Tent stitch variants
Basketweave tent stitch Continental tent stitch
Half cross tent stitch There are three types of tent stitch, all producing
the same appearance on the front of the canvas but each worked in a slightly
different way and having particular characteristics, uses, benefits and
drawbacks. These variants of tent stitch are known as basketweave, continental
and half cross tent stitches:[
- Basketweave tent stitch
The basketweave form of tent stitch is worked in diagonal
rows up and down the canvas. The yarn on the back of the
canvas has a typical basketweave appearance, with alternating
horizontal and vertical stitches. Basketweave is the best
stitch to use for covering large areas of canvas as it does
not distort the canvas as the other two forms of tent stitch
do.
- Continental tent stitch
Continental stitch is worked horizontally or vertically
across the canvas. On the back of the work, the stitches
appear diagonally across two threads. This method uses more
yarn than half cross stitch tent stitch but is more hardwearing.
- Half cross tent stitch
Half cross stitch is worked horizontally or vertically across
the canvas. On the back of the work, the stitch appears
vertical or horizontal, not diagonal, and crosses only one
thread. This method uses less yarn than other stitches but
is not very durable as coverage on the back of the canvas
is a little thin.
References: Fasset, Kaffe Glorious Needlepoint 1987
London,Century Hutchinson ISBN 0-7126-3041-4
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