Order Nantucket Needleworks Catalog

BASKETWEAVE OR DIAGONAL STITCH FOR NEEDLEPOINT

Claire Murray needlepoint kits are designed for the Basketweave stitch and yarn is provided for this. This stitch was selected because it minimizes distortion, which makes blocking easier. More important, the finished piece has a smooth, even texture, thus avoiding the ridges frequently caused by Continental and Half Cross stitches.

Basketweave covers extremely well and, being actually woven into the canvas, forms a most durable web making it ideal for pieces which will receive a lot of wear such as: rugs, chair seats, pillow faces, etc.

BASKETWEAVE STITCH INSTRUCTIONS
Beginning at the upper right corner, follow diagram A through D. Increase one stitch each side until you have attained maximum width. All rows from right to left are done as in F.
All end stitches are made as in C and D.

The reverse side will form a basketweave because the needle is aimed down when working the
left to right row (E) and across when working the right to left row (F).
Notice that the needle is always parallel to the canvas threads except when beginning a new row.

Left-handed needlepointers would begin in the upper left corner.