Hello, all! I recently finished stitching the Athenian Diamonds runner. I’m new to counted cross-stitch and haven’t finished the edges of a piece before, so I’m a bit nervous (thank goodness for Krista’s videos!). I think I understand how to hem the long sides, but the photos show “simple twisted floss cords added to each end of the runner.” I have not idea how to do that—does anyone have advice? I’d be grateful for any tips you can share!
Thanks,
Abby
Oh my goodness--thank you, everyone, for the kind words and encouragement! I was nervous to post a picture, because I've never shown anyone my stitching (outside of my family, who are obligated to say nice things!). I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kindness.
This is beautiful! I can't imagine how you stitched it so quickly. I've held off on stitching mine because I've been contemplating substituting colors but you've got me thinking the original colors are really quite beautiful. My favorite part is definitely the squiggles. For some reason, the squiggles seem so joyful!
It is a masterpiece. Great job.
Thank you all for your great advice! I will try out some of these excellent suggestions to finish it properly. Here’s a photo of the almost-finished stitching—I realized this morning that I missed a couple small things (grrrrrrr), so I need to go back and finish up. Thanks again!
I’m working on this too. Do you have a picture of yours?
I have this kit in my queue and I've studied the photo for a while to see how the maker accomplished the fringed ends. For me, I think I will practice a few alternatives before I make the piece.
It appears as if there are two steps. First, it looks like the maker pulled the widthwise threads of the ground cloth from the two ends of the piece and left the lengthwise threads in place. She appears to have counted off a number of lengthwise threads, twisted them, and knotted the ends. Over time, some of the twists look to have loosened, which lends charm and spontaneity to the work. In the areas where the ground cloth twists separate, it looks as if she used embroidery floss to make additional colored fringes. I imagine she used several strands, inserted them into the cloth, folded them in half, then twisted and knotted them just like the first set of fringes. I could be completely mistaken, so if anyone has a different take on this, I would love to understand how you think this lovely hem treatment happened. I have no idea how she got these to stay twisted!
Since there might not be enough spare cloth at the end of the cloth to twist the cords, I've thought about braiding the threads before tying them off. I've used this simple technique to make button loops, and they're surprisingly strong and quite pretty. That might not be as tough on the cloth as well. And, again, there may not be enough spare cloth at the ends of the work to do this.
Another alternative I'm considering is a simple hem with tiny tassels. You can make them from embroidery floss without much fuss and bury the ends inside the hem.
Hello Abby,
I have no idea how this fringe was done. I can't remember ever seeing any embroidery finished like this. What I have seen is a long fringe which is knotted similar to macramé. I've never done this technique so have no tips or advice for you.
Back to the original, the coral cord would be fairly easy to make, but how the ground cloth cord was made without distorting the ends of the runner I cannot image.
I will be on the lookout for something similar.
Rachel