CQJP July Block

Monday, July 9, 2012

Stitch Explorations: Figure 8 Cable Chain

Playing around with the cable chain stitch, I came up with a figure 8 cable chain. I thought other people might enjoy seeing how I did it.
It was sort of an accident......
I began with  a chain stitch
to make the cable and second chain, I wrapped the thread around the needle counterclockwise once
inserted the needle into and out of the fabric
then wrapped the needle counterclockwise once
pulling the needle through made a figure 8

I tried several times, hoping to be able to create perfect 8's

sometimes they'd twist, or pull out of shape when I created the next stitch
so I tried it with ribbon to see if a thicker 'thread' would hold the shape better........
it seemed to work and the figure 8 can be easily seen
but it still wasn't as stable as I hoped it would be.....


so then I wondered if doing a double wrap might help to lock the shape

the two bottom rows were my attempts with 2 wraps counterclockwise, inserting the needle, then a double wrap counterclockwise before pulling the needle through......

it seems a bit more precise and even
I tried it with a firmer thread.......and the 8's hold better, but sometimes it still twists......

maybe I need to do some more explorations on the figure 8!
I'd be interested in seeing your results if you try this. Happy stitching.
Thanks for visiting.
Hugs from Suz

8 comments:

  1. How interesting they could be a row of little bows. You ae very clever. I wonder if trying out different ideas is how most of our stitches evolved originally.

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  2. You're right, Shirley- I hadn't thought of bows. I'm sure lots of stitches came into being by accident......or by making mistakes. Thanks.
    Hugs

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  3. thanks for your instructions Susan, looks interesting, will have a go and let you know how I get on in the next few days.

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  4. I really like the effect with the ribbon. Thanks for sharing your technique.

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  5. I got it Suz,will send you the pic.I agree with Connie,like the ribbon one Thanks for sharing:)

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  6. Margaret,I'd love to see your stitch explorations on this! Have fun.
    Hugs

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  7. Anita, I look forward to seeing your pics. The ribbon sure has more 'body', doesn't it? With a variegated ribbon, the 8 could show better. hmmm
    Hugs

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I love to read your comments!