Pattern Darning Bookmarks | ||||||||||||||||
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Pattern darning is another technique that can give you a reversible completed piece. Unlike blackwork, both side may not be exactly the same. But the pattern formed on both sides is pleasing, and thus reversible. Pattern Darning stitches are executed like a running stitch by using an "over and under" stitching method. Some designs are worked back and forth (like the green bookmark), others are worked up and down (like the brown bookmark). As you work back and forth across the fabric, the thread running under the fabric will create a shadow which is an important part of the design. When you flip your piece over, you have a different design, also enhanced by the shadow of the stitches on the other side. This was the first time I used an overdyed fiber. We were given some by Needle Necessities that was a pretty green overdyed with purple. I used the same fiber to finish the edges with a Nun's Stitch, cutting close to the stitching on the sides, and fringing the ends about 1-1/2 inches. If you'd like to learn more about this technique, read my page in Needlework 101 called Pattern Darning
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