Continental Stitch

CONTINENTAL STITCH

The continental stitch was, and often still is, used in English and European tapestries. It is often referred to as the "straight line" stitch. If the stitch is used throughout the woven canvas, it tends to warp the canvas, making it much more difficult to block square when the piece is completed.

The continental stitch can be worked either horizontally or vertically. It is best to reserve this stitch for outlines in design areas. Refer to the above diagram for needle placement with regard to this stitch. Note that #1 refers to the first hole which you bring your needle up in, #2 refers to the hole in which the needle is next inserted, etc.

Backside View of Continental Stitch Continental Stitch Outlining Illustration Continental Stitch R & L Diagonals
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