Beginner's Anatomy of a Stitch

Can't do a colonial knot or Hungarian braid stitch? Yeah, me too. And for a few months now I've been kinda hung up on my "lack of ability" instead of concentrating on my "ability"...more on the negative than the positive. (Weird, cause that's not usually me). But, just recently, while looking through Carole Samples book Treasure of Crazy Quilt Stitches (which I just love) I was struck by the awesome number of stitches...that were really just a mismatch of simple stitches that I CAN MAKE!

So, I decided to take a simple stitch...the zigzag...and add to it. I added lazy daisy, straight stitch, and french knot only. Those I can do! And was amazed at how far I could add to the basic lowly little zigzag...with no real effort.

So, I stitched up a sample to share..hoping that someone else might be helped to see that there is very little "magic"...just start stitching and see where it takes you.

Now, I don't advocate not learning new "established" stitches...but I say "Don't wait until you feel you are a SKILLED stitcher" just use what you do know and go for it!

On each photo, you will see two rounds of the stitch progression...I stitched in various color so you could (hopefully) see how the stitch builds from the basic zigzag.

I challenge you to take the basic zigzag...and add to it using only the french know, straight stitch, and lazy daisy. Change up the size of the thread...change up the colors...change up the height and width...shake things up. I'd love to see what you come up with...so will start a new string on the HGTV Message Board for needlework/quilting to share this blog and give you a place to post your photos.