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Chicken Scratch Continued......
To determine fabric size needed, count the number of squares on the pattern,
divide by the square count of your fabric (4 for 1/4 inch or 8 for 1/8 inch).
Allow a border for mounting or stitching and leave enough fabric to stretch
fabric in a hoop. Usually 4 to 8 inches on each side will be sufficient.
For marking center of fabric, fold cloth in half and then in fourths. Mark
center with a pin. Begin "counting" design from center.
To work with floss, cut strands into 36 inch lengths. Next, separate the 6
strands of floss as needed for your design. For 1/4 inch gingham, use 3 ply; for
1/8 inch, use 2 ply.
Before beginning, be sure your hands are completely clean. Place fabric
in wooden hoop, keeping fabric pulled taut. Make tight knot in floss. Pull each
stitch tight, being careful not to pucker the fabric. End floss by tying another
knot. Cut off long hanging threads.
Look at your fabric carefully. There are three types of squares - solid dark,
solid white and a medium color.
Work Dark Starburst (black circles) on the white squares
to outline design. Stitch an "X", then a "+" on top to form
an asterisk ( * ).
Work White Starburst ( X ) on the dark squares to fill in the
lace design. Stitch and "x", then a "+" on top to form
asterisk ( * ).
Stitch Straight Stitches ( - ) and ( | ) on the medium
squares.
For the Diamond Stitches ( O ), weave needle underneath each straight
stitch to form a diamond. DO NOT stitch any fabric, just go under the
floss. Go around diamond twice. Do not pull floss to tight, just taut enough to
see diamond shape over the white squares of the fabric.
For a change of pace, try reverse chicken scratching. Our Christmas tree with
French knots is an example. Use white floss on dark squares for the outlining
starbursts. The inner portion of the design is worked in the dark floss
with the dark squares showing through the diamonds. French knots in the center
of each diamond add a colorful, festive look when worked in a contrasting color.
Work the bell with white embroidery floss and the dark squares showing
through the diamonds. A straight stitch was used for outlining the entire bell.
The hanger can be worked in chain or outline stitch. Continue
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