a color study of shifting patterns...• color wheel and grey scale value finder. my travel size...

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A Stitch of the Month 2017 - IntroductionKaleidoscope Squares

A Color Study of Shifting Patterns by Deborah Forney

IntroductionGeometric patterns intrigue me more than any other aspect of imagery and this is why the medium of needlepoint has held my artistic attention for more than 40 years. Even with the smallest stitch and no color changes, we can create textural patterns as seen in stitches like 4-Way Continental or Alicia’s Lace. With more complex stitches, the patterning possibilities are endless. But what happens if we were to limit our set of stitches and compositional shape to just one layered pattern that fills a square? What is possible then?

This is the question I posed for myself as I developed the Stitch of the Month for 2017. I chose a pattern that may be familiar to some of my students, as it is one I have used in two projects to create columns or rows. The stitch pattern is comprised of 7 Steps, but for this new experiment, I have played with color and value contrast as well as eliminated or highlighted different steps to create varied visual and structural patterns. The process of creating these patterns has been a fascinating experiment and each sample has opened my eyes to more possibilities.

The course is divided into 5 modules with specific alterations and approaches introduced incrementally. The first two modules are large square panels that are meant to be treated like stitch sample coloring books. There was no attempt to create a composition or finished work; these panels are simply a grouping of nine squares that are 36 intersections x 36 intersections each for experimentation. The third module is a shading experiment worked in a narrow band. The fourth module is another shading experiment to see if the pattern could be stitched but not show a strong visible geometric pattern. The fifth and final module addresses selecting and grouping favorite patterns for usable items such as ornaments, jewelry, pin cushions or greeting cards.

I hope you will join me in a guided approach to experiencing Kaleidoscope Squares and that by the end of the year you will have created your own unique interpretations.


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Ideas for Finished Projects


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General SuppliesAll of the model samples were worked on 18 count mono canvas mounted on stretcher bars. The color of the canvas can match the base threads (as seen in Panel 1, the red canvas) or can be white, eggshell, soft ivory or brown. Once the experimental panels are completed, higher contrast canvas colors can be chosen for the finished projects if desired. Each module identifies the dimensions of the model canvases and the threads used. Personalized thread selection and usage is encouraged. Your goal is individual experimentation, not mimicry of what I created.

• Needles: a range of Tapestry and Chenille needles appropriate for the chosen threads

• Laying tool

• Embroidery scissors

• Drawing tools: soft lead pencil for drawing on canvas and a white plastic eraser such as a Staedtler Mars Plastic Eraser and a fabric safe marker like a Sakura Pigma Micron or Pilot SCA-UF pen

• Color Wheel and Grey Scale Value Finder. My travel size color wheel and value finder are made by The Color Wheel Company and sold on Amazon. It is best to own commercially created versions and not rely on computer printed versions of images retrieved on line because many in-home printers do not accurately recreate true black or the varied values that a commercial printer can replicate.

Optional SuppliesCopic markers for covering the canvas in between internal sections to match the base thread colors.

Charts for Stitching Kaleidoscope SquaresThe next two pages contain the charts of the stitches used to create one 12 x 12 intersection square. These 12 x 12 intersections are the building block of the patterns created in Kaleidoscope Squares. Keep these pages handy throughout the year as a reference for your stitching.

Calculating Thread UsageGiven the experimental nature of these panels, it is not possible to accurately determine your thread usage based on the quantities I used for my samples. Within each uniformly patterned exercise, you can do some simple math after stitching the first 12 x 12 intersection square containing all 7 Steps to evaluate how much thread will be needed for the remaining area. The 36 x 36 intersection squares are comprised of (9) 12 x 12 intersection squares. So, multiplying the yardage used for the first 12 x 12 intersection square by (9) will tell you how much thread is needed for the remaining areas in the 36 x 36 intersection square.

Front Back


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Charts of the 7 Steps for one 12 x 12 intersection squareSteps 1-7

Step 1: One 4-Way Giant Scotch Stitch

Step 2: Giant Cross Stitch


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*Step 3Preferred stitch sequence for ribbons and large

diameter threads

*Step 3Optional stitch sequence for small diameter

threads (all stitches go down in center)

Step 4 Step 5

Step 6 Step 7

a color study of shifting patterns...• color wheel and grey scale value finder. my travel size...

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