Needlepoint part Three

Okay now that we all have mastered the Basket Weave Stitch, we can move on to creating a pattern for our baskets.  There are a few things I like to consider when I make anything and making a basket will be no different.  There are two main design concepts that are important to consider when designing anything and they are FORM & FUNCTION.
One of the first things I like to consider is, how will this item, and in our case this basket, be used?  Function - My sister will be using it on top of her refrigerator to hold bread and chips.  So it can be larger in size and since bread and chips are light then it doesn't necessarily need to be super duper sturdy.
Evaluating how an item will be used and thinking of it's use day in and day out will allow you to choose the right materials.  Choosing light weight materials for a heavy duty purpose will lead to an item that just doesn't last.  Choosing heavy duty materials when it's function is lighter weight will result in a loss of form - to bulky.  In the end you have wasted materials. Wasted materials means more money spent, and one of the main reasons we all DIY is to save a little cash? Right?
So now that we have evaluated the basket's function, let's talk form.  Form can be described as the visible shape or configuration of something.  If we look back at the function then form is basically decided for us.  It will be used on top of a refrigerator - rectangular, and will hold light, but bulky items (chips and bread).  So we will have a rectangular basket that can be made from lighter weight materials, like Plastic Canvas, needlepointed with knitting yarn.
Now you know how and why I chose the materials and shape I did for the basket so you can decide what  suits your needs best.
As far as a pattern, I chose to alternate panels of basket weave, forwards and backwards. I did this because as I mentioned in part 2, I think it is just as beautiful either way.  The colors I chose because they match my sister's kitchen.  When I lay out a pattern mostly I rely on math.  I measure and divide evenly, and honestly do it again and again until I am pleased with the outcome.  I have no shortcuts to offer you in this matter.  I believe I come up with pleasing patterns and designs but it comes from hard work and sometimes starting over, and over.  It doesn't pour out of me. It is because of this that I understand why needlepoint kits in particular are a bit pricey.  Not only are the materials sometimes expensive, but who ever designed them worked hard to make them the way they are.
Once your pattern is laid out how you want it, then you can begin needlepointing your panels.  In my case I have 5 panels to work with. One for each side and a bottom.  Once your panels are complete, you can simply whip stitch them together.  Then your basket is done.
Now, if I am an honest blogger, I have to admit my basket isn't complete yet.  So I have included today photos of mine in progress, to demonstrate the joining of my panels.  When it is done I will update with more photos, but with our Week in Needlepoint coming to a close, I wanted to wrap things up as best as I could.  I know it was a lot of information, but thanks for sticking with me and good luck with your basket.

View from the corner

view looking up through the bottom

view of the corner, from the inside

view of the corner, from the outside

Needlepoint part two

Okay, I know that after yesterday's compelling post on needlepoint,  all of my wonderful readers are just dying to know how to continue with needlepoint.  Well today I will share with you the basket weave stitch.  I have read that it is the "Holy Grail" of needlepoint stitches because of it's simplicity, canvas coverage, and ability to reenforce the canvas as well as not warp the canvas.  For the purpose of our basket project it is one of three stitches that will be used to complete the basket.  The other two stitches names are the whip stitch and the tent stitch.  The basket weave stitch will cover 90% of our project so let's get to work.

Materials needed

As I mentioned yesterday the materials you will need are worsted weight yarn, plastic canvas, a tapestry needle and a pair of scissors.

But before you start cutting canvas an marking patterns let's practice the basket weave stitch.  Remember in part one, I mentioned that needlepoint is a craft that takes a lot of time.  It is also a craft that if you foul up, you can't really just cover it up.  You HAVE TO TAKE OUT ALL OF THE MISSED STITCHES.  If you are like me then there is a good possibility you don't see your mistake until you have filled in 4 rows and going back is just as daunting as starting over.  Don't let me scare you - this is fun - I PROMISE!  Let's just start as we mean to go along.

The Basket Weave Stitch

• Cut a length of yarn no longer than your arm.  

Now I know it is tempting to cut a longer piece of yarn; but there are reasons to using a shorter length of yarn.  As you pull through the canvas again and again your yarn will "whittle" down if you will.  If you cut 6' of yarn to work with not only will it get tangled but your stitches will look smaller by the time you are at the end of your piece of yarn in comparison to the beginning.  So - a short length of yarn.

• Thread your tapestry needle 

If you don't have a tapestry needle and you are considering using a regular sewing needle I beg of you to get a tapestry needle. You lower the risk of piercing through threads and the canvas with a tapestry needle, not to mention you won't poke your fingers with a tapestry needle.  Also no doubling your yarn, your work will look crowded.

up from the back down from the front

• Your first stitch will come UP from the back of your canvas and down through the hole that is immediately below, and diagonal. 

working the 2nd & 3rd stitch

completed second row

• Your second and third stitches will be to the right and one row down, moving towards the left.

• Your 3rd row will be the same but with 3 stitches and moving left to right

Row 3 worked in green for contrast

Row 4

• Row 4 down and left to right 

You will just continue working the canvas this way until the area is filled. Eventually your space will look like this:

Large section filled with basket weave stitch.

That is the basket weave stitch.  Simple yet elegant.  There are a few sites that may be able to explain the process better than me.  Check out the American Needlepoint Guild site.  There is lots of info there. My favorite find on that site is a needlepoint stitch used in Bargello needlepoint.  It is called the round bargello stitch.  I think it looks like a flower.  I can't wait to incorporate it in a sampler.

Enjoy practicing the basket weave stitch.  It won't take long to master it, and when you do filling in the panels on your own basket will be easy as pie.