Dotted Swiss Stitch

Dotted Swiss is such a pretty, versatile stitch. I usually do the basketweave stitches first (those shown in gray) and then go back and do the crosses (shown in black lines). The stitch can be worked in one or two colors. If done in two colors, all the foundation stitches can be one color and the crosses in another, or all three stitches used to make the crosses can be the same color.

When my daughter was a little girl, I made her a yellow dress with a dotted Swiss fabric overlay. It was so pretty that I kept it! It reminds me of how sweet she looked in it and how she loved to twirl around to make the skirt flare out.

And the stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

Needlepoint Tips - Colors

When choosing colors for your piece, here are a few things to consider:
- Complementary colors on the color wheel instensify each other. For example, yellow and purple are opposite each other. Purple will seem more intense when next to yellow, and vice versa.
- Dark colors receed, bright colors come forward. To create the feel of distance, use muddier colors for the background, clearer colors for the foreground.
- A touch of a "dead" color (dark grey, brown, etc.) makes work more realistic.
- Colors tend to darken when stitched.
- Try to repeat each color in a piece at least once unless you want the color to stand out.
- Some designers say every piece needs a touch of black. Others say every piece needs a touch of purple. Still others think every piece needs a touch of yellow.
- Black may be too intense, especially if used alone. Consider using a very dark brown instead.

Scissors

Reserve your fine embroidery scissors for cutting silks, cottons, and other natural fibers. Cut metallics, rayons, and other synthetics with either scissors that have a serated edge on one blade or with an inexpesive pair of household scissors as these threads dull scissor blades quickly.