Area C - Pavilion Diamonds

1. Use 3 strands of Needle Necessities Overdyed Floss Color 175 in a #24 tapestry needle. Stitch this area according to the diagram which shows one side of the area. Notice there are 5 complete diamond shapes from the top to the bottom of Area C and that both sides of this area establish a diagonal line.

2. Use 1 strand of Kreinik Metallic Braid #4 - Color 1223 (#24 tapestry needle) to outline the Pavilion Diamonds motifs, working long diagonal stitches that span the entire distance of Area C. Couch these long stitches where they intersect at the points of the diamonds using a single strand of Overdyed Floss Color 175 in a #26 tapestry needle.

Heart Shape Outline

Using 3 strands of DMC Color 102 work tent stitches (Continental Stitches or Backstitch) to outline the heart shape and the three stitching areas according to the diagram. Then stitch a second row outside the first row of the heart outline (for finishing purposes).

Area A - Horizontal Smyrna Cross Variation

1. Using 2-3 strands of DMC Color 102 (the number of strands depends on your desired coverage) fill in Area A with the cross stitch portion of this stitch. Work the long cross stitches in vertical rows.

2. Now use a strand of Kreinik Metallic Braid #4 - Color 1223 to stitch the upright cross stitches.

3. Use Kreinik Metallic Braid #4 Color 1223 to stitch long vertical stitches (extending the height of Area A) between the rows of Horizontal Smyrna Crosses. Couch these stitches where the Smyrna Crosses meet using a single strand of DMC Color 102

Area B - Periwinkle Stitch

1. Use 2 strands of DMC Color 102 to fill Area B with the Periwinkle Stitch. You will not be covering the canvas with Step 1 of this stitch.

2. When you have completed the Periwinkle Stitch, stitch seed beads in the open spaces in the centers the stitch motifs. Thread the #10 needle with a single strand of DMC Color 102, doubling the thread. Bring the needle up, thread on a bead, and work a continental (tent) stitch. See the diagram below on the left. Bring the needle up again in the same hole. Separate the two strands of thread with the needle or your finger. Slide on strand on one side of the bead, the other strand on the other side of the bead and sink the needle as you did for the tent stitch. See the diagram below on the right. This second stitch "sets" the bead so that it doesn't wiggle around, loosen, or otherwise look messy.

Heart Shaped Stone or Treasure (optional) 1. If you are using a Mill Hill Treasure, center it over the intersecting point of the three areas of stitching (where you began stitching Area C) and sew it in place using a single strand of matching thread (either DMC Color 102 or Overdyed Floss Color 175). 2. If you are using a heart shaped synthetic stone, attach it with an open mesh of raised stem band stitch. Use 1 strand of Kreinik Metallic Braid #4 Color 1223 for the foundation stitches and one strand of matching thread for the overcast stitches. The diagram does not show a canvas grid. The specific location of your stitches will depend on the size of your stone. See the Finishing Instructions for completing the ornament.

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Last Updated July 7, 2008