Module Two. Chapter Two.

This chapter continues looking at tone by demonstrating the development of tone in columns of stitching.
This first sample uses only cross stitch and black and white threads of varying thicknesses to show tonal range.



Stitches have been layered over each other at either end of the sample to produce areas of dense black and white. Larger, more open stitches have been used to reveal the black stitches under the white in the central area to create a ‘greying’ effect.

Blackwork Techniques



This drawing shows a simple pattern that can be produced using straight stitches. The tonal effect is created by subtracting sections of the pattern unit, in this case, every two rows.
The image below shows, from left to right, the design above translated into stitch followed by a column that uses only the spacing of stitches to demonstrate the tonal effect and the last column uses only the thickness of the thread to reveal the tonal effect.



I was quite disappointed that the photograph reveals my threads across the back of my work but, turning it over to see if I could trim the threads, I was struck by the tonal effect that was revealed on the reverse! Strangely I find the reverse quite pleasing.