Gobelin stitch and its varations

The Gobelin stitch is named after a 17th century French family, owners of the famous Gobelins Manufactory in Paris.

The factory created tapestries and upholstery, which is perhaps related to the fact that needlepoint is sometimes incorrectly referred to as tapestry. The original tapestries were actually woven and not stitched.

Gobelin stitch is basically a straight stitch worked over several canvas threads. By working it over a different number of canvas threads, or at a different angle, you can vary it to create many effects.

In the photograph below, the center sample is a gobelin stitch worked over 3 canvas threads, in an upright manner.

The needle goes down through the last hole of the previous row. Some example ideas for its use could include borders, weather-boarding or roof tiles on a building or a ploughed field in a landscape. 

The sample was stitched using embroidery floss on canvas with 18 threads to the inch.

Traditionally a wool yarn is used which provides a rich texture and warmth. Being durable this is ideal for items like rugs and upholstery. Synthetic fibres, being more economical, are suitable for framed pieces that will not encounter wear during their lifetime.

You can also use metallic threads to add a bit of sparkle to your work, especially for accents or to highlight certain parts of a design.

The type of thread you choose can greatly influence the final look and feel of your needlepoint project. Take the time to consider the articles use before selecting your materials.

Slanted Gobelin Stitch

The right-hand sample in the photo above shows a slanted gobelin stitch. This variation of the gobelin stitch is worked over 3 canvas threads, but the needle goes down one stitch to the right, giving the stitch a slant.

You would want to use a thicker yarn than the one I used to stitch this sample. I just wanted to make it clearer for you to see the individual stitches.

Encroaching Slanted Gobelin

Worked similarly to the slanted variation, the stitches in the left-hand sample in the same photo encroach, or overlap, on the previous row by one canvas thread. The result is a smoother overall effect. Changing from one color to another gives a softer shaded effect than the abrupt change obvious in the basic gobelin variation. 

This can make lovely hair or animal fur in a needlepoint design, besides being a wonderful background filling stitch.

Alternating Straight Gobelin

A variation is to leave a gap between each stitch. On the following row you then work up into the first, placing your stitches in between the existing ones.

You can work the stitches over any even number of canvas threads. In the photographs below, I worked over 6 threads.

 

Parisian stitch

Alternating one long stitch (over 4 canvas threads) with one shorter over just two, gives you Parisian stitch. For the subsequent rows, you make the long stitch under the short one in the previous row.

I worked the photo above with mixed strands of crewel wool in the needle to give a more natural effect to the grass in this design.

Double Parisian stitch

If you work two long, and then two short stitches, you create double Parisian stitch. This almost gives a woven appearance to the needlepoint work. It would work well for a basket if turned by 90 degrees, or even a fence or hurdle.

Hungarian stitch

I have worked this sample in two colors to make it easier to see the diamond shapes that this variation creates. It also works well in a single color.

I worked the stitches, over 2 and 4 canvas threads, in the following order...

Short, long, short, then miss a hole and repeat. I work subsequent rows with the long stitch going down in the "missing" hole of the row before.

I love using this to represent clothing in a design and have also used it for skies, to give a little texture.

Bargello needlepoint

The straight gobelin stitch is also used in Bargello needlepoint, similarly to the double Parisian above.

You can find more information along with a free pattern for Bargello by clicking the links.