Gobelin stitch and its variations

Discover the secret to creating stunning textures and patterns in your embroidery with a simple yet versatile stitch: the Gobelin stitch.

By manipulating just two variables - the number of canvas threads and the angle of your needle - you can create a world of effects, from rustic weather-boarding to rolling hills and more.

Choosing the Right Threads

The right thread can make all the difference, transporting your design from ordinary to extraordinary. But with so many options available, how do you choose the perfect fibre to bring your vision to life?

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. So, take a moment to think about how you'll be using your finished piece before selecting your materials.

The samples below were stitched using embroidery floss on 18 holes to the inch canvas.

Slanted Gobelin Stitch

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

You can see the difference stitching with wool makes in the next photo. The two samples on the left were worked with one strand of 3 three strand persian wool. The sample on the right uses a single strand of a Danish wool. This has the name Cewec Zephyr on the label, and was part of a large haul of woollen yarn I picked up from a charity shop here in the UK.

The wool fills the canvas more than the cotton above. 

Encroaching Slanted Gobelin

Want to capture the softness of hair or fur in your stitching? It all comes down to a tiny tweak in your technique – one that can make all the difference between an okay piece and a stunning one. By subtly overlapping your stitches, you can achieve a smooth, shaded effect. 

To make it obvious in the photos I changed colours at the end of a row, but you would get a more natural appearance by being more random. 

If you compare the photo below to those above you will see that the top of the stitches in subsequent rows slip down one row above and behind the stitch above them. This give a softer gradation and not a straight ditch between the rows. 

Alternating Straight Gobelin

With the Alternating Straight Gobelin stitch, you can achieve the effect of a brick wall with ease.

The secret lies in leaving a gap between each stitch on your first row and working up into the first stitch on the next.

Let me show you how to do it, and the flexibility you'll have with this stitch, which can be worked over any even number of canvas threads (I used six on this interlock canvas).

For more about the different types of needlepoint canvas click here. 

 

Parisian stitch

Want to add a touch of elegance to your needlepoint designs? The Parisian stitch is a must-have skill, and it's surprisingly simple to learn.

By alternating long and short stitches, you can create a beautiful, textured effect - like the lush grass in the photo above, achieved by mixing strands of different coloured crewel wool in the needle.

I worked the longer stitches over 4 canvas threads and the shorter stitches over two. 

Double Parisian stitch

Fancy a woven effect? By working two long followed by two short gobelin stitches then alternating those in the following row, you end up with double parisian stitch. 

This could represent a basket, a fence or hurdle depending on which way you hold the canvas. 

Hungarian stitch

If you work a group of three straight gobelin stitches, miss a hole and repeat, you end up with a diaper pattern that looks like little diamonds.

In the following row, use the hole you missed on the last for the longer stitch. 

Worked in two colours, as in the photo, the diamonds jump out at you, whereas using a single colour things are more subtle but still beautiful.

I worked over 2 and 4 threads in my sample, using crewel wool. 

Bargello needlepoint

Did you know that the straight gobelin stitch is also used in Bargello needlepoint? Here the stitches are commonly worked over the same number of threads, but are stepped up or down a row of the canvas as you work. The interest is introduced by gradually varying the colour for each row.

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

Grab Your Yarn

With so many variations of the Gobelin stitch (and thread options) to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. But don't let that stop you!

Take a deep breath and simplify your next step: choose a thread that resonates with your design vision and practice the Slanted Gobelin Stitch. Yes, it's that easy! With this one stitch, you'll be able to create a stunning texture that will expand your needlepoint repertoire.

Remember, the benefits of learning the Gobelin stitch are well worth the effort. You'll be able to create intricate patterns, and add texture to your designs. And with practice, you'll gain confidence to experiment with different threads and techniques, unlocking creative possibilities.

So, take the first stitch today and start creating. You've got this! With every stitch, you'll be creating something new. Fancy, fantastic, and fascinating - the world of Gobelin stitch awaits!