How to Compensate Diagonal Stitches

Diagonal stitches are stitches worked in a 45 degree angle.  Look at Byzantine.


In the graph, you till see a series of stitches traveling over 3 canvas intersections in a straight 45 degree angle.  To create Byzantine, a series of 4 stitches are traveling to the right and then 4 stitches traveling down.  This pattern is repeated from the upper left hand corner to the lower right on the canvas.  When we place Byzantine in a box, you will see voids. 




Place an index card on the graph to resemble the line where you would like to stop the pattern.   Visualizing the compensation stitches is simple to do.


Our graph  is a detailed example of compensation for Byzantine.  For the lower left hand corner, you will need a combination of stitches that resemble Scotch stitch.  To create the compensated this area you will need 1 tent, 1 stitch over 2 intersections, 1 stitch over 3 intersections (regular Byzantine stitch), 1 stitch over 2 intersections and 1 tent over 1 intersection.


The upper left hand corner of the square will require a tent stitch and a diagonal which travel over 2 intersections on the canvas.  You will continue to fill in the void areas as needed.  As you look around, you will see how to complete the voids.  




If we are working a diagonal border, the stitch will resemble the graph on the right, 3 tent stitches are needed. 


When you have a stitch which covers 3 or more canvas threads such as Scotch, you would not want to compensate with one row of Continental.  This would make the eye see a border and not a continuation of the pattern.  Scotch covers a section of canvas 3 threads by 3 threads.  It would be better to start with a row of compensated Scotch and finish the area with another compensated row. 





If you work 2 rows of completed Scotch, 6 canvas threads, you will have 4 canvas threads left over.  When you work 2 compensated rows, first and last rows, the over all pattern is much more pleasing to the eye.  This makes a better design, master craftsman quality! 

The column of stitches is just as important.  Calculate the number of threads and determine if you need to compensate on the right and/or left side of the area.  Which ever side you need to compensate on, the rule is the same.  Look at the graph.  This is an example of 2 canvas threads being covered with compensated Scotch.


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