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Needlepoint Background Stitches

needlepoint damask sample

Needlepoint Damask

When there is so much from which to choose, what needlepoint background stitches do you use?

Sometimes a textured stitch is too much, but plain old Tent Stitch is too dull and looks to flat.

One solution often used, especially in the 70's was Tent Stitch patterns in two different colors. To our eyes, the look is way too loud.

But what if instead of different colors, you used different textures of the same color?

The result, as you can see from the picture, is subtle, but not dull. The pattern can still be seen, but it is in the background, creating a sophisticated look.

Picking Threads

The key is to pick the right threads. The stitching minimizes texture contrast so pick two threads which are very different. A shiny thread, like pearl cotton or ribbon floss, works well with a matte thread like wool. Metallic threads need to be combined with something smooth and matte like floss, silk floss, or linen.

If you are unsure of the contrast, stitch a square of each thread on a doodle canvas. If you can see the dividing line clearly, there is probably enough contrast.

Like damask fabric or wallpaper, needlepoint background stitches made as damask rely on this contrast for pattern.

In the samples below, most are shown done in a realistic combination of threads. Some are also shown with a higher contrast to make them stand out. Each pattern is shown with some areas without the second color to make them easier to see.

Diamond & Square

needlepoint background diamond damask

needlepoint background squares damask

These two patterns use simple shapes in alternating rows. The squares pattern is further accented by adding a single stitch in metallic in the center of every other square.

The charts for these two patterns are below.

Squares & Diamonds Charts

Cross & Fleur de Lis

needlepoint damask crosses

needlepoint damask fleur de lis

Small motifs, often called spot motifs, can be scattered across a background to make a pattern which look like some kinds of wallpaper. You can use a motif which reflects your foreground subject or a general one like this cross and fleur de lis.

Cross & Fleur de Lis Charts

small fleur de lis chart for needlepoint or cross stitch

Chinese Lattice

needlepoint background damask brickwork

needlepoint background damask chinese lattice

Chinese Lattice designs are wonderfully geometric and the source of many possible patterns. These two designs fill in areas of the lattice to make a damask pattern.

Damask Lattice Charts

brickwork chart for needlepoint

chinese lattice chart for needlepoint

Looking for More Ideas?

Creating needlepoint damask patterns can be addictive. Any book which has patterns for needlepoint can be a source for them.

Ruth Schmuff has a CD of patterns which will work well as damasks.

Dover has several inexpensive volumes of needlework charts based on folk art which have many patterns which will work.

I love to buy old needlepoint books which have patterns in them. Two of my favorite sources for damask patterns are Sheila Martin & Mimi Selick's Patterned Backgrounds for Needlepoint and B. Borssuck's 1001 Designs for Needlepoint and Cross Stitch.

The next time you are looking for needlepoint background stitches, give needlepoint damask a try -- you'll love the results.

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