Needlepoint InstructionClumpingThis needlepoint instruction shows you how to do clumping, an easy way to use hand-dyed and overdyed threads. Areas done in clumping are done in two passes, the first pass is easiest to do in Continental, , while the second pass can be done in Basketweave or Continental. In the samples, I have used a shade of overdye which has dramtciccolor changes for demonstration purposes. Your results will be better when the overdye is more subtle, as in the examples at the end of the needlepoint instruction. 
Begin by threading up and starting to stitch in about the middle of the area, above left. Stitch in a small irregular clump (hence the name) but ONLY until the color of the thread changes. When this happens, move your needle a bit and make another clump, above center. The clumps shouldn’t be more than five stitches wide and high, although this size will depend on how quickly the colors change. The edges of the clumps should be uneven on all sides, so it’s OK to skip stitches, even within the clumps, above right. 
Continue to do this until at least two thirds of the area has clumps, above left. Clumps can be next to each other, above center, which is especially nice to create larger clumps of the same color. Or they can be separated by several stitches, above right.
The two samples above show areas of clumping as used in actual designs. The left sample uses a matte cotton thread to depict distant crop-covered hills. The right sample uses Gloriana Silk in a stained glass design to mimic the effect of Tiffany art glass. This technique is particularly effective to create the effect. of "art" glass when adapting stained glass to your needlepoint.
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