Needlepoint: Scotch Stitch

Pictured above is our Split Scotch Stitch iPhone Case (for the whole story and a list of materials, click here!). Easy, fun, and quick to do, this stitch is the perfect introduction to decorative needlepoint stitches. Also, if you are interested in a tutorial on the basic Basketweave Stitch, you can find it here. Happy stitching!

Scotch Stitch (One Color)

As with any stitch, begin by bringing your threaded needle through the canvas from back to front, leaving a short tail in the back of the fabric. You will work the first several stitches over the tail to secure your floss.

The Scotch Stitch is worked in diagonal lines from the bottom left to the top right. Come to the front of the canvas at A and push the needle through to the back at B. Come to the front at C and go to the back at D. Continue in this fashion.

Split Scotch Stitch (Two Colors)

Again, begin by bringing your threaded needle through the canvas from back to front, leaving a short tail in the back of the fabric. You will work the first several stitches over the tail to secure your floss.

The Split Scotch Stitch, like the single color Scotch Stitch, is worked in diagonal lines from the bottom left to the top right. The top color will be the dominant color since it has one more row than the bottom color, so be sure to pick your favorite as the top color! 

With the top color, come to the front of the canvas at A and push the needle through to the back at B. Come to the front at C and go to the back at D. Continue in this fashion until point J. Weave in the end of your first color. With the bottom color, come up to the front of the canvas at 1 and push the needle through to the back at 2. Come to the front at 3 and go to the back at 4. Continue in this fashion to 8 and weave in the end.

To make a checkered pattern using Split Scotch Stitch, work each square as described above, situating them as shown in the above diagram.