A Bit of Give and Take

The largest design here! This organic geometric design uses negative space and curves to create its shapes, which are, of course, themselves filled with patterns. The spaces between are as important as anything else. All balanced with 4-fold symmetry within this repeating, weaving, cyclic form. Optional centre circle included too (I just quite liked it with the space in the middle so I left this out on my sampe stitch) This chart is a little challenging, so perhaps if you are a complete beginner, try stitching something a little simpler first. But, there are some stitching notes included with photo instructions to show techniques for securing threads on smaller sections. There are no fractional stitches just some slightly longer diagonal stitches are used to create the curvaceous outlines! For my sample stitch I used 18 count white Aida, Sulky 12 wt cotton for the outlines and 30 wt for the fills inside. You could use 2 strands of DMC for the outlines and a single strand for the fills, but this will give a slightly different effect as they will be a little bit thicker (on 16 count the effect would most likely be pretty similar) You could choose to use a single strand for the outlines too if you wish, but again the effect will differ slightly from my sample. Design size in stitches 246 x 246 - it's a substantial one! On 14 count 45 x 45 cms (18 x 18 inches) On 16 count 39 x 39 cms (15.5 x 15.5 inches) On 18 count 35 x 35 cm (14 x 14 inches)