Spindle Stitch for JapaneseTemari
Stitch around 2 points, making the oval shape larger and larger. The most important point to getting good looking spindles is to keep the distance between your stitches the same. The thread turns a sharp corner each time. With that angle, you'll need to leave more space than you would think between stitches. To get "fat" spindles, keep that distance short. To get "skinny" spindles, stretch that distance out further. Whichever look you want, try to be consistent on both ends of the spindle.
Step 1
Cut your thread to a comfortable stitching length (about 24 inches). Stitch underground to the starting point (to the right and slightly below pin #1). Tug on thread until the knot pops down into thread wrap.
Step 2
Lay the thread along the left side of the guideline. Take a stitch from right to left under the guideline and green stitching thread. Gently hold thread in place with your thumb while you pull the thread so it lays next to the guideline.
Step 3
Turn the ball counterclockwise so pin #1 is at the top.
Step 4
Lay the thread to the left of the guideline. Hold it in place with your thumb. Take a small stitch from right to left, under the guideline and stitching thread. This time the needle is set at an angle to begin row 2. Don't pull the thread too tightly.
Step 5
Turn ball counterclockwise. Lay stitching thread next to row 1 and take a small stitch as before, slightly further out from the center of the spindle. Leave pins #1 and #2 in place until you have completed at least 3 rows. They will help hold your stitches in place.
Step 6
Continue rotating the ball counterclockwise, placing threads further out from the spindle center. If your threads bunch up, you will need to space them furtherapart. ©2004 Kiku Designs
