The Variegated Stripe Stencil made its first appearance in The Geometry of Hand-Sewing. It’s our take on a classic stripe that provides visual interest with its contrasting stripes, and it provides a great base for intricate embroideries. Learn to create the embroidery stitches shown on these swatches with Natalie’s newest Craftsy course, “The New Embroidery”.
Find the design details for the Variegated Stripe colorways below to create your own versions at home, and find a selection of striped DIY kits—including the Swing Skirt, Table Runner, T-Shirt Top, Poncho, and Scarf—online.
DESIGN CHOICES
Fabric weight – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Fabric color for outer layer – White
Fabric color for inner layer – Natural
Textile paint color – Pearl Silver
Stencil – Variegated Stripe
Technique – Negative reverse appliqué and reverse appliqué with mixed embroidery
Button Craft thread – Dogwood
Embroidery floss – Ashe, Cream
Knots – Inside
Stitches (from top to bottom) – Straight stitch, chained feather stitch, chain stitch, double Cretan stitch with straight stitch, feather stitch, whipstitch, straight stitch, whipped herringbone stitch
DESIGN CHOICES
Fabric weight – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Fabric color for outer layer – Sand
Fabric color for inner layer – White
Textile paint color – White
Stencil – Variegated Stripe
Technique – Negative reverse appliqué and reverse appliqué with mixed embroidery
Button Craft thread – Dogwood
Embroidery floss – Ashe, Cream
Knots – Inside
Stitches (from top to bottom) – Chained feather stitch, chain stitch, double Cretan stitch with straight stitch, feather stitch, whipstitch, straight stitch, whipped herringbone stitch
DESIGN CHOICES
Fabric weight – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Fabric color for outer layer – Camel
Fabric color for inner layer – Natural
Textile paint color – Pearl Silver
Stencil – Variegated Stripe
Technique – Negative reverse appliqué and reverse appliqué with mixed embroidery
Button Craft thread – Dogwood
Embroidery floss – Ashe, Cream
Knots – Inside
Stitches (from top to bottom) – Chained feather stitch, chain stitch, double Cretan stitch with straight stitch, feather stitch, whipstitch, straight stitch, whipped herringbone stitch
DESIGN CHOICES
Fabric weight – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Fabric color for outer layer – Blue Slate
Fabric color for inner layer – White
Textile paint color – Charcoal
Stencil – Variegated Stripe
Technique – Negative reverse appliqué and reverse appliqué with mixed embroidery
Button Craft thread – Dogwood
Embroidery floss – Ashe, Cream
Knots – Inside
Stitches (from top to bottom) – Chained feather stitch, chain stitch, double Cretan stitch with straight stitch, feather stitch, whipstitch, straight stitch, whipped herringbone stitch
DESIGN CHOICES
Fabric weight – 100% organic medium-weight cotton jersey
Fabric color for outer layer – Blue Slate
Fabric color for inner layer – White
Textile paint color – Charcoal
Stencil – Variegated Stripe
Technique – Reverse appliqué with mixed embroidery and beading
Button Craft thread – Slate
Embroidery floss – Dark Grey
Bead – Natalie’s Mix
Knots – Inside
Stitches (from top to bottom) – Herringbone stitch, backstitched sequins, Cretan stitch, backstitch, bugle-beaded whipstitch, whipstitch, chained feather stitch, zigzag chain stitch, feather stitch, chain stitch
P.S.: All of the swatches shown here were created using notions included in the Embroidery Sampler.