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Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch icon
Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch

  • Interlocking Gobelin
  • Encroaching Gobelin stitch
  • Encroaching slanted Gobelin stitch
  • Encroaching diagonal Gobelin stitch

This stitch features parallel bands of slanted satin stitch that interlock slightly into the stitches of the bands above and below.  This gives a smooth appearance ideal for flat or shaded backgrounds.

The name Gobelin is credited with originating from the 17th century Gobelins tapestry factory in Paris, but whether the name is connected with the factory or purely a reference to the stitch’s tapestry-like appearance is unclear.  The stitch itself was certainly in use from the 17th century, as the Victoria and Albert museum holds several pieces which feature it from this and subsequent centuries.

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Flat Parallel Filling Grass Canvaswork

Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch is generously sponsored by Pamela Jenkins

Method

This example is worked over 5 by 1 canvas threads and encroaches the row above by one thread.

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Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch method stage 1 illustration
Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Start by making a row of stitches, each of which is worked over five vertical threads and one horizontal thread of the canvas.

Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch method stage 2 illustration
Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Begin the second row four threads below the first, and again make a row of stitches each over five threads by one thread, allowing for the encroachment of one thread between rows. Always take the needle down into the previous row, between stitches as bringing the needle out in the previous row can disturb the lay of the stitches.

Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch method stage 3 illustration
Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

The rows of this stitch pattern must be worked either from top to bottom or bottom to top in the area to be covered.

Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch

Structure of stitch

Flat Parallel

Common uses

Filling Grass

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork

Related Stitches

Encroaching straight Gobelin stitch Oblique Gobelin stitch Straight Gobelin stitch Tied Gobelin stitch Block shading Satin stitch

Identifying Encroaching oblique Gobelin stitch

References

  • Mrs Archibald Christie, Samplers and Stitches (1921) , p.89
  • Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (1934) , p.106–7