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Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) icon
Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern)

Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) main image

​This blackwork pattern is made up of rows of long straight stitches with a bar at either end. It is fairly large in scale and is good for creating a linear texture, worked either horizontally or vertically.

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Flat Pattern Filling Shading Blackwork

Further Reading

RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Blackwork by Becky Hogg
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Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) is generously sponsored by Leila Manion

Method

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Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 1 illustration
Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 1 photograph
1

Start by completing a running stitch over seven threads and under one thread of open weave fabric.

Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 2 illustration
Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 2 photograph
2

The second row should be placed two fabric threads away, each running stitch should be offset from the previous line.

Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 3 illustration
Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 3 photograph
3

Continue to fill the area.

Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 4 illustration
Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 4 photograph
4

The next step is to work a small running stitch over two threads across the shape in the opposite direction. Each stitch should be placed at each end of the large straight stitches previously worked.

Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 5 illustration
Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern) method stage 5 photograph
5

Continue to fill the area.

Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern)

Structure of stitch

Flat Pattern

Common uses

The pattern can be worked with across the shape horizontally or vertically depending on the design.

Filling Shading

Embroidery Techniques

Blackwork

Related Stitches

Interlocking ‘Y’s (pattern) Interlocking ‘Z’s (pattern)

References

  • Becky Hogg, RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Blackwork (2010)
  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.143

Examples of Interlocking ‘I’s (pattern)

Blackwork sampler