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Jessica Stitch

Jessica Stitch main image

Jessica stitch consists of straight stitches angled around 360 degrees to leave a central circular aperture. Even-weave fabric with easily counted threads is most suitable for this stitch.  The outside edge of Jessica stitch is normally circular, but it can be worked so that the outside is a square or other shape.  The size and number of straight stitches can be altered to create varying effects including elongating it to create an oval central aperture.

Jessica stitch can be used to hold small items such as a shisha mirror.

This stitch first appears in Jean Hilton’s 1992 publication Stimulating Stitches, although its origins possibly pre-date this book.

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Circular Isolated Embellishment Powdered filling Canvaswork Counted Thread Appliqué Surface

Jessica Stitch is generously sponsored by Lynne Saez in honour of her daughter Jessica

Method

The example below is a Jessica stitch over six fabric threads, starting from the left side of the circular shape. However, you could start stitching from anywhere as long as the last four stitches are tucked under the first four stitches.

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Jessica Stitch method stage 1 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Bring the needle up to the surface and take it down three threads to the right and four threads up.

Jessica Stitch method stage 2 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

For the second stitch, come up at three threads to the left and three threads down, and take the needle down at four threads to the right and three threads up.  This stitch should cross the first.

Jessica Stitch method stage 3 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

For the third stitch, bring the needle up at four threads to the left and two threads down, and insert it at five threads to the left and one thread up.

Jessica Stitch method stage 4 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

For the fourth stitch, bring the needle up at four threads to the left, and insert it five threads to the right and one thread down.

Jessica Stitch method stage 5 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 5 photograph
5

Repeat the first set of four stitches in the same manner, just rotating the angles as shown. Bring the needle up at four threads to the left and two threads up, and insert it at four threads to the right and three threads down.

Jessica Stitch method stage 6 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 6 photograph
6

The next stitch starts where the first stitch finished, sharing the same hole.

Jessica Stitch method stage 7 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 7 photograph
7

Continue with another set of four stitches in the same manner.

Jessica Stitch method stage 8 illustration
Jessica Stitch method stage 8 photograph
8

The last set of four stitches need to be tucked under the first four stitches. Slide your needle under the previous stitches.

Jessica Stitch method stage 9 photograph
9

Continue working stitches in the same way, making sure you slide your needle under all of the previous stitches.

Jessica Stitch method stage 10 photograph
10

A completed Jessica stitch.

Jessica Stitch

Structure of stitch

Circular Isolated

Common uses

Jessica stitch could be used to hold down a shisha mirror or other small round object.

Embellishment Powdered filling

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork Counted Thread Appliqué Surface

References

  • Jean Hilton, Stimulating stitches (1992)
  • Jo Ippolito Christensen, The Needlepoint Book (1999) , p.264