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Open zigzag (pattern) icon
Open zigzag (pattern)

Open zigzag (pattern) main image

​A blackwork pattern made up of columns of zigzag lines, with an added horizontal stitch at each point. It is a mid-scale pattern and is suitable for creating a geometric effect within more linear shapes.

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Flat Shading Filling Blackwork

Open zigzag (pattern) is generously sponsored by Carolyn Burrow

Method

Using threads of different weight creates dense and light areas which can be used to shade your designs.

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Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 1 illustration
Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 1 photograph
1

Make a horizontal stitch over two threads then bring the needle up diagonally under two intersections below and right.

Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 2 illustration
Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 2 photograph
2

Complete a back stitch into the same hole the previous stitch ends and then bring the needle up at the end of that stitch so that the thread on the back is obscured by the last surface stitch.

Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 3 illustration
Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 3 photograph
3

Repeat the last two stitches in the opposite direction.

Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 4 illustration
Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 4 photograph
4

Continue alternating from side to side to complete the column.

Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 5 illustration
Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 5 photograph
5

Each zigzag should be inline with previous columns.

Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 6 illustration
Open zigzag (pattern) method stage 6 photograph
6

Add more columns to cover the area.

Open zigzag (pattern)

Structure of stitch

Flat

Common uses

Shading Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Blackwork

Identifying Open zigzag (pattern)

This pattern is made of rows of zigzag stitches with a horizontal stitch extending from each point.
Each stitch is over two threads or two intersections.

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.147
  • Becky Hogg, RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Blackwork (2010) , p.52