Fundamentals of Reticello embroidery
Pincushion
Part 1
To approach this technique, we will embroider a pincushion. This will allow reviewing the different phases necessary for the realization of a project in Reticello.
This project is made on linen 11 threads with “Special à broder n° 25” DMC cotton and stranded cotton of the same color, in this example 3867.
Personally, I like to use linen 15 threads for my Reticello embroidery but today I chose to work on larger linen to simplify the work and understanding of photos.
Preparing the grid
The basic grid used for this project is working on 48 threads.
It consists of a grid of threads drawn around groups of threads that will make up the windows (in which the embroidered motifs will take place) and bars that separate these windows.
In this picture, the number 10 (blue) indicates the number of threads to keep for the windows and the number 6 (fuchsia) the number of threads to keep for the barrettes.
Here is a picture of the reverse of the work. For the strength of it, avoid cutting the pulled threads too short. It is best to leave about 1 cm that will be taken at the border of the pattern.
To obtain a more irregular and cross-shaped grid, I finally added 4 additional windows in an extension of the central window on each side. You can see on the picture where it is necessary to pull the threads to get this result.
When the grid is definitely ready, embroider with satin stitch 3 threads all around the pattern taking care to make nice corners.
The satin stitch border is now complete.
Grid opening
Begin by cutting the fabric as shown in the picture close to the satin stitch and on 3 sides in the lower and upper windows.
Pull the vertical threads of the fabric along the entire length of the pattern and the horizontal threads into the top and bottom windows.
Proceed in the same way horizontally.
Now cut the fabric in the same way in the 4 side windows.
Now pull all the threads keeping only those that will serve as support for the barrettes.
Barrettes
Take out the “Special à broder” cotton in the middle of the 6 fabric threads of the barrette, surround 3 threads and then stand out again in the middle of the 6 threads.
Proceed in the same way on the other side to continue to form the barrette.
Arriving at the intersection of the threads, simply pass the needle directly under the work to continue.
Here is the picture of the completed grid ready to be embroidered.
Reticello pincushion border
Reticello pincushion Border With the Reticello pattern finished a long time ago, I finally found a nice border to embellish this work. I had no time to embroider it completely but I hope to finish it for next week and be able to present it to you in the last article...
Reticello picushion part 4
Reticello pincushion part 4 The Reticello pattern is now finished and I found that it would be highlighted by a simple decoration that allows to obtain a square pattern, which will facilitate assembly. I used the DMC thread "Spécial à broder" for the square stitches...
Reticello pincushion part 3
Reticello pincushion part 3 Here are the pictures of patterns 3 and 4 which are following the 2 previous ones to complete the design in Reticello of this pincushion. Pattern n° 3 Start by straightening 3 threads starting on the right side, hanging in...
Reticello pincushion part 2
Reticello pincushion part 2 Here are the explanations for the first 2 patterns that will fill the 13 windows of the grid. All the drawings used in these instructions come from Giuliana Buonpadre's book. Giuliana BuonpadreGli...
Reticello pincushion
Fundamentals of Reticello embroidery Pincushion Part 1 To approach this technique, we will embroider a pincushion. This will allow reviewing the different phases necessary for the realization of a project in Reticello. This...
Thank you for teaching this Reticello Pincushion. I am excited to learn to stitch this technique. Best Wishes to you.
Thank you so much. I hope you will enjoy.
Best regards
I am very excited to try this lovely pattern. Could you please explain 11 count linen? What are the dimensions of the pincushion design? that may help me figure out what linen to use.
thank you so much for your beautiful designs!!
Thank you for your message.
11 count linen means that you will count 11 linen threads per 1cm of fabric.
The finished pincushion will be about 12 cm square but the grid alone measures 8.5/8.5 cm.
I hope you will enjoy and if you have more questions do not hesitate.
Best regards