Lattice Filling is one of my absolute favorite crewel embroidery-type fillings. It’s not relegated just to crewel work, of course, but I think it would be categorized under that type of needlework.
When worked on even-weave fabric, lattice filling is relatively simple. The threads of the fabric ensure that things work out quite square. This tiny bit of lattice filling is part of the spot sampler I’m working on right now, and it’s actually one of my favorite parts so far. I like the yellow and the periwinkle together.
To work in some examples of filling patterns on the sampler, I basted around several boxes that are about an inch square, center them somewhat between the initials on the sampler. Each of these boxes will be filled with a different filling pattern.
I’m using regular stranded cotton, three strands for both the laid thread in the lattice filling and for the couching thread. I worked the couching stitches pretty much like running stitches, using the threads of the fabric (which is Legacy Round Yarn linen – approximately 25 threads per inch) to guide the placement of the stitches and keep them even.
This is a rather rigid approach to this type of filling, which can be worked equally well on plain weave fabric. But I like the way the wee square turned out!
And one thing I especially like about it is that it makes a neat little design on the back, too!
I have a how-to video on lattice filling here on Needle ‘n Thread, if you’re interested in seeing how it’s done. The difference between this piece and the video (besides the even-weave ground fabric) is that, in the video, I worked the lattice over an area that was covered with satin stitch.
Tomorrow afternoon, I’ll be doing some planning work on a Big Project. I’m not sure how much “background work” people like to see in project planning, but my intention is to photograph supplies and write down my musings as I prepare my next venture. So, later in the week, I hope to take you along on the first stages of my Project Planning Journey!
In the meantime, I’m off to work, and then to stitch some more filling patterns.
Enjoy the day!
I think Lattice Filling is nearly the first I ever did – you get a finished section so much more quickly than with satin or long and short stitch!
G’day Mary,
You can’t post too many background planning details for me. I like to pore over the prep stages.
It’s a privilaged insight into an experienced working mind as well as a learning curve that I would be short sighted to overlook.
That lattice filling is very effective.
Cheers, Kath
Hi Mary, I am enjoying your descriptions of what you are doing with your students. It’s almost like being part of the class and since I’m new to certain types of embroidery, this is really exciting to see. Definitely keep us up to date on how it goes. I would love to see some of your students’ work also. It might give some of us encouragement that everyone (or most everyone) struggles with some stitches at first. : )
I love lattice filling, I use it a lot! It’s also an easy way to incorporate some metallic threads, and I really like some glitter in my works!
Hi Mary, I love lattice fillings also. They are used in Mountmellick embroidery, particularly for filling the centre of pomegranates. Gorgeous with the white on white, so that you only see the pattern and texture.
Hi Mary, I like how your sampler is coming along. Very pretty, and already a good selection of stitches. Your students are lucky – I hope you’ll post some photos of their progress as well, it’s fun to see how everyone does things their own special way. I also look forward to seeing what your “big” project is- I can’t imagine a larger project than teaching a year long class!
Can’t wait to see “ALL” your musings on the next Big Project. No doubt I’ll learn something with every post!
Well, I certainly like to see the “background work”! It is always interesting to find out why a particular color, method, or design is selected. I really learn a lot from that, so please share your process with us.