Basketweave for Lefties (and Others)

Saturnalia Stitching posted both a stitch diagram and a demonstration video of how she works basketweave from the lower left up towards the upper right.  This is how I've seen people teach left handed stitchers to do basketweave although sometimes I do this myself in an awkward space.  Basically, anyone can do this.  You don't have to be left-handed!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DND6ndPssrY/?img_index=1

Use the side arrow to switch between the diagram and the video.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright August 9, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Tips for Left Handed Stitchers

Needlepoint.com has written an article about left handed stitchers, with tips and techniques especially for lefties.

https://needlepoint.com/blogs/needlepoint-know-how/stitching-for-left-handers-tips-tricks-techniques

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow

Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com

and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

© Copyright April 4, 2024 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Books for the Left Handed Stitcher

Linda just asked on Needlepoint Nation what books were recommended for a left-handed stitcher. Here's what folks told her:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/NeedlepointNation/permalink/2971483752928763/

In case the link goes bad, here are the books recommended.  All are out of print.
Davie Hyman's Diagonal Basketweave has a section on basketweave for lefties.

Left-handed Needlepoint by Regina Hurburt, 1972.

The New York Times Book of Needlepoint for Left-Handers by Elaine Slater, 1974.

UPDATE:  Also recommended is Yvette Stanton's The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion, 2010.

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright May 14, 2020 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Scissors for Lefties

Kreinik shows off the Premax curved tip scissors they distribute that are made for left-handed stitchers. 
http://kreinikthread.blogspot.com/2015/08/embroidery-scissors-for-left-handers.html

You can see the full Premax line on Kreinik's website.
http://www.kreinik.com/shops/Premax-R-Scissors/

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright August 13, 2015 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Diagonal Tent Stitch - Diagonal Basketweave

Recently my buddy Marianne (of Newneedlepoint.com fame) asked me to look at a copy of a rare booklet by Katherine Ireys about basketweave called Diagonal Tent Stitch.   I had never seen this 1974 book before and found it fascinating.  I won't repeat what I said (just read the link below) except to repeat if you are interested in better technique in basketweave or are a left handed stitcher who wants to master basketweave,  this book and Davie Hyman's Diagonal Basketweave are books you should get your hands on whenever you see a copy.  They are classics.
http://www.newneedlepoint.com/content-product_info/product_id-3093/rare_diagonal_tent_stitch_by_katharine_ireys.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright November 23, 2014 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.

Julia Snyder's Newest Book

Julia Snyder's announced her 7th book, which is called First Stitch First. It is full of tips for new stitchers plus diagrammed stitches that are not in her first six books.  Here is the announcement which has a photo of the cover.
http://www.andmorethreads.com/_%26_more/Blog/Entries/2012/1/11_First_Stitch_First.html


Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow
Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com

Delicate Embroidery Scissors for the Lefty

Ridgewood has scoured the Internet and their distributors for embroidery scissors made for the left handed stitcher.  I thought all the lefties who read Blog might like to see these.
http://ridgewoodneedlepoint.blogspot.com/2011/03/embroidery-scissors-for-left-handed.html

Written by Jane/Chilly Hollow Blogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com