Want to learn about duplicate stitches? They are a form of embroidery on a knitted fabric that requires finishing needles known as wool or darning needles. Even in knitting, you do not require knitting needles when you work on duplicate stitches. As the name suggests, the technique involves duplicating stitches. The embroidery stitches follow or duplicate the path of the underlying knitted fabric. To help you master the method, let’s explore how to make duplicate stitches and when to use them in this blog.
Everything you need to know about Duplicate Stitches
Duplicate stitches are a form of embroidery made on knitted fabric, not the usual needlework on a cloth fabric. It is created simply by a finishing needle that follows the path of the stitches of the knitted fabric. There is no need for knitting needles to duplicate the stitches, but the knitted fabric is made with either a pair of single points or a set of double-pointed needles or versatile circulars. Having quality knitting accessories is essential for the craft. Choose stitch markers, finishing needles, repair hooks and yarn.
In knitting, fabrics are formed with knit and purl stitches. The most common fabric is stockinette, a pattern of alternating rows of knit and purl stitches. The knitted fabric will have visible Xs and Vs, and for duplicate stitches, you basically have to follow the pattern of the knitted fabric.
Uses of Duplicate Stitches
Duplicate stitches have two uses: utility and decoration. The latter depends on the project. You can also combine both utility and decoration for certain projects. For example, if you have a moth-eating or slightly frayed elbow, you can create a little heart or flower to patch up the fabric.
Duplicate stitching for utility is known as Swiss darning and is used for invisible mending. For example, the lovingly used sock-heel fabric needs duplicate stitches to strengthen it and give it more support. Using a rounded-tip needle and yarn of the same color and weight creates stitches that lend support to the knitted fabric.
The second use to add color-decoration. Say, for example creating a flower on a baby sweater or hat. Here, you use a pointy tip needle and a different color yarn in the same weight or a heavier-weight and trace the stitch pattern of the knitted fabric and create a decorative design. You can make
What You’ll Need
Finishing Needles – Like knitting needles, finishing needles come in different sizes. Choosing the right size is essential as you need to work with a size that is similar or closest to the knitting needle size used for the project. A smaller size than the fabric will result is the yarn sticking to the fabric which will serve the purpose of mending but won’t be good for decoration. Similarly, a bigger size will drive the stitches apart and won’t be a good option for mending but for decoration can be pretty. A rounded tip wooden finishing needle is a good option.
Yarn – Choosing the right yarn depends on the purpose of making duplicate stitches. A similar shade in lightweight yarn will be perfect for utility, repair work and mending. A contrasting shade of yarn in similar-weight or heavier offers a decorative appeal. You can create alphabets, flowers, designs and so much more.
How-to Make Duplicate Stitches
After you’ve chosen the finishing needle and yarn, the next step is to decide on tracing the stitch pattern according to its purpose.
Draw up the finishing needle from the knitted fabric’s backside at the stitch’s bottom point.
Follow the path of the stitch loop.
Get back to the backside of the pattern every time you trace any knitted stitch’s path.
Gently snug up each duplicate stitch. Make sure to leave plenty of yarn on the fabric surface. This will not only prevent the collapse of the fabric with tight stitches but also reduce the peep-through of the underlying color. You can work duplicate stitches row-wise or column-wise.
The rule of thumb for duplicate stitches is always to take the shortest route and try to prevent them from adding to the bulk of the knitted fabric.
Similar to duplicate stitches in knitting, there’s the technique of surface crochet that serves a similar purpose as well as has a similar decorative effect.
So, with this blog, you are now ready to enjoy the fun craft of duplicate stitches. Explore the Lantern Moon collection, which includes premium knitting needles, crochet hooks, and accessories. The smooth ebony wood has a liquid-silk finish that works beautifully with all kinds of yarn. Lantern Moon finishing needles are your perfect assistants for duplicate stitches and weaving in yarn ends.
