Overcast Stitch & Binding Stitch

Overcast Stitch, copyright Napa Needlepoint

Use the Overcast Stitch, above, to join two pieces of needlepoint together with a seam which will not show on the finished piece Essentially this stitch is a kind of seam which joins together two pieces of needlepoint.

There are two methods of making this stitch. One looks like a big Tent Stitch and the other is a form of Cross Stitch. The Tent Stitch version is a form of overcasting. In it you bring the needle UP on one of the pieces of canvas and DOWN in the diagonal mesh up and to the right of the first mesh on the second piece of canvas. This can join two pieces of canvas invisibly and is often used when you need to bind pieces together for something like a rug. In order for it to work, the two pieces of canvas must be lined up evenly.

This stitch is also used to finish the edges of turned under needlepoint, such as the edges of needlepoint belts. It creates a smooth finish ans, when done properly, it is almost invisible.

Interlaced Cross or Binding Stitch, copyright Napa Needlepoint

Binding Stitch, above, is used when you are making a three dimensional object, like a box or a Christmas ornament, the Cross Stitch form of binding is more forgiving and more sturdy than Overcast Stitch. It is also called Interlaced Cross Stitch. In this stitch you make a Cross Stitch over two threads of canvas. Like the Overcast Stitch, it should come up on one piece of canvas and down on the other. Now finish the cross stitch with a stitch over the other diagonal. To make the next cross stitch come up in the empty hole of the first cross stitch and begin your next cross there.If you alternate the colors of the crosses, abraided effect is the result which is very lovely and strong.

These stitches are both essential stitches to use for finishing needlepoint.