Description: The bead stitch, also known as the dotted line technique, is a decorative stitch often used by traditional rug hookers. With traditional hooking, two strips are carried along, pulling up one color with the hook, then the other, to make a dotted line of alternating colors. Black, white, black, white, etc. But how to achieve this with a punch needle? That is the question! You can thread a punch with two colors but how do you control the yarn so the colors come out one at a time in the proper order? All will be revealed! The stem stitch, which creates a tubular row of loops by changing the angle of your punch, will also be taught and is a wonderful compliment to the bead stitch.
In this workshop, we will create a small 4” x 4” square piece, just large enough to learn the technique. If desired, you can enlarge it later by adding extra borders. There will be multiple templates to choose from to trace in class including a paisley, spiral, butterfly, geometric, heart, and other simple motifs appropriate for anyone new to the technique. Choose your motif and then pick your own beautiful colors from a palette of Briggs & Little and hand painted Violet Jane rug yarns. You will finish all the beading during the workshop but might need more time to complete the regularly punched areas after class.
Adding this technique to your punched work is easy once you know how! Beading creates interest and surprise to your work! People will ask, “How did you do that?” You can keep it a mystery or share the fun!
(Please note: this is a punch needle/punch hooking with yarn workshop, not to be confused with a rug hooking with a hook & wool, or a needle punch with embroidery floss workshop.)
