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This stitch is
similar in effect to surface honeycomb but is more square
in appearance. (Surface honeycomb produces a network of
distinct "V's" on the fabric surface whereas Van Dyke stitch
is a softer stitch in appearance, producing a network of
undulating "U's".) Because it incorporates a backstitch,
you'll find that the stitch does use up more thread than
is usual and be warned, it is time consuming , as each pleat
is stitched twice...... but this also means that it is a
very strong and elastic stitch that shows up well on the
fabric because of its density. It is also a pain to unpick
if you do make a mistake so, *smile*, work carefully.
Unlike most other stitches, it is worked from right to
left and uses two pleats at a time, one old and one
new, and each pleat is stitched twice. |
Stitches covered on this page
Single Van Dyke Stitch
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Multiple Row Van Dyke
Stitch
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Single Van
Dyke stitch
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 1.
Bring the needle up between the first two pleats to
be stitched on the right hand side of the fabric. Take
the thread through to the left hand side of the second
pleat. |
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2.
Keeping thread over needle take a backstitch through
pleats one and two. (I have found that angling the needle
ever so slightly as you do this second stitch will make
it easier to keep the stitch straight and even in depth.
Also, take care not to pierce the threads of the first
stitch (otherwise... and not that you will need
to, *smile* , unpicking in the event of a mistake, will
be a nightmare!) |
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3.
Thread still over needle, follow pleat two down to
the bottom gathering row and take a stitch through pleats
two and three (an old pleat and a new one) |
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4.
Thread under needle, make a backstitch through these
two pleats again. |
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5.
Thread still under needle, travel up on pleat three
and make a stitch through pleats three and four (old pleat
and a new pleat) . |
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6.
Changing thread to over needle, backstitch through pleats
three and four a second time. |
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7.
Continue across row in this manner. |
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Example
of multiple rows of single Van Dyke Stitch |
 Hint:---
A single row of van dyke stitch worked over a full space
between two rows of cable stitches makes an effective
casing for 1/8 inch ribbon for sleeves. |
1.
Begin as before, and bring the needle up between the
first two pleats to be stitched on the right hand side
of the fabric.Take the thread through to the left side
of the second pleat (as if taking a stitch) and keeping
thread over needle take a backstitch through pleats one
and two. |
2.
Follow second pleat down to the half space mark between
gathering rows and take a stitch through pleats two and
three. Changing thread to over needle position, secure
these pleats with a backstitch. |
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3.
Still with thread over needle, travel down the third pleat
to the bottom gathering row and stitch through pleats
three and four. Restitch with a backstitch. |
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4.
Continue working down in this manner until the bottom
of the wave is reached and then changing thread to the
under needle position, work back up, a half space at a
time in the same manner. |
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Mirrored Double Van
Dyke Stitch
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There
is an excellent article in the Jan/Feb 1994 edition of
"Creative Needle" magazine under the heading of Smocking
Horizons on this stitch. |
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