Quarter and three quarter stitches - advice please

[Arianwen]

First off let me say these bug me no end, but they are totally necessary to the piece I'm stitching at the moment. Also I don't like how quarter stitches look so do them all as 3 quarter stitches. The pattern isn't clear as to which should be the dominant stitch. When there is a split stitch, on the pattern, the square is split in half, with just the colour filling it, no guidance as to which is should be the quarter and which should be the 3 quarter stitch.

I stitch this way //////// then go back this way \\\\\\\. this is fine for some stitches but not all of the fractionals run the same way.

Some run this way ////// some run this way \\\\\\\. This means that the 'top' stitch can run either way. I didn't think this would be a problem, at first but there are more fractionals than I expected and I'm worried that it will be noticeable that the stitches don't all run the same way.

Am I missing something obvious to make all the stitches run the same way.

Also I should point out that the fabric weave is VERY stiff and tight, and making the quarter stitches is very difficult, and nearly impossible to do over another stitch. (so it makes it difficult when the stitch runs this way / to do the /stitch first then do the \ in two parts over the top - it ends up splitting the thread)

Does that make sense?

[rcperryls]

Your question makes sense. I hated fractionals when I started, but have done so many now that I forget sometimes how confusing it can be. Sometimes the directions on a chart are pretty clear. Often you have to look at the picture to get an idea of which should be the dominant color. The stitches next to the 1/4 stitch may give you an idea. If there is backstitch also, that can help you figure out what the 1/4 stitch should be. If I have one with backstitching also, I only do a 1/4 not 3/4 stitch because the bs will often "finish" the stitch and make it look complete. (Hope that makes sense). Sometimes it does look like the 1/4 stitch is going in the wrong direction. I stitch the same direction that you do. but sometimes the 1/4 stitch does go in a different direction because of the way the pattern is.

Don't know if I confused you more, but hope it helps.

Carole

[Arianwen]

thanks Carole it does help. I was just worried that I was doing it wrong.

That's part of the problem with the pattern because there is so much shading. one the one side is the one colour and the second colour on the other. absolutely no indication which is the dominant stitch. some do have backstitch through and I'm not so worried about those.

thanks for the advice - I'm not so worried now

[rcperryls]

Are the 1/4 stitches in TLS that you are doing? I looked at the SAL and everything is so pretty, it looks like you are doing a great job so far.

Carole

[Arianwen]

yes they are. theres lots of curves etc where brooches will go or fingers so its a bit of a pain but it does look good.

and thank you