Chequerboard by Maria Rita Faleri

Modern. Chic. Sophisticated.

If someone asked you to define the style of pulled thread embroidery, these words may not necessarily be the first that come to mind. And yet therein lies just one of the many remarkable wonders of needlework – it refuses to be constrained to any singular definition.

Pulled thread embroidery has no set style, no set patterns and has no set colour.

In fact, the only rules are those that the physics of the fabric itself impose – threads can only be pulled vertically or horizontally.

Other than that, it’s free to be whatever you want it to be.

This is a mantra that Italian designer Maria Rita Faleri thrives in and her eye for dynamic and multifaceted design styles seems to know no end. Italy after all is famous as a world leader in style, fashion and design across numerous facets of industry, so it stands to reason that Maria would bring a long and deep lineage of genetic advantages to her needlework. That and her unceasing dedication to perfect and teach traditional Italian techniques, which she has done so for more than 20 years.

Her latest piece, Chequerboard from Inspirations issue #116, is an outstanding example of what it looks like when you take a traditional technique like pulled thread and use it to maximum effort in a restrained and stylish execution.

There is clever craftsmanship in the way Maria allows the linear designs to intersect at the change of each rectangular repeated pattern. All this is achieved by creating alternating blocks of four-sided stitch and satin stitch worked onto 20 count white linen.

This linear approach allows you to scale the design up or down to suit your requirements. Need a larger mat, or a rectangular mat? Simply add more blocks.

Never tried pulled thread embroidery before? Chequerboard is a perfect place to begin, with no design to transfer you can be threaded up and stitching in no time at all.

Once you’ve cut your linen to size and overlocked the edges to prevent fraying, mark your starting point on the fabric using a pin or removable marker and mount the linen into your hoop. Prep done. You’re now ready to stitch.

All the instructions are included in the article in the magazine, along with easy to follow step-by-step instructions including how to finish off the piece with the beautifully delicate picot hem.

What makes Chequerboard such a modern, chic and sophisticated piece?

We put to you the simple classic design consisting of lines, no circles and bereft of superfluous decoration is a winning combination. Add some Italian heritage and a designer steeped in the skilful art of ‘less is more’ into the mix and the world just got a little more beautiful.

Make Your Own Chequerboard

Step 1 – Purchase Project Instructions

Chequerboard by Maria Rita Faleri is a stylish table mat with effective use of pulled thread embroidery.

Step 2 – Purchase Ready-To-Stitch Kit

The Inspirations Ready-To-Stitch kit for Chequerboard includes everything* you need to re-create this harmonious mat: Fabric (unprinted), embroidery thread and needle.

*Please Note: To cater for flexibility of purchase, instructions are not included with our kits. For step-by-step directions on how to create this project, please refer to the magazine/digital pattern.