Tessellation by Christine P. Bishop

Tessellation /ˌtɛsɪˈleɪʃn/ noun

the process or art of tessellating a surface, or the state of being tessellated. An arrangement of shapes closely fitted together, especially of polygons in a repeated pattern without gaps or overlapping. (Oxford Languages)

How does your mind go creating something out of nothing?

If someone hands you a blank page and asks you to draw something with no reference, is that easy or difficult for you?

For some of us, creating something out of nothing is terrifying. For others just adding a layer of grid lines is enough to get started.

While we all have our own unique ways of thinking, when it comes to creativity there are some broad categories that are used to help define how we approach things. Left-Brain vs. Right-Brain; Analytical vs. Holistic; Convergent vs. Divergent; Sequential vs. Associative are just a few definitions that try to help us better understand and identify our own creative process, or perhaps lack there-of.

Now, as a stitcher, imagine for a minute you are given the following parameters from which you need to create something:

1 piece of white 30 count linen

2 threads – 8 perlé cotton in grey & 12 perlé cotton in cream

4 stitches – antique hem; double back; double running & satin stitch

We don’t know about you, but from our perspective that is a pretty lean list of requirements to spark creativity… but not for Christine P. Bishop.

Now, at this point it might be helpful if we share with you that Christine has a background in finance… she has quite the skill when it comes to numbers. This is not typically a profession you would associate with creativity, certainly not for the right reasons anyway!

Yet, Christine is also one of the most accomplished, creative and prolific designers we have ever published.

We believe this is because Christine has a fascinating ability to work both sides of the creative spectrum we talked about earlier. She combines left-brain & right brain along with sequential & associative and this alchemy allows her to create stunningly simple yet majestically complex projects such as her latest offering aptly named Tessellation.

Tessellation, from Handpicked Collection 3, is a table mat featuring a softly coloured repeating motif created using counted thread embroidery.

Many stitchers are drawn to the quiet elegance of repetitive designs using a monochrome palette and this superb mat is a splendid example.

As we mentioned earlier, this entire project is worked using only a soft beige-grey thread onto winter white linen. A satin stitch tulip and double running stitch block motif is repeated to form a striking grid of flowers and squares.

Measuring 36cm x 47cm wide (14″ x 18 ½”) and finished with antique hem stitch and a dainty scallop edge, it is sure to take pride of place in any setting.

Aside from this being a stunning project, it’s also a triumph in creativity to design something so captivating with the use of so little.

Full credit to the skill and talent of Christine P. Bishop.

Make Your Own Tessellation

Our Handpicked Ready-to-Stitch kit contains all the materials you need to re-create this project yourself, including the instructions.

If you prefer to source the materials yourself, this project is part of our Handpicked Collection 3, with instructions included in the printed book and also available separately as a printed or digital pattern.