There are two methods of seaming squares or rectangles together. You can align the woven pieces by (1) placing them in the same orientation; that is, right side up with the starting end in the lower left corner; or by (2) matching similar scalloped loops to one another. The latter is easier for making even seams, but if a textured pattern has been woven on the square or rectangle, and you want that pattern to repeat itself for a particular effect, you must think about--perhaps even redesign and reweave--the direction of the textured pattern on each square/rectangle. For a simple approach, the following steps are a good beginning to learn the technique:



Figure 7: First, be sure you know the right side of the square. To determine the right side, hold the square so that the starting end is in the lower left corner, the finishing end in the upper right corner. The side of the square facing you is the right side.







Figure 8: Place two squares together, right side up to right side. (The front square with the bottom edge up, the back square with the top edge up.) Line up the edges of the squares so that the double loops of the rear square appear between the loops of the front square.







The Overcast Stitch: (Figure 9) is most common. With a single yarn and a tapestry needle, sew over and over into each loop (2 stitches in each pair of loops) drawing the thread rather tightly. When the sewing yarn is almost used up, be sure to tie a slip knot or fasten securely before using another length of yarn. When using a new thread for sewing, weave the loose end an inch down on the wrong side. Draw the needle through the first two loops (at edge) and tie a slip knot. There is no danger of the squares coming apart if they are caught at each beginning and ending. All loose ends from each square should be worked into your project on the wrong side.


The Lacy Stitch: (Figure 10) Match two squares together so that the double loops line up with one another. Working from right to left, sew through first loop on near side, and through second loop on far side, making one stitch in each of the loops. To achieve a lacy effect, be careful not to draw the yarn too tight.



The Cross-Stitch: (Figure 11) Match two squares together so that the double loops line up with one another. Working from right to left, sew through the first loop on the far side, bring the yarn to the second loop on the near side; but go under the loops (to the right) and bring the yarn out and across diagonally to the next set of loops on the far side.

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