Grids to Stitch • Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
This book shows you a variety of grids as a source for design and shows how they can be converted into wonderful works of textile art.
$12.50
Much fun can be had by compiling simple, but unusual, grid patterns.

A dictionary definition of a GRID is a network of evenly spaced horizontal and vertical lines, a set of crisscrossing bars. or a placement of squares formed within horizontal and vertical lines. However, in this book the term grid will be broadened to include asymmetrical arrangements of crossing lines and organic structures usually accepted within design terminology.
Much fun can be had by compiling simple, but unusual, grid patterns using every day objects.
Modern architecture can be innovative and exciting. The variations of skyscraper to be found in many downtown cities are awe inspiring in themselves. Some have massive glass surfaces that reflect and distort the images of the other structures around them.
Focusing closely on smaller details such as windows, doors, porches, roofs and some chimneys can reveal an array of grid patterns of tiles, glass panels, ornamental brickwork, balustrade and wrought iron.

An exciting range of fibers and wires can be darned or stitched over the network always remembering to incorporate the base thread structure. Contrasting thin and thick, and matt and shiny yarns should
always be considered. Fine darning partnered with the bolder dimensional qualities of layered areas will add further interest. Some traditional stitches, such as stem and variations of chain stitch worked over the base threads can be most effective. Adding wires, beads, wrapping and knotting can enhance a textural surface further.



BOOK 17 by Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn
Grids like you have never seen before. Or have you? This book shows you a variety of grids, many of which you meet in your everyday life and then explores them as a source for design and shows how they can be converted into wonderful works of textile art.
- 28 pages full color illustration
- © Double Trouble Enterprises 2006, 2023
- ISBN 978-0-9546014-6-1
Jan Beaney & Jean Littlejohn • About the Authors

Jan Beaney and Jean Littlejohn are internationally acclaimed textiles artists, authors and educators. For more than forty years the duo know as “Double Trouble Enterprises” has been challenging traditional notions of embroidery and stitch by working with soluble fabrics, mixed media, bonding, printing, embellishing and collage and extensive use of color development and journaling to great success. Founding members of the 62 Group of Textile Artists, featured instructors at Callaway Gardens School of Needle Arts, City & Guilds (London), Fellows of the Society of Designer Craftsmen (UK) and Presidents emeritus of the Embroiderers’ Guild (UK), Jan and Jean continue their work in inspiring stitch artists of all ages with print books, digital books, and a wide range of DVDs and streaming workshops.
Learn more about Jan and Jean in their interview with TextileArtist.org
Visit their Double Trouble Enterprises Website