Jochet Works

A year or two ago, my mom introduced me to an interesting form of needlepoint called “Chicken Scratch” or “Gingham Embroidery.” It is a mix of cross stitching and embroidery techniques done on a plaid (often gingham) piece of fabric.

I personally LOVE how this technique looks. Depending of what color thread you use and how you do your stitching, the design can completely change. This particular piece was done on a flannel shirt. I only did a star stitch in each of the boxes for this one, as I was trying to get this done in time to wear on St. Patrick’s Day.

Because it is meant to be worn and isn’t just for show, I found it a little more difficult. Where I would normally go across the row doing a diagonal for the cross stitch and then work my way back the other way, I ended up completing each stitch individually before moving on to the next one. This isn’t necessarily how you have to do this, but I personally thought it looked better and would give less large threads to snag on washing machines in the future.

I really like how the pattern turned out on this particular shirt. The green lines between the squares really gave it a nice touch. I keep meaning to go back and add in some scroll work or Celtic knots across the top, but I have yet to actually sit down and make myself work on it. I do frequently get compliments on it whenever I wear it, so that is nice.

Any questions, comments, or concerns? Let me know! Wanting to know a little more about chicken scratch embroidery? I may not be the best source of information, but I can sure try and answer any questions you may have.

Thanks for reading.

-Jo