I have decided my lounge walls need something new on them. So I have designed a Seahorse in Filet Darn. It is going to be a contemporary version by the time I have added metallic thread and beads etc. Here you can follow my step by step process of designing and stitching.

Left: I charted out the seahorse design. 1 line of the graph equals 2 fabric threads and 1 square on the graph equals 2 fabric threads. 

Left: With dark blue thread I counted out the fabric threads, under 2 over 2 fabric threads the size of the over all area that the design is centered in.

The bright blue threads I used to mark about every 10 dark blue threads.

The multi coloured Pearl 8 thread is Satin stitched around the outside outline.

Left: Inside the total design area I cut 2 fabric threads, missed 2 fabric threads. I totally withdrew the cut fabric threads.

Then I stitch Ground stitch on the diagonal to bring groups of 2 fabric threads together to form a solid grid. (left side of photo.)

Left: This is the total design area with fabric threads cut and the grid formation stitched.

Far left: The patches within the seahorse have now been woven vertically in place with variegated Pearl 8. Part of designing is changing things as you go. Note I added patches to the face as I decided not to make it a solid colour.

Left: Close up of the "Filet Darn" stitch.

Left: Horizontal woven darning has been stitched around the variegated patches in a plain orange Pearl 8.

Then with variegated Pearl 8 I did long woven stitches to form the backbone mane.

Next I am going to add some metallic threads. Check back later to see my progress.

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Far Left: Around the edge of the variegated weaving I did Back stitch using 2 strands of gold metallic thread.

Left: Close up photo of the gold stitching.

Left: First I decided the border was going to be Counted Thread stitching based around Blackwork motifs I designed.

But once I had done one corner I realised the Counted Thread stitching looked to weak (lightweight) compared with the visual weight factor of the darning.

Left: So I have decided the borders had to be more heavy looking. I thought a variety of crusty looking stitches would be better. I still have beads to add yet.

Hopefully the boarder will eventually look like sea Crustaceans.

Below more more descriptions.

You might see faint blue lines on the fabric where I first drew my markings. What I love about using a blue water soluble pen to mark the stitching pathways is, if you change your mind while actually stitching your markings are not permanent.

Left The raised circles are Buttonhole circles that are formed around a hedebo stick.  Pearl 5 cotton thread was used. The Buttonhole circles are 1cm (1/4 inch) wide.

The pale yellow triangles are as made for Casalguidi needlework. Pearl 5 cotton thread was used.

The short fluffy stitched are done with Chenille thread and Whipped Back stitch. Use very short lengths of chenille thread while stitching or it gets too worn looking.

The long green line of stitching is whipped Stem stitch. Pearl 8 cotton thread was used.

Notice the Buttonhole circles have no bottom on them. I will later fill them with beads.

The wrapped spiders web is variegated Pearl 8 cotton thread

So now to go stitch the other 3 corners on the boarder.