Nativity stitch along day 5.

We are getting so close to finishing the Nativity hoop! We only have two stitches left to learn. Today we will learn the turkey works stitch. On the Nativity hoop, turkey work is what makes the fun loops on Joseph’s body. Let’s get started.

One stitch – many looks

Turkey work is sometimes referred to as a knot. This is because in stitch it you basically tie a knot on top of your fabric leaving the ends exposed. This makes turkey work a very versatile stitch. You can leave the ends long like fringe or pack them in close and the ends short to make a fuzzy texture like carpet or fur. You would also leave the ends uncut making looks that look like petals.

All four of the images above show turkey work stitched in different ways. Top left is tight and short. Top right is long and loose. Bottom left is tight and loopy. Bottom right is both loopy and trimmed. Turkey work is such a great way to express different ideas and textures. Let learn how to make it.

How to stitch Turkey Work

First, I’ll show you how to start turkey work with a tail on the top. You would use this version for anything where you want to cut the loops and have loose ends.

• STEP 1 – Go down through the top side of the fabric leaving a 0.5-1″ tail.
• STEP 2 – Come back up a little to the right. Pull up thread. Go back down on the left of your thread to anchor your first stitch.
• STEP 3 – Next, come up UNDER the anchor stitch. This will be very close to your first down point in step one. Pull up thread.
• STEP 4 – Come down one stitch length to the right. Pull down thread until you loop matches your first 0.5-1″ thread.

• STEP 5 – Next come up to the right of your last loop and come down over your thread to the left to make another anchor stitch.
• STEP 6 – Again, come up UNDER the anchor stitch. This will be very close to your down point in step 5. Pull up thread.
• STEP 7 – Repeat steps 2-4. End with your thread on the top. Try holding your stitch in black and out of the way as you work.
• STEP 8 – Finish by trimming your loops. Either cut off the tops all together, or snip each loop individually.

How to start Turkey Work with a loop

Now that you have an understanding of how turkey work stitch works, I’ll show you how to start with a loop instead of a tail end.

• STEP 1 – Come up from the back and down one stitch length to the right. Leave a .25-.75″ tall loop.
• STEP 2 – Next, come up in the middle of your loop and anchor the left side.
• STEP 3 – Then, come up to the right and anchor the right side.
• STEP 4 – Come up under the last anchor stitch and continue like normal Turkey Work. End with thread on the back.

Video for Day 5 stitch along

Note that it is easier to view this video on a mobile device or directly on youtube where the image will be larger.

Questions?

Make sure to comment with any questions. I love questions and helping you in your work. If you missed any of the previous days you can find them here. DAY 1 – Set up and tracing. DAY 2 – Satin stitch and backstitch. DAY 3 – Chain stitch and whipped backstitch. DAY 4 – French knots and making the star. Don’t forget to share your progress on Instagram so I can cheer you on!