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Stitching Sudoku
- First off, what does a Sudoku puzzle have to do with needlepoint?
Not much, until you find a way to connect the two together. That's what happened while I was playing Sudoku on the computer. The game I enjoy the most is called Ancient Sudoku, and it gives you the choice of using nine colors instead of nine numbers to solve the puzzle. Working with colors seemed to suit me, and I really enjoyed playing the game.
The nine patch design, or any sort of multi-block design is such a basic and natural fit for needlepoint, so I decided to experiment with a "Mini-Sudoku" board stitched in needlepoint. I printed out 2 completed puzzles, assigned 9 different stitches to one, and 9 different colors to the other, and used both to stitch a quick design of about 5 x 5" on 14 mesh canvas.
The next step was to design a larger project with even more layers of Sudoku puzzles embedded in the pattern and color selection. The class project has up to five layers of Sudoku:
1.) The pattern medallions
2.) The main color of the medallions
3.) Color of the inner border
4.) Color of the accent stitches in the medallion
5.) Color of the beads for embellishment
- Is the example stitched on black canvas?
No, the sample is stitched on 18 count, white, mono canvas. The dividing border between the medallions is worked in black and brown thread. The stitchery is designed to fully cover the canvas.
- Just how big is this project on 18 count canvas?
The full Sudoku board with 81 squares finishes to a size of approximately:
20-1/2 x 20-1/2 inches with a border.
16-1/4 x 16-1/4 inches without a border.
(Border is not shown on the examples below)
A medium size with 36 squares finishes to approximately:
15-1/2 x 15-1/2 inches inches with a border.
11-1/4 x 11-1/4 inches without a border.
And, a small size of 9 squares finishes to approximately:
10 x 10 inches inches with a border.
5-3/4 x 5-3/4 inches without a border.
(I think a border adds a dynamic to the small project layout)
If you prefer to just learn the stitchery and not follow a Sudoku puzzle, any arrangement of squares may be designed and worked.
- How much do the supplies cost?
I do not have an exact cost for the supplies because it depends on three choices you will make during the setup weeks.
- 1.) the size of the project
- 2.) the number of color families, and
- 3.) the type and amount of embellishment
The canvas setup and cost of floss and perle is reasonable: about $30 - $45. It is the accent threads that start to add up because you need 2 different metallics and a tube of beads for each of nine color families.
A list of color families is provided, but is merely a guide. You may substitute similar colors that suit a personal preference, or are available on hand.
If you have a robust stash; this will help reduce the supply cost.
The other way to minimize the cost is to limit your colors to 3 or 4 families, and not play the Sudoku puzzle using nine colors.
If you choose to use the metallic accents, they are worked along side the cotton threads., The beads are added last because they give dimension and tend to snag your threads when working. So, the purchase of beads can be delayed.
- May I use a smaller mesh canvas?
Yes - maybe.
I assume you are thinking of Congress cloth canvas (about 24 count), but I have reservations about some aspects of the stitching concepts. First, the thread weight recommendations throughout the entire project will have to be adjusted for the smaller mesh. Second, the threads used to achieve some of the optical color effects use a single strand of floss or fine metallic on 18 mesh. Possibly, machine sewing thread could be substituted for one strand of floss on the Congress. The thread weight must not be too heavy because the foundation stitchery is supposed to show through.
- I really want a list of the exact colors on the sample; will you provide that to me?
No, I will not be providing an exact list.
There are two color themes suggested for the project.
The Mineral Brights and the Mineral Lights. I will provide a pair of DMC color numbers for nine Mineral Brights, and nine Mineral Lights. Each pair of colors will serve as a guide for choosing additional threads to complete the nine color families.
The Mineral Brights are chosen to symbolize gem stones that are bold in color. It is an ideal color theme for those who want to play Sudoku when planning their project.
The Mineral Lights are subdued, and neutral in color with less contrast. These may suit stitchers who do not want to play Sudoku, but just concentrate on the stitch mechanics and the interesting textures of the project.
Personal color choices are encouraged!
- Is it possible to make ornaments out of the medallions instead of a square panel?
Oh, you would ask that!
No doubt, the nine medallion designs would be ideal for adaptation into small projects such as ornaments, or needle books.
In Lesson 12, I decided to include a chart for a quick stitching border around a single medallion. This works into a 5 x 5 inch piece of stitchery which can be folded, stuffed and finished using the earlobe construction method. Embellishments such as cords, ribbons, tassels, beads, etc. can also be added.
Setting up your canvas size for this will be discussed in the first 2 weeks of the class presentation.
The course syllabus is available in the class info document. (Click here)
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