CHL Design: Arrowhead Fly Stitch

The arrowhead fly stitch is a variation of the fly stitch that is particularly useful for needlepointers because it covers the canvas. It is basically a series of arrows formed by nested fly stitches in increasing sizes.

One variation is to work all the triangles pointing one direction in one color or thread, and all the triangles pointing the other direction in another. Another variation would be to work every other triangle in different colors (such as dark, light, dark, light). If you keep this change consistent, it creates an interesting effect. Worked in one color, it makes the most lovely brocade. I like to stitch it in silk or a shiny thread. It's one of my favorite stitches for clothing, but it also makes a very successful background. I personally prefer it worked in two colors that are close in value.

Use this stitch for angel wings, for foliage or for bird feathers. Consider using this stitch in small areas; consider using metallic for one of the layers; consider using an overdyed thread for one of the layers. Consider using two threads with different textures but that are the same color (cream Patina and cream silk together, for example, using exactly the same value). This stitch makes a lovely filler in architectural designs. I've even seen it look very nice as shrubbery, using a green overdye for the bottom thread and a multi-flower-color overdye for the top layer. It also makes a neat thatched roof worked in linen thread in all one straw-like color.

Arrowhead Fly Stitch diagram