Hug of Hearts 7. Roseground Heart

 7. Roseground Heart

This little heart uses the versatile Roseground filling.  This is based on the standard 45 degree dot grid so any Torchon stitch can be use.  Roseground combines an unpinned corner with a pinned diamond shape, this creates a supported circle which varies according to the twists applied at the different points.

The roseground can be altered simply by using a different size dot grid.  In the larger heart, the dots are the same size as the small heart, making it fill the space better than having a very loose ground. 

20 pairs using a standard 27 to 30 wraps per centimeter cotton thread.  Start at the top left of the heart, use the diagonal lines to work lines of roseground. Some pairs can be carried in with the passives of the edge to take them to a lower point where they can re-enter the ground instead of adding new pairs.  

The roseground is a geometric ground and so has a little issue with fitting into an organic shape.  This means you have to make decisions when a pair lands between two edge pins.  Hold the thread to each in turn and see which looks best to you.  Sometimes you can add little bits of the heart motif close to the edge, sometimes you may wish to join the edge with a simple twisting of pairs.  The choice is yours.  These little hearts use so little thread, I use left over threads, that you can experiment with making several to see which options you prefer which can come in handy when you make larger pieces. 

The patterns are 4, 6 and 8 cm across at the widest point.  The 4cm suits a 28 to 34 wpc thread. Add more passives for finer threads, add some sparkle, or coloured thread for fun.  These can be fitted into bangles as decorations

In the Hug of Hearts series there are 24 designs which can be adapted further with your own choices.  See my youtube video for starting, edge variations, threads and alternative stitches demonstrated on the Border Heart.

Pin Under Four Edge, simple Roseground

 

Winkie Pin Edge with Frilly Picot Plaits
and different Roseground method

The outside edge and the passives can be altered.  The roseground pairs are taken in down one side as the heart narrows so choose one side to throw out along and work diagonally towards it.