A float consist of four strands of cotton stirngs

This is a float with the yarn pulled through

This is a straight line

To make a circle go to the corresponding float above and pull needle and yarn through going opposite direction

here it is half way

Return through the starting float

Here is a circle

To make a figure 8 repeat this by going under the corresponding float underneath

Here it is almost done

Go back through the center

Here is your figure 8

To do a split stitch pick up only two of the four strands

You can then go up and pick up a full strand directly above the one you just split

return down and pick up the remaining two strands

Here is a split stitch

To do an off set stitch go up two rows and then over one see close up

here is an off set stitch

To do a regular up stitch go up to next row with horizontal float see close up

Here is a regular up stitch do the same thing to go down

interwoven border steps

SEE PHOTOS Above FOR STITCH DEMONSTRATIONS 
For those of you who are new to Swedish weaving on monks cloth here are some basics for beginners. 
Monks cloth is a loose woven fabric that has what is referred to as floats. 
To prepare Monks cloth for your project you will first need to run your cloth through your sewing machine to make a hem. There are several methods for this. Here are just a couple. fold over your cloth and hem it for a solid hem. Or my personal favorite run a stitch with your machine an inch or two above the edge (Make sure it is straight) I will sometimes run a straight single line of yarn all the way from end to end to follow to make sure I don't wander off track. I then remove the loose horizontal threads and have a short self fringe. Do this on both ends. Then wash in cold or warm water and dry you want to pre shrink the fabric. Now you are ready to proceed. 


You can work from the bottom up if your pattern is repeating or you are doing a sampler. Or if you want a pattern in the middle and then mirror it on each side you will need to count the floats to find your exact center to start from. I usually count ten rows and then mark it with a small piece of yarn. Either way you will need to make sure you always start in the middle of the row and work out to the edges. Otherwise you are trying to pull to much yarn through and will stress or pull out the floats.
 ( a float consist of four strands)
For purposes of describing stitches for beginners: I will demonstrate a regular striaght stitch, a circle stitch, a figure 8 stitch and a split stitch an off set stitch and a regular up stitch. By using these simple techniques you can make fabulous designs that look amazing. As tempting as it is to gather several floats at a time and pull your yarn through. I recommend not picking up more than two or three max at a time. It is to easy to pull the floats out and ruin your fabric.