The basic pattern for assuring a decent range of color across the various possible shift positions of a hammer, especially a lacquered hammer. Needles are small, #10 and/or #12 quilting needles, spaced about 1.0 - 1.5 mm apart, about 2 - 3 mm long. An angled insertion right next to each string mark, followed by three insertions as shown at the full shift position.