Stitch Library

Half Cross Stitch

A half cross stitch is a very simple stitch to master.  It is one of the most basic, but also essential stitches to learn. 

When stitching from left to right, simply follow the numbers on the first row of the chart above.  Bring your needle up at 1 and take it down at two.  Then continue this sequence of stitches until you have covered the desired area.

When stitching from right to left, follow the second row on the chart.  Bring your needle up at 1 and take it down at two.  And again, continue this sequence until you have covered the area.

On the reverse of your canvas, the stitch looks like the above chart: a simple vertical stitch.

To view a demonstration video click on: Half crosstitch demonstration - YouTube

 

Tent Stitch (Continental Stitch)

 

The tent stitch is frequently used as an uncomplicated background stitch. The result looks identical to a half cross stitch, but it provides a much better coverage, which is far superior to a half cross stitch. However, the tent stitch requires more yarn to implement.  

When stitching from right to left, follow the numbered sequence shown on the top row of the chart above. Once you reach the end of the area you wish to cover, begin stitching from left to right and follow the numbered sequence on the chart again. You will notice that on the reverse side of the canvas, the stitches will appear highly angled, and the end result will be a fully covered surface.

On the reverse of your canvas the tent stitch looks like the above chart: a long-slanted stitch covering almost all of the canvas.

Click on the following link for a video tutorial: Tent Stitch (Continental Stitch) (youtube.com)