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

 Cross Stitch

Cross Stitch is one of the most common stitches and is very easy to master. You complete the cross stitch by finishing the above half cross stitch with one stitch on top of the other one in the opposite direction.

Bring the needle up from the reverse of the fabric at 1.  You take it back down on 2 and simply follow the sequence of the chart above.  When you get to the end of your length of cotton, secure it carefully on the reverse by pulling it through some of the existing stitches.

 

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)

 

Mosaic Stitch

The mosaic stitch as a beautiful and fairly easy stitch to accomplish.  It is a simple variation of the half cross stitch with a slightly different sequence.  You can achieve wonderful effects by playing with colour changes.  Alternate colours per stitched square can in itself accomplish wonderful background patterns.

 

Bring your needle up from the back of the canvas in 1 and take it back down in 2 (basic half cross stitch).  Now go across to 3 and bring the needle back up.  Take it down in 4 and finish by bringing it back up on 5 and down on 6.  You are now ready to start again and repeat the process on 7.

Click on the following link for a tutorial: Mosaic Stitch (youtube.com)

 

Cashmere Stitch

The Cashmere Stitch is an easy variation of the Mosaic Stitch.  One long vertical diagonal line is added to the sequence of the stitches.  This great stitch offers a beautiful alternative for a more elongated stitching pattern.

Bring up your needle at 1 and take it down on number two.  Then follow the sequence as per the above graphic until you get to number 8.  Once you have reached number 8, take the needle back up to the top and bring it up at number 9 to repeat the same sequence.
To view a tutorial, click: Cashmere Stitch (youtube.com)

Scotch Stitch



The Scotch stitch is a robust stitch with a more distinct presence compared to the Mosaic Stitch.  It is stitched on a square of 3 x 3 and really comes to life when you alter the colours every other square.
Follow the above grid starting by bringing up your needle at number one and taking it down on two.  Then move your needle to the hole next to number one (number 3), bring it up and take it back down on 4.  Follow the path from 5 to 10 in the same movement.  Once the square is finished, start again from number 11.
For an online demonstration click on:  Scotch Stitch (youtube.com)

Oblong Cross Stitch with Back Stitch

The Oblong Stitch with Back Stitch is a favorite to create extra texture and movement to your project.  The result is beautifully textured with a slight knitted feel.
Start at one and create an Oblong Cross Stitch following the steps from 1 to 4.
Once the stitch is created, stitch a back stitch over the cross from 5 to 6.  Then repeat the sequence starting from 7.
For an online demonstration click on: Oblong Cross Stitch with Back Stitch