Basic Cross Stitch Stitches

17 April 2009

Author: Elaine Trout

 

If you’re new to Counted or Stamped Cross Stitch, these step-by-step instructions and diagrams will walk you through how to do some of the most basic Cross Stitch stitches. You may find it helpful to practice on a piece of scrap fabric first before starting a project. With a little practice, you’ll become a pro in no time!

 

COUNTED CROSS STITCH STITCHES:

CROSS STITCH

1) Work through the holes in the fabric. Begin at the left and work to the right by coming up at A, going down at B, up at C, down at D, etc.

2) Complete the other half of each cross working from right to left. Make sure all stitches cross in the same direction.

3) You should see small vertical stitches on the back of the fabric.

4) Work vertical stitches individually.

 

HALF CROSS STITCH

This stitch is used to add dimension and shading. It is ideal for backgrounds and other areas where a softer look is desired.

1) Begin at the left and work to the right by coming up at A, going down at B, etc. (just like you would for Cross Stitch).

2) For the second row, stitch from the top right hole to the bottom left hole.

3) You should see small vertical stitches on the back of the fabric.

 

BACK STITCH

This stitch is used to add outlines and highlights around cross stitch areas or to create other detail lines, such as letters or tree branches.

1) Come up at A, go down at B. Come up at C, then go down at D (same hole as A). Continue, always going back down in the same hole as the previous stitch so your stitches look connected.

 

FRENCH KNOT

This stitch is used to add highlights to certain objects, such as eyes or flower centers.

1) Come up through a fabric hole (A). Hold the thread about 2" away from A. Wrap the thread once around the needle.

2) Continuing to hold the thread, insert the tip of the needle through the fabric at B (very close to A), to form a loop around the needle.

3) Pull the thread until the loop is tight around the needle. Holding the thread taut against the fabric, slowly pull the needle through the fabric.

4) This shows the completed knot.

 

STAMPED CROSS STITCH STITCHES:

CROSS STITCH

The method for working Cross Stitch on stamped designs is the same as for counted designs. However, the stitches are worked over printed X’s on the fabric. The points of the X’s on the fabric do not meet, but your actual stitches should touch at the corners.

 

SATIN STITCH

This stitch is used to fill areas and creates a very smooth surface. It is often used for items such as flower petals or eyes.

1) Following the printed dashes, come up at A, go down at B. If there are no dashes, place your stitch vertically.

2) Come up at C, go down at D. Repeat, laying stitches parallel to each other to form a smooth, even surface. Don’t crowd the stitches or place them too far apart.

3) Return to the starting position and complete stitching the shape.

 

STEM STITCH

This stitch can be used for single lines or to fill areas.

1) Come up at A, go down at B, making a stitch about 1/8" long. Come up at C (the midpoint of A-B). Hold your thread to one side of the needle as you draw it flat. Go down at D, up at E (same hole as B). Continue. Always come up in the same hole as the end of the previous stitch and keep your thread to the same side of the needle.

2) Keep the thread to the outside of a curve to make a smoother line.

3) When filling an area, always start each row from the same side and work in the same direction.

 

BACK STITCH & FRENCH KNOTS

The method for working these stitches on stamped designs is the same as for counted designs.

 

Now that you understand the basic Cross Stitch stitches, you can create your own stitched masterpieces!