Chinese Cross Stitch is a great little stitch, not often seen, but works up into a very useful filling or border stitch. It looks great as a decorative surface stitch on even-weave fabrics and is extremely simple to work. I have also found that you can scatter this stitch across an area in a freeform manner. This way, you can add interest to an area without texturing it too heavily. It is called a cross stitch, but other than being a crossed stitch, I don’t think it is related to what is commonly known as cross stitch.
How to Work Chinese Cross Stitch
You construct Chinese Cross Stitch over 6 vertical and 4 horizontal threads
Make a horizontal straight stitch over 6 threads of your fabric.
Work a vertical stitch over 4 threads as illustrated.
Complete the block by working a second vertical stitch over 4 threads as illustrated.
The next block is a half drop as illustrated. From the base of the last vertical stitch, work a horizontal straight stitch over 6 threads. This is the start of your next block.
Work a vertical stitch over 4 threads as illustrated.
Complete the block by working a second vertical stitch as illustrated.
After completing the second block, move up so that your next block is inline with your first block and continue the pattern of stitching.
I hope you enjoy Chinese Cross Stitch!
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Happy stitching!
Made me think of ventricular bigeminy
Hi Karen I had to google that! Interesting thought
What a cool little stitch! I’m really enjoying these “Beyond the Beyond” TAST stitches, Sharon.
Not sure they are beyond beyond – sounds a bit extreme. I just thought that this year I would add some more stitches to the stitch dictionary and try and make it a bit interesting for people who have been reading me a long time. That said while I am away I won’t be writing tutorials but once I am back look for them again. I have a list!
That’s a lovely stitch. One day I will start on a crazy quilt. In the meantime, you are my inspiration.
Ann you do not have to use this stitch on crazy quilting – it looks great on even weave fabric too – even Aida. Give it a go and have fun with it.
That is a very pretty stitch. I’m currently unpacking from what I hope will be my final move. I do have a designated sewing room now, but its just full of boxes etc.
However I am looking forward to finding my embroidery and using that delightful little stitch.
Thank-you for showing it. It is quite beautiful.
Thanks You Julia – it really does make a lovely fill
Such a nice stitch. Have a lovely time, Sharon, and stay safe. Anneliese
Thanks Anneliese – its a sweet little stitch thanks