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Alternating cross stitch icon
Alternating cross stitch

  • Double stitch
Alternating cross stitch main image

This stitch alternates a small cross with a larger cross, and the rows should interlock with each other.

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Crossed Pattern Filling Canvaswork

Alternating cross stitch is generously sponsored by Lucy Aiken

Method

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Alternating cross stitch method stage 1 illustration
Alternating cross stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Begin the first row by working the small cross stitches, which cross a single intersection of the canvas and are spaced one canvas thread apart. Ensure the top thread of the cross is worked from bottom left to top right.

Alternating cross stitch method stage 2 illustration
Alternating cross stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Work back across the row, placing the larger cross stitches between the small cross stitches. The larger stitches are three canvas threads high by one across. Again ensure the top thread is always worked from bottom left to top right.

Alternating cross stitch method stage 3 illustration
Alternating cross stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Begin working the next row by placing the small cross stitch underneath the larger cross of the previous row.

Alternating cross stitch method stage 4 illustration
Alternating cross stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Then work back across the row, filling in the gaps with the larger cross stitches.

Alternating cross stitch

Structure of stitch

Crossed Pattern

Common uses

Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork

Related Stitches

Cross stitch Upright cross stitch

References

  • Jennifer Campbell, Ann-Marie Bakewell, Guide to Embroidery Stitches (2004)
  • Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (Revised Edition) (1989) , p.77–8
  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.100
  • Rachel Doyle, RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Canvaswork (2013) , p.38