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Crosses (beadwork) icon
Crosses (beadwork)

Crosses (beadwork) main image

This stitch describes how to stitch two lines of beads which form a cross shape.  Unlike most stitched crosses, it is formed by two bent lines which meet in the middle, rather than two straight lines which cross.

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Crossed Raised Embellishment Bead Embroidery

Further Reading

RSN Essential Stitch Guides: Bead Embroidery by Shelley Cox
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Method

To keep each leg length equal keep the number of beads consistent.

Crosses are very useful and have many adaptions. They can create a variety of effects: when worked over other stitches, sequins and beads they create texture; when worked corner to corner they can create a diamond trellis.

To form a star shape place the first two legs close together and the second pair symmetrically opposite and then add two more legs between.

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1
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 1 illustration
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 1 photograph
1

Mark four points on your fabric. Bring your needle up at the top right and thread enough beads to take you to the top left point, crossing the centre point. Take the the needle down at the top left.

2
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 2 illustration
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 2 photograph
2

Bring the needle up at the bottom right point and thread enough beads to take you to the central point.

3
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 3 illustration
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 3 photograph
3

Pass the needle through the central bead of the first strand.

4
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 4 illustration
Crosses (beadwork) method stage 4 photograph
4

Pick up enough beads to finish the cross and take the needle down at the bottom left point.

Crosses (beadwork)

Structure of stitch

Crossed Raised

Common uses

Embellishment

Embroidery Techniques

Bead Embroidery

Related Stitches

References

  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018)