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Cushion stitch icon
Cushion stitch

  • Scotch stitch
  • Diagonal satin blocks
Cushion stitch main image

This canvaswork stitch consists of five diagonal stitches combined to form a square block.  Multiple blocks form a grid pattern.

The stitch is also widely known as Scotch stitch; hence the naming of some of its variations: condensed Scotch stitch and Scottish squares.  Confusingly, both Reversed cushion stitch and Scottish squares are sometimes also known as cushion stitch.

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Flat Parallel Pattern Filling Canvaswork

Cushion stitch is generously sponsored by Alison Potter

Method

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Cushion stitch method stage 1 illustration
Cushion stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Begin with a tent stitch in the top left-hand corner.

Cushion stitch method stage 2 illustration
Cushion stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Move one canvas thread along and make a stitch across two intersections; repeat across three intersections,

Cushion stitch method stage 3 illustration
Cushion stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

then two and finally make another tent stitch.

Cushion stitch method stage 4 illustration
Cushion stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Continue the sequence to produce identical blocks that line up vertically and horizontally.

Cushion stitch

Structure of stitch

Flat Parallel Pattern

Common uses

Filling

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork

Related Stitches

Condensed Scotch stitch Reversed cushion stitch Mosaic stitch Chequer stitch Scottish squares Cashmere stitch Tent stitch Oatmeal stitch

References

  • S. F. A. Caulfeild, Blanche C. Saward, The Dictionary of Needlework (1882) , p.181
  • Letitia Higgin, RSN Handbook of Embroidery (1880)
  • Jennifer Campbell, Ann-Marie Bakewell, Guide to Embroidery Stitches (2004) , p.182