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Oblong cross stitch icon
Oblong cross stitch

  • Long cross stitch
  • Economic long cross stitch
  • Czar stitch
  • Economic stitch

Long cross stitch is a slightly elongated cross stitch that is worked in straight rows and columns. Each cross stitch is normally made across two by four threads of the canvas, although this can be varied.

For a diagonal version, see the entry for flying cross stitch.

This stitch was certainly in existence by the mid 19th century as it features under the names czar stitch and economic stitch in The Ladies’ self instructor in millinery and mantua making, embroidery and appliqué, canvas-work, knitting, netting, and crochet-work, published in 1853.  The 1891 publication Dainty work for pleasure and profit suggests that it was widely used in Berlin wool work.

add_circleMy Stitches
Crossed Filling Border Canvaswork Berlin wool work

in memory of Rachel Richmond Williams, known as Rita

Method

This stitch has an unworked hole of canvas between each vertical stitch.  To avoid this, work the rows of crosses offset from each other or stitch a line of backstitch between each row.

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Oblong cross stitch method stage 1 illustration
Oblong cross stitch method stage 1 photograph
1

Start with a diagonal stitch across two horizontal and four vertical threads of the canvas.

Oblong cross stitch method stage 2 illustration
Oblong cross stitch method stage 2 photograph
2

Replicate this stitch across the row, starting each stitch four holes below the end of the previous one.

Oblong cross stitch method stage 3 illustration
Oblong cross stitch method stage 3 photograph
3

Work back across the row crossing the stitch with another diagonal stitch in the opposite direction, again across two and up four threads.

Oblong cross stitch method stage 4 illustration
Oblong cross stitch method stage 4 photograph
4

Continue to fill the area with more rows. Each cross should line up with those above and below.

Oblong cross stitch

Structure of stitch

Crossed

Common uses

Filling Border

Embroidery Techniques

Canvaswork Berlin wool work

Related Stitches

Cross stitch Flying cross stitch Alternating cross stitch Oblong double-tied cross stitch

Identifying Oblong cross stitch

The reverse of this stitch consists of vertical stitches with a gap of one hole between them (assuming the stitch is worked across two horizontal threads).  Each stitch is worked twice in the same holes.

References

  • Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (Revised Edition) (1989) , p.143
  • Adelaide E Heron, 'Dainty work for pleasure and profit', archive.org (1891). Available at: https://archive.org/details/daintyworkforple00hero/page/142/mode/2up (Accessed: 03 August 2022)
  • The Ladies’ self instructor in millinery and mantua making, embroidery and appliqué, canvas-work, knitting, netting, and crochet-work (1853) , p.67