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Reversed cushion stitch icon
Reversed cushion stitch

  • Reversed Scotch stitch
  • Cushion stitch
Reversed cushion stitch main image

This canvaswork stitch consists of four small square blocks stitched on the diagonal.  Two of the blocks have a stitch angle of bottom left to top right and the other two blocks are the reverse of this: together they form a larger square block with a diamond motif.

 

Reversed cushion stitch is generously sponsored by Karen Malmquist

Method

1

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

2

Bring your needle up one thread below the start of the previous stitch, and make a stitch across two intersections; repeat across three intersections,

3

then two and finally make another tent stitch.

4

For the next block to the right, reverse the stitch direction: begin at the bottom left-hand side with a reversed tent stitch and work the other four stitches across to the top right-hand corner.

5

Continue the sequence along the row. Each row should mirror the row above.

Reversed cushion stitch

Structure of stitch

Common uses

​Reversed cushion is a slightly raised, structured stitch with a small square pattern repeat which adds subtle texture to a piece.

Embroidery Techniques

Identifying Reversed cushion stitch

This version of cushion stitch is worked in straight rows. Each cushion block is made up of five diagonal stitches across a square of three by three canvas threads and mirrors the stitch direction of its neighbour.

References

  • Mary Thomas, Jan Eaton, Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (Revised Edition) (1989) , p.126
  • Various Authors, The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery (2018) , p.104
  • Betty Barnden, The Embroidery Stitch Bible (2003) , p.157
  • Kate Haxell, The Stitch Bible (2012) , p.144
  • Sarah Whittle, The Needlecraft Stitch Directory (2012) , p.203