About RSN Stitch Bank
Two-sided cross stitch
- Double sided cross stitch
- Spanish stitch
- Double running stitch
This version of cross stitch appears identical on both the front and reverse of the fabric. It is useful for embellishing garments or household items where both sides of the cloth is likely to be visible. It has similarities with Holbein stitch.
There are two methods of working this stitch: in the step-by-step instructions, the final cross in a row has the ‘wrong’ half-cross stitch uppermost (from Mary Thomas’ Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches); in the video the final cross is clearly made up of two quarter stitches which join in the centre of the cross (from Thérèse de Dillmont’s Encyclopedia of Needlework).
See marking cross stitch for a version of cross stitch which is reversible, but not identical on both sides.
Two-sided cross stitch is generously sponsored by Mary Stickley
Method
First journey: Work half crosses left to right as shown. The gaps between the stitches should be the same width as the half crosses.
Second journey: At the end of the row, make an auxiliary stitch (1/4 stitch) by coming up in the middle of the half cross.
Go back down at the bottom right of the cross.
Make another auxiliary stitch (1/4 stitch) by coming up in the middle of the half cross.
Go back down at the top left of the cross. Come up at the bottom right of the next cross and make a half cross to complete the cross.
Work the second journey from right to left.
Third journey: Come up at the bottom right of the first cross.
Work the third journey of half crosses from left to right as shown.
Fourth journey: At the end of the row, make an auxiliary stitch (1/4 stitch) by coming up at the bottom right of the cross and going down in the middle of the cross.
Come up at the bottom left of the cross to get ready to work half crosses.
Work the half crosses from right to left to complete the four journeys. There should be crosses on the reverse as well.
Two-sided cross stitch
