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Image of Long-Armed Smyrna Cross Stitch
Image of Long-Armed Smyrna Cross Stitch
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How To Stitch a Long-Armed Smyrna Cross Stitch - Smyrna Cross Stitch Variation

From Connie G. Thomas,
Your Guide to Cross-Stitch.
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The long-armed Smyrna Cross Stitch is a variation of the Smyrna Cross Stitch that incorporates a petite upright cross stitch laid over a cross stitch stitched over two squares of Aida fabric.

The instructions below describe stitching a long-armed Smyrna Cross Stitch with one color of floss. To stitch with two colors, secure the floss after stitching the cross stitch and start at point 5 with the second floss color.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: Varies

Here's How:

  1. Thread the tapestry needle with a short length of floss. Place the fabric in the hoop if desired.

    To stitch a long-armed Smyrna Cross Stitch, bring the threaded needle up at point 1 and carry the floss across two squares of Aida taking it down at point 2.

  2. Bring the needle up at point 3 and take it down at point 4. This completes the cross stitch, stitched over two squares of Aida fabric or two threads of linen.

  3. Next, bring the needle and floss up at point 5 and stitch downward into the fabric at point 6.

  4. Complete the upright cross stitch by bringing the floss up at point 7 and taking it down at point 8, completing the long-armed Smyrna Cross Stitch.

  5. Continue practicing the stitch or secure the floss to finish.

Tips:

  1. Keep stitch tension even for better looking stitches.

  2. This stitch may be stitched over one square of Aida with careful placement of stitch components.

  3. When stitching rows of two-color long-armed Smyrna Cross Stitch, complete the rows of cross stitch first, then make a second pass to stitch the upright cross stitches in the second color.

What You Need:

  • short length of embroidery floss
  • tapestry needle
  • Aida fabric
  • scissors
  • hoop (optional)
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