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Learn How to Stitch Cross Stitch Variations

Add Variety and Texture to Your Projects

By Connie G. Barwick, About.com

Free tutorials for many popular Cross Stitch Variations. Email me at crossstitch.guide@about.com if you need help with a stitch that is not on this list.

Boss Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
Like the Rice Stitch and many other variations of the cross stitch, the Boss Stitch may be stitched with a single color or with coordinating or contrasting colors for a different look.

Couched Cross Stitch, a.k.a. Star Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
Adding a single straight stitch to a cross stitch will have you seeing stars.

Suggested Patterns:

Couched Long Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
Add an interesting element to a design or border with couched long stitch which is a cross stitch placed over a long single satin stitch. The stitch may be done in a single color, or experiment with two or more.

Elongated Cross Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
An elongated cross stitch is a cross stitch variation that replaces two regular cross stitches.

Suggested Patterns:

Four-Sided Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
Four-Sided Stitch, a cross stitch variation that forms a square on the front and a cross stitch on the back of the fabric, is also used in Hardanger embroidery.

Suggested Patterns:

Herringbone Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
Learn how to stitch a herringbone stitch by following these diagrams.

See Also:

Laced Cross Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
Step-by-step tutorial provides guidance in stitching a laced cross stitch, a simple cross stitch variation that adds a bit of texture to projects.

Long-Armed Smyrna Cross Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
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. Use a single color or create a two-color version for more visual interest.

Quartered Cross Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
A Quartered Cross Stitch is composed of quarter stitches (or half stitches if done over two).

Suggested Patterns:

Rice Stitch

© Connie G. Barwick
A cross stitch variation that resembles four small cross stitches, the Rice Stitch works well in borders and band samplers.

See Also:

Recognize the stitch, but know it by another name? Have a question about a tutorial?

If you have questions or comments about these cross stitch variations, email me and let me know.

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