How to Do Needlepoint Half-Cross Stitches

The half-cross stitch is one variation of the tent stitch, the most basic of needlepoint stitches. This stitch looks similar to the other two variations, continental and basket-weave, but uses less yarn.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Embroidery Yarns
• Needlepoint Canvases
• Needlepoint Kit
• Needlepoint Patterns
• Embroidery Floss
• Embroidery Frames
• Embroidery Hoops
• Tapestry Needles
• Tapestry Yarns
• Scissors
• Scissors

1. Thread the tapestry needle with the indicated color and number of yarn or floss strands. Make threading easier by gently twisting the strand ends together.

2. Pull 3 to 4 inches of yarn or floss through the eye of your tapestry needle. Leave this tail the same length while working on your project.

3. Position the threaded needle at the back of the canvas and bring the needle up all the way through at your starting point.

4. Leave about 1 inch of floss or yarn at the back of your work.

5. Hold this thread at the back of the fabric and work your first few stitches over it to secure the thread.

6. Start a horizontal row of half-cross stitches at the upper left corner of the canvas area that is to be stitched.

7. Bring your needle up through the hole at your starting point and down through the hole that is diagonally up and to the right of your starting point.

8. Bring the needle up again through the hole that is just to the right of your starting point and down through the hole that is diagonally up and to the right of this hole.

9. Repeat until you've finished the row.

10. Turn the canvas around once you have completed your first horizontal row.

11. Begin a new row of stitching in line with the first and continue until all rows have been completed.

12. Start a vertical row of half-cross stitches at the lower right corner of the canvas area that is to be stitched.

13. Bring your needle up through the hole at your starting point and down through the hole that is diagonally up and to the right of your starting point.

14. Bring the needle up again through the hole that is just above your starting point and then down through the hole that is diagonally up and to the right of this hole.

15. Repeat until you've finished the row.

16. Turn the canvas around once you have completed your first vertical row.

17. Begin your new row of stitches next to the one just completed.

Tips & Warnings

• Use the yarn, canvas and stitches recommended in your needlepoint pattern or kit.
• Make sure that the tapestry needle you use is large enough to easily accommodate the thickness of your yarn; it should slip easily through the holes in your canvas.
• End a floss strand by weaving it through a few stitches on the back of the work. Trim the excess with scissors.
• Use the half-cross stitch to work small areas on double-mesh, or Penelope, canvas.
• Avoid use of the half-cross stitch when you stitch pillows, seat covers or any project that requires a very durable stitch. Use the continental and/or basket-weave stitches instead.