How to Stitch a Knotted Cretan

The Knotted Cretan stitch resembles the Palestrina stitch and zigzag coral stitch. It's related to the open Cretan stitch and the method of making it is the same. The difference is that you make a knot after completing each slanting stitch. The Knotted Cretan creates a pretty zigzag pattern, so it can be used as a filling. Small scale Knotted Cretan stitches follow slight curves well. Read on to learn how to stitch a knotted Cretan.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Needle
• Thread
• Fabric

1. Draw guidelines with a water dissoluble pen. Making two lines to follow will ensure your stitches are straight.

2. Bring the needle up through the fabric on the left line and move it across the center of the two lines. This will form a small stitch. Keep the thread under the needle and pull the thread through the fabric.

3. Pass the needle under the small stitch to make the knot. Make sure you don't push the needle through the fabric. Instead, wrap the thread under the needle and then pull it through. This makes a small knot. Pull it tight. The knot adds a lot of extra texture to the stitch.

4. Continue stitching by the right line. Repeat the steps above.

Tips & Warnings

• The Knotted Cretan stitch can also be used to fasten cord, heavy thread or ribbon to your fabric.
• If you're thinking of stitching a seam with a thick thread needle test the fabrics first. Stick a needle through it to see if it goes through easily.
• You can make several Knotted Cretan stitches on top of each other, in different colors, to add interest to your work.
• Consider using a second color of thread to stitch the knot.