How to Stitch an Elongated Cross Stitch

The elongated cross stitch is a variation of the cross stitch that is simply a normal cross stitch, but it spans across two squares instead of one. The stitch can be used to replace two normal cross stitches, and it can, also, be added to borders or small designs to add interest. The steps below will walk you through stitching an elongated cross stitch.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Tapestry needle
• Embroidery floss
• Aida fabric
• Scissors

1. Thread your tapestry needle with your choice of color of embroidery floss and secure a small knot at the end of the working thread, so your first elongated cross stitch will be secured from the back of the Aida fabric.
2. Bring the threaded needle up in the lower left corner of the first square from which you would like to start a row of elongated cross stitches, or complete a stand alone stitch.
3. Insert the threaded needle into the upper right corner of the square that lays to the right of the first square. This means you will not insert the needle into the hole of the first square, but the hole of the second square.
4. Come up with the threaded needle at the lower right corner of the second square, so just below where you just inserted your needle.
5. Push the needle through the upper left corner of the first square to form another half stitch that spans across two squares in your Aida fabric.
6. Continue stitching your elongated cross stitches in a row, or secure your embroidery floss with a small knot and cut the excess floss with your scissors.