How to Stitch an Underlined Cross Stitch

The underlined cross stitch is a simple stitch that appears as a regular cross stitch that has a straight stitch laying underneath it, or "underlining" the cross stitch. This simple stitch is often used to create borders and can be used to replace any other normal cross stitch. Follow the steps below to learn how to stitch an underlined cross stitch.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Tapestry needle
• Embroidery floss
• Aida fabric
• Scissors

1. Thread your tapestry needle with your choice of color in embroidery floss, and secure a small knot at the bottom of the working thread so the first stitch will be secured from the back of the Aida fabric.

2. Bring the threaded needle up through the lower left corner of the first square from which you want to start stitching your underlined cross stitches.

3. Insert the threaded needle into the upper right corner of the same square to form your first half stitch.

4. Come up with the threaded needle in the lower right corner of the square and insert the needle back into the Aida fabric, this time at the upper left corner of the square. This completes the cross stitch. Now, it's time to add the underline to it.

5. Push the threaded needle up, once again, at the lower right corner of the square and then push it down at the lower left corner of the square to form a straight stitch, which acts like an underline underneath your cross stitch.

6. Continue to stitch underlined cross stitches in a row, or finish the stitch by securing the embroidery floss with a knot in the back of the fabric, cutting the threaded needle from the stitch with your scissors.