Updatetd February 8, 2022.
Today’s stripe is a cross-stitch that creates a highly textured look. Double Straight Cross is easy to do and can be varied in many ways.
It begins with a large straight cross (+ sign) over four threads. That is then covered with a regular cross stitch (X) over two threads. The crosses meet up at the ends to create a dense half-drop pattern.
The diagram for this stitch is below. A single unit is on the left. A block is diagrammed on the right.
Complete one unit before continuing to the next. You can begin this stitch anywhere in the stripe. Some of the canvas will show through behind this stitch. If that is a concern to you, color the canvas before you begin this stitch (I did not color my canvas.).
Many stitchers love this stitch because it can be varied in so many ways. An easy variation is to use two threads. Make the one you want to be dominant as the regular Cross Stitch. The thread used for the Upright Cross will peek out at the edges of each stitch and create an underlying grid.
Another easy variation is to pick out individual units and make them in a different color or thread. These will look like stars.
For this stripe, I used Ty-Di Threads Cotton (no longer made).
Come back Friday for another great stitch in this free needlepoint project!
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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