Cross Stitch Method and Technique

Each cross stitch is made up of two diagonal stitches: a bottom diagonal stitch and a top diagonal stitch, which cross each other to form an "X".
There are two methods of cross stitching: the English method and the Danish method, and most stitchers today use both methods on the same design, depending on the circumstances.

The English Method

In the English method each individual cross stitch is completed before moving on to the next stitch. This is the "one stitch at a time" method.


This method is appropriate for isolated stitches and also when a vertical row of stitches is required in the same colour. You can of course use the English method throughout the design, and many antique samplers were indeed worked in this way. This method is slower and uses slightly more thread.

The Danish Method

With the Danish method you make the bottom half of the cross as you go and come back at the end of the row to complete the top half of the cross. This is the easiest way to work horizontal rows of stitches in the same colour, as shown below:


Using both methods is absolutely fine, provided you keep the top half of the cross stitches all crossing in the same direction. The top diagonal of each cross stitch should slant in the same direction throughout the piece, for it to look good.

Extracted from:
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