Learn how easy it is to make the half cross stitch needlepoint stitch!
The half cross stitch is one of the most basic and common stitches used on plastic canvas and needlepoint canvases. It's easy, fast, and perfect for beginners or to use as a decorative filling.
This tutorial will show how to make a half cross stitch on plastic canvas. This is a diagonal stitch that goes over one intersection (or bar) in the canvas.![How to Stitch the Half Cross Stitch - fb]()
Unlike a full cross-stitch, which makes an "X", this is just one diagonal line going down to the right or up to the right, depending on the direction of stitching.
Very little is needed to make this stitch. You will need plastic canvas, yarn, a tapestry needle, and scissors.
Learn more about creating the half cross stitch on plastic canvas by watching our video or continue reading this post, which includes pictures and step-by-step instructions.
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WHAT YOU NEED to make a half cross stitch
INSTRUCTIONS to make a half cross stitch on canvas
STEP 1: Prepare supplies for stitching
Cut a piece of yarn to the desired length. Thread the yarn through the hole in the tapestry needle. Threading yarn can be difficult. See our page on threading needles.
Step 2: Begin Stitching
Bring the needle up from the back, leaving a short tail.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 1 Needle Up]()
Count over one and up one. Go down in this hole with the needle.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 2]()
Catch the tail as you stitch the next few stitches, repeat the half cross stitch.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 3]()
Take the needle up through the hole below,![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 4]()
then go down from the front in the hole next to the top of the first stitch.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 5]()
The stitches will make a row of diagonal lines across the front of the canvas.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 8]()
And a row of vertical lines on the back.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 14]()
Step 3: Moving to the next row
When the first row is complete, move to the next row by taking the needle up through the hole under the last stitch that was made. Now, the stitching will be done in the opposite direction, but the diagonal lines will remain the same.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 9]()
Next, take the needle and count over one and down another hole under the stitch above it. This is where the needle will go down. ![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 10]()
The needle comes up in the hole right above that last stitch.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 11]()
Continue across the row. Two rows have been completed.![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 13]()
Step 4: Ending the stitching
Once the stitching is complete, run the needle and yarn through several of the last stitches made. Using the scissors, cut the yarn close to the plastic canvas. The yarn will be secured.
tips:
- Keep the tension even - not too tight or loose
- You can stitch in horizontal or diagonal rows- whichever fits your design best
- Half cross stitch is often used for backgrounds, borders, or light coverage.
![Plastic Canvas Half Cross 15]()
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial showing how to make the half cross stitch on plastic canvas. Learn other plastic canvas stitches with our free tutorials! The next time you have your plastic canvas out, add it to your project! ![Annette's Signature]()
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video
comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.
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