Smyrna Stitch: Double Cross Stitch Embroidery

The Smyrna Stitch: A Pretty Star-Like Decorative Embroidery Stitch

There are many beautiful stitches that can enhance an embroidery project. One of these is the Smyrna stitch, also known as the double cross stitch, and which is a member of the cross-stitch family.

This tutorial shows how to make the double cross stitch, also known as the Smyrna stitch. This stitch is a wonderful option for both filling and bordering in cross-stitch and embroidery projects. 

This stitch begins with a standard cross stitch, after which a vertical and horizontal stitch are added, making it resemble a star-like appearance.

Although this stitch is not as well-known as some of the other stitches, the following instructions will help you master this beautiful stitch.

Can you double-cross stitch on plastic canvas?

Embroidery, a lovely form of needlework, can be done on fabric, but it also looks stunning on plastic canvas.  There are many tips for crafting with plastic canvas available on our site.

Plastic canvas crafts can be a lot of fun to make, and the stitches used add a beautiful texture and design. 

Learn more about making the Smyrna stitch or double cross stitch by either watching our video or continuing to read this post for a step-by-step photo tutorial.

Instructions to make the double cross stitch

When stitching the Smyrna stitch, it is essential to make the stitches using the same pattern. The pattern below shows the order in which the stitches are made to make the complete stitch.

STEP 1: Place the fabric in the embroidery hoop

Decide where the Smyrna stitches will be made. Ensure that the stitching area of the fabric is centered in the embroidery hoop to make the embroidery process easier.

For this beginner-friendly tutorial, I will explain how to sew the Smyrna stitch using Aida cloth. This type of fabric is ideal for learning this stitch because its evenly spaced holes clearly indicate where to insert your needle.  This makes it easy to follow along and provides an opportunity to practice the stitch. 

Step 2: Thread the embroidery needle

Using embroidery floss, thread the embroidery needle.Use a needle with a larger hole to accommodate the strands of floss.

To learn how to begin your floss without a knot, click the link.

Step 3: Complete the stitches that make up the basic cross-stitch foundation

Here is the pattern again:

The basic cross stitch is the foundation for this stitch. Bring the needle up from the back at the bottom left of the stitch.

Count over two holes to the right and two up. This will be point B where the needle goes down. This will form a diagonal line.

Make the cross stitch by bringing the needle up two holes below the spot it went down. This is point C.

Pull gently to keep the stitch secure. Next, the needle goes down two holes above and two holes to the left from point C. This will be point D and completes the initial cross stitch.

Step 4: Complete the final stitches for the Smyrna stitch

Next, the needle will come up from the bottom of the cross stitch, which is point E. It is the hole between points A and C.

Go down in the hole that is two holes above point E. This is point F. This will be a vertical stitch between the cross stitch.

Finally, go up between points A and D. This will be point G on the pattern.

Take the needle down to the back at point H, which will stitch a horizontal line across the cross stitch. The first double cross stitch is complete.

The Smyrna stitch can be worked in rows, separated by threads or adjacent to one another.  It can be sewn in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal rows.

The Smyrna or double cross stitch is a fun little stitch that can be used to add a pretty element to your designs.

If you need to learn how to end your floss neatly, please click the link for our tutorial.

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make the double cross stitch, also known as the Smyrna stitch. Add it to the list of beautiful embroidery stitches in your pocket!

Other hand embroidery stitches

• Algerian Eye Stitch
• Back Stitch As An Outline
• Basket Stitch
• Blanket Stitch
• Short and Long Blanket Stitch
• Cable Stitch
• Chain Stitch
• Chevron Stitch
• Double Running Embroidery Stitch
• Feather Stitch
• French Knot
• Herringbone Stitch
• Lazy Daisy Stitch
• Woven Circle Stitch