CHL Design: Bound Cross

The bound cross is a neat little square stitch that can be quite useful for several reasons. First of all, it's quick because it is in layers rather than woven. You begin with three stitches laying in one direction, then three stitches laying over them in the other direction. Second, it covers well because it has the two layers of thread. Third, it lends itself to color variations. Note in my example that I stitched a row of solid, a row with dark on the bottom and light-dark-light on the top, a row with dark on the bottom and light on the top and a row of all light. This gives four very different effects.

Consider using this stitch in an overdye. Consider reversing the directions of the layers so that the top stitches lay the opposite way. Consider doing it my way on one stitch, reversing it for the next, back and forth to make a checkerboard effect. Consider using two different threads.

Use this stitch when you want a strong effect of squares with a diagonal line. It is perfect for architectural things like buildings, walls, roofs, steps, arches, paths and fences. It also makes a good border.

Bound Cross