This is a fairly new stitch, which I found in Mary Rhodes'
Dictionary of Stitches. I never saw this stitch used till about 10 years ago. It has a bold
textured surface of rectangular blocks, made up of vertical stitches crossed at
the corners like a rice stitch. It's ideal for large shapes and backgrounds.
It can be worked vertically or horizontally.
Note on my sample that the area where four stitches meet leaves a little unstitched space. This is the perfect place for a bead or a little cross stitch. The best part about this stitch is that it is quick.
You have to pay attention to thread selection here. The vertical under-stitches need to cover the canvas. Pearl cotton #5 works very well on 18-count canvas. You can use the same thread or a different one for the corner tie downs. You can even use two or four different colors, depending on the effect you want. It does look good with an overdyed or variegated thread for the straight stitches, and a solid color for the tie downs.
This stitch works well for bricks on chimneys or the sides of buildings. It is very interesting in metallic: I saw it used as a crown on one of the three wise men in a Nativity scene. It is also a good, fast filling stitch. Try working it for an angel's skirt, using beads at the corners. It looks like an embellished piece of fabric.
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