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Smyrna Cross Stitch

 www.jeanfarish.com

On this stitch diagram, the dot indicates the beginning of the stitch, the arrow shows the direction of the stitch and the number shows the sequence. 

This Smyrna Cross covers an area of four threads wide and four threads high. 
Begin with a traditional cross stitch, but cover an area of four threads by four threads. Next, make an upright stitch in the center. Be sure to stitch bottom to top. To finish one Smyrna Cross, make a horizontal stitch, stitching left to right.
When stitching a row of Smyrna Crosses, especially if they share holes, it is essential to stitch the horizontal bar left-to-right. This gives the top a soft, rounded look.

Left handed tips: make the bottom layer, the cross stitch, just as you normally do (except make it four threads by four threads). If you make the first two stitches bottom-to-top, then make the vertical stitch bottom-to-top also. The last (horizontal) stitch just needs to be executed in the opposite direction of the progression of stitches. If it is most comfortable when stitching this row in a left-to-right progression, then this horizontal stitch should be made with a right-to-left-motion.
Secrets to Success:

Use stitching fibers no longer than 16”

Stitch taut but not tight. If you use a hoop or stretcher bars be sure that the fabric is not pulled tighter than it’s natural tautness.

When possible, stitch with a single strand. If stitching with multiple strands (like two strands of embroidery floss), keep the strands parallel to each other like railroad tracks.

Do not re-use fibers that have been ripped out unless it is just a few stitches.

In Jean’s designs, you will see a square to indicate placement on the actual chart. You will find the colors and fibers to use under the “stitch notes.”

Practice new stitches and techniques on a piece of fabric separate from your project. Add this swatch to your stitch notebook for future reference.

Learn to stitch the Smyrna Cross using a fabric and stitching fiber in moderately contrasting colors. A light fiber & neutral fabric is a good combination.

Teach a friend! 
The best way to learn and practice
is to teach another stitch enthusiast.
 

Copyright 2003 by Jean R. Farish. All rights reserved. No portion of this page may be reproduced by any means without expressed written consent of Jean Farish,  unless explicit permission is granted within the text of the page. Please read  Fair Use clause. To obtain written permission, please address all correspondence to Jean Farish, 230 Second Street SW, Taylorsville, NC 28681 or email at jeanfarish@gmail.com