The Smyrna Cross is worked in two steps. First, you make an "X" like any normal cross stitch, then you put an upright cross over it. The critical thing to do here is to be consistent in your tension, and to make sure that the last stitch, the horizontal one, is stitched in the opposite direction of the row of Smyrna Crosses. Using this example, I would stitch my next Smyrna Cross to the left of the one diagrammed. If you want to work in the opposite direction, just reverse the direction of this top stitch. You'll see in the photos that I have not pulled this stitch. I have a normal tension and create a lovely raised stitch.

Copyright 2002 by Jean Roberts Farish.  All rights reserved. This band and the bands to complete the "Blessings" sampler are offered as a complimentary chart to the subscribers of this newsletter to create no more than 12 completed works for their own use or as gifts. Other uses are prohibited without written consent. Non-subscribing stitchers are encouraged to subscribe to this newsletter which gives implicit permission to join us in stitching this project.