How to Work a 1/2 Cross Stitch

A ½ cross stitch is used to create a less pronounced, more delicate effect compared to a full cross stitch. It is often used to achieve a shading effect. As its name reflects, it forms one half of the traditional cross stitch "X” and can be either right-slanting or left slanting. When stitching on Aida, ½ cross stitches are typically worked over one square, while on linen or evenweave fabric, they are usually worked over two threads.

1/2 Cross Stitch (Aida)

Bring the needle up through the back of the fabric at (1), going back down through the fabric at (2).

1/2 Cross Stitch (Over 2)

To work a cross stitch over two threads, bring the needle up through the back of the fabric at (1), counting over two threads and going back down through the fabric at (2). To make the next stitch, come up at (3) and back down through (4).