TENT STITCH

'Tent stitch' is a small, diagonal embroidery stitch that crosses over the intersection of one horizontal and one vertical thread of needlepoint canvas forming a slanted stitch at a 45 degree angle. It is also known as 'Petit point' and 'Needlepoint stitch' and is one of the most basic and versatile stitches used in Needlepoint and other Canvas work embroidery.

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Tent stitch variants

Tent stitch variants

There are three types of tent stitch, all producing the same appearance on the front of the canvas but each worked in a slightly different way and having particular characteristics, uses, benefits and drawbacks. These variants of tent stitch are known as 'basketweave', 'continental' and 'half cross' tent stitches:

★ 'Basketweave tent stitch'
The basketweave form of tent stitch is worked in 'diagonal' rows up and down the canvas. The yarn on the back of the canvas has a typical basketweave appearance, with alternating horizontal and vertical stitches. Basketweave is the best stitch to use for covering large areas of canvas as it does not distort the canvas as the other two forms of tent stitch do.

★ 'Continental tent stitch'
Continental stitch is worked from right to left across the canvas. Its primary use is for working a single row of stitching but may be worked in multiple rows if necessary. It can also be used for stitching vertical lines. It is normally used for working a single line or for filling very small areas because of the tendency of the stitch tension to pull and distort the canvas ground fabric out of shape. This method uses more yarn than half cross stitch tent stitch but is more hardwearing.

★ 'Half cross tent stitch'
Half cross stitch is worked from left to right across the canvas. As with Continental tent stitch its primary use is for working a single row of stitching but may be worked in multiple rows if necessary. It can also be used for stitching vertical lines. It is normally used for working a single line or for filling very small areas because of the tendency of the stitch tension to pull and distort the canvas ground fabric out of shape. This method uses less yarn than other stitches but is not very durable as coverage on the back of the canvas is a little thin.