Expert: Angela - 6/11/2008

Question
when the pattern calls for a stitch to only fill half the square because it is on the edge of a pattern, how do you attempt this stitch?

Answer
Hello, Beth :)

The 1/2 stitch is simply just a 1/2 cross stitch.  Here's an example of this:

http://www.stitchopedia.com/HalfCrossStitch.html

Now, if the stitch is at the edge of the pattern, like a 1/4 stitch, and you're to backstitch overtop of that when you've stitched your design, here's an example of that:

http://www.cross-stitching.com/kh_page.asp?id=227

The second link also shows you how to make the 1/2 stitch.  You will need to ensure that your 1/2 stitches lay in the same direction as the top stitches of your cross stitches.  For example, if your cross stitches have the bottom threads going in this direction: /, and your top stitches going in this direction: \, then you'll want to make sure that your 1/2 stitches are going in this direction: \

Or, if the bottom stitches of your cross stitches is going in this direction: \, and the top stitches of your cross stitches are going in this direction:  /, then you need to make sure that your 1/2 stitches are also going in this direction:  /.

I hope that makes sense, and I haven't confused you.

Good luck, and happy stitching. :)

Sincerely,

Angela :)