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Online Classroom Part VI

Introduction to Canvas Work Tent Stitches

by Sue Kerndt and Ann Caswell

The tent stitch is perhaps the most basic and important stitch in canvas embroidery. It is often the first stitch needleworkers learn. With exciting new threads and renewed interest in pattern stitches, the tent stitch is sometimes ignored. It is an elegant and useful stitch, and very necessary for small areas and detail work. It is a good choice for backgrounds because it lays flat against the surface of the canvas while not intruding on the design. The tent stitch is also very relaxing and rhythmic to work. The experienced canvas worker realizes how beneficial tent stitches are, and has learned how to use them accordingly.

The tent stitch is a small diagonal stitch that slants from lower left to upper right. It may be worked in horizontal, vertical, or diagonal rows. The sequence in which it is worked determines its name. Half Cross stitches are worked in rows from left to right. Continental stitches are worked in rows from right to left. Basketweave stitches are worked in diagonal rows.

Half Cross Stitches

Half Cross stitches are worked in rows from left to right or bottom to top. Turn the canvas 180 degrees for each row, working each diagonal stitch from the lower left of the stitch to the upper right. This stitch uses the least amount of thread and produces small horizontal strokes on the back of the work. It can distort the canvas making it necessary to have the piece wet-blocked before finishing. The half cross stitch also does not wear well because it has so little thread on the back of the work, so it should not be used on home furnishing or wearable art pieces. It was often used on penelope canvas, but is not the preferred choice today for either interlock or mono canvas.

Back of Work

Worked Horizontally

Worked Vertically

Continental Stitches

Continental is stitched in rows from right to left or top to bottom. It creates diagonal strokes on the back of the work. Turn the canvas 180 degrees for each row, working each stitch from the lower left of the stitch to the upper right. This stitch also distorts the canvas, but is extremely useful for outlining and stitching small areas.

Back of Work

Worked Horizontally

Worked Vertically

Basketweave Stitches

Basketweave is stitched in diagonal rows creating a woven basket appearance on the back of the canvas. This stitch uses the most amount of thread of the three types of tent stitches, but it is the most durable. It creates very little distortion of the canvas unless too much tension has been placed on the stitches. Basketweave can be stitched in hand using a sewing motion without the canvas mounted on a frame or stretcher bars. It can also be work on a frame using the stab poke sequence of stitching. Basketweave is the preferred stitch for both large and small areas.

Back of Work

Stitch Chart

When you reach the top of the canvas (an up row), add a stitch to the left to start a new row.

When you reach the right side of the canvas (a down row), add a stitch below to start a new row.

Basketweave must be worked in one direction; do not turn the canvas.

Never stitch two "up" rows or two "down" rows together. This breaks the weave of the stitch on the back of the canvas and may cause a visible ridge on the front.

Working with shorter lengths of thread avoids small irregular stitches where the yarn has thinned.

Start and end threads only on the straight (horizontal or vertical), not on the diagonal.

When working on mono canvas, it is advantageous to work the basketweave stitch with the grain of the canvas. With each intersection of canvas threads, the top canvas thread will be either horizontal or vertical. When the top canvas thread is horizontal, work an up row. Conversely, when the top canvas thread is vertical, work a down row.

Stitching With the Weave of the Canvas:

Take your first stitch, then examine your canvas.

If the top thread of the next intersection runs vertically, add a stitch to the left and work a down row.

Vertical Thread on Top

Next Row

If the top thread of the next intersection runs horizontally, add a stitch below and work an up row.

Horizontal Thread on Top

Next Row