The secret to making a perfect row of cross stitches

By Gretchen Keller

Do you like to add some hand stitching to a quilt, tote bag, journal cover, or other fabric item? I do!  But, I’ve found making a straight line of cross stitches can be pretty challenging. While finishing my Mabel’s Morning Mocha project, I really struggled to keep each segment of the cross stitch the same length and each “X” the same height. Since the cross stitches appeared in a line, my inconsistencies were really noticeable and would have been distracting to viewers.

Using a seam ripper, I removed the cross stitches and started over. This time I decided using a grid of small dots would help make sure I was taking my needle up and bringing it back down in just the right places to give me better looking stitches. And it worked!

Here’s how you do it. Each cross stitch requires 4 dots. With a ruler and chalk pencil, mark two rows of dots, spaced 1/4 inch apart (or whatever distance you prefer). Use the dots as your sewing guide and stitch the right leaning segments first. Then, work your way back making the left leaning segments.      

Two rows of six dots each

Three angled lines to the right

Three angled lines to the left

Lightly rub away any remaining chalk marks, and you’ll have a row of perfect cross-stitches with consistent height and spacing.

Three finished cross stitches

If you have another helpful way to make nice-looking cross stitches, please share your tips!