Open Cretan Stitch
The Open Cretan Stitch is a variation of the Cretan Stitch that leaves a significant amount of fabric visible. The legs of the stitch are positioned at a distance from each other, creating an airy, fairly covering filling stitch.
On the reverse side of the fabric, this stitch looks like two rows of straight stitches.
Applications of the Open Cretan Stitch
Just like the regular Cretan Stitch, the Open Cretan Stitch is a versatile hand embroidery technique that can be used for filling, borders, or garment embellishments. You can apply this stitch to straight and bent lines, fill shapes with it, or create a textural filling with rows of Open Cretan Stitch positioned close to each other.
More stitches from the Cretan Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Open Cretan Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Open Cretan Stitch quickly. If you are a visual learner, watch a video lesson in the tutorial or on the Practical Embroidery YouTube channel to learn this hand embroidery stitch faster.
How to embroider Open Cretan Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark the fabric with four guiding lines. You can embroider along a straight line or fill in the shape, as I did in this tutorial. Push the needle to the surface on the tip of the leaf and make a stitch to the left mark. Leave the loop open and take the needle to the surface on the second mark inside the loop.
2. Pull the thread to tighten the loop and make a stitch to the right. Return the needle to the surface at the third mark inside the loop.
3. Tighten the loop. Make a stitch to the left mark and up on the second line inside the loop.
4. Repeat the steps, following the shape of the design you are filling with Open Cretan Stitch.
5. Finally, secure the thread on the back of the fabric.
Video tutorial
Tools and materials I used for this sampler
Disclaimer. To cover the cost of creating free embroidery patterns and video tutorials for this blog, I do sometimes link to products. Please assume these links are affiliate links. If you choose to buy through my links then THANK YOU – it will make it possible for me to keep doing this.
What’s next?
If you’re in the mood to explore more hand embroidery stitches, check out the Stitches and Techniques page for the list of other fantastic stitches available on my blog. From timeless classics to modern twists, a whole world of stitches is waiting for you to explore and master. So, grab your hoop and needle, and let’s stitch our way to creative bliss!
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Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
