Crossed Fishbone Stitch
Crossed Fishbone Stitch is one of the numerous variations of the Fishbone Stitch.
You will need to mark four guiding lines to make the stitch. The embroidery technique is similar to the Open Fishbone stitch. We position diagonal stitches in particular order to create a decorative bar with a denser, crossing section in the middle.
On the reverse side this stitch creates a bar of vertical stitches of two lengths.
Applications of the Crossed Fishbone Stitch
This hand embroidery technique works great for embroidering decorative bars and bold outlines. It will work on gentle curves. Also, you can adjust the stitch width as you go. Use it to embellish clothes or home textiles.
Besides that, you can use it in botanical embroidery to depict bolder stems and leaves. Also, rows of Crossed Fishbone Stitch placed close together will create an interesting filling pattern.
More stitches from the Fishbone Stitch family
Learn how to embroider Crossed Fishbone Stitch
Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Crossed Fishbone 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 Crossed Fishbone Stitch
Step-by-step hand embroidery tutorial
1. Mark four parallel lines (or the outer edges of the bar and the central line) for guidance. Push the needle to the surface on the upper line, one stitch away from the edge and make a diagonal stitch down and to the left, below the central guideline.
2. Push the needle back to the surface above the central guideline.
3. Make a diagonal stitch to the lower marking line, at the same distance from the edge as the first stitch.
4. Take the needle back to the surface on the upper line and make a diagonal stitch, parallel to the first one. Push the needle to the surface crossing the second stitch you made in the previous step. The gap between the stitches determines the bar’s density.
5. After this, take the needle back to the surface above the central line, at the same height as the bottom diagonal stitch.
6. Make a parallel diagonal stitch slanted to the left.
7. Return to the upper marking line and make one more diagonal stitch, slanted to the right. The needle crosses the last stitch you just made and goes down between the diagonal stitches on the lower line.
8. Now add a diagonal stitch on the lower line. Continue adding stitches in this manner until the entire Crossed Fishbone Stitch bar is done.
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!
Don’t miss a thing!
Follow me on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Flipboard, and Pinterest. Or why not subscribe to Practical Embroidery newsletter and get embroidery tips straight to your inbox every few weeks?
Need More Guidance?
The top 10 hand embroidery stitches to learn is a free online course created for beginners.
