Double Cross Stitch

Double Cross Stitch is a decorative variation of the Cross Stitch from canvas work and counted thread embroidery. To make this stitch, embroider a classical Cross Stitch and add an Upright Cross Stitch on top of it.

The technique of this embroidery stitch is very similar to that of a Star Stitch. The difference is that a Star Stitch is shaped as a circle, and a Double Cross Stitch has a square shape.

Other names of the stitch

Double Cross Stitch is also called Leviathan Stitch, Smyrna Cross Stitch, Devil Stitch, and Railway Stitch.

Double Cross Stitch Smyrna stitch — Smyrna Stitch embroidery with yellow pearl cotton

Double Cross Stitch reverse side — Reverse side of the sampler

Applications of the Smyrna Cross Stitch

Double Cross Stitch is a filling technique in canvas embroidery and other counted thread techniques. This filling is thick and durable and covers the fabric very well.

In modern surface embroidery, the Smyrna Cross Stitch is a detached decorative stitch depicting stars or sparkles. You can combine it with other stitches to create interesting border patterns or make a semi-covering filling with stitches of various sizes.

Other than for decorative embroidery, Smyrna Cross Stitch is used for mending and crazy quilting.

More stitches from the Cross Stitch family

Chinese Cross Stitch
Ermine Stitch
Dutch Cross Stitch

Learn how to embroider Double Cross Stitch

Follow the step-by-step tutorial with detailed photos below, and you will learn the Double Cross 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 Double Cross Stitch

Step-by-step modern surface hand embroidery tutorial

First stitch
Take the needle to the surface of the fabric and make a diagonal stitch.
Make a Cross Stitch
Add one more diagonal stitch to form an X.
Add a vertical stitch
Push the needle to the surface between the arms of the Cross stitch and make a vertical stitch that crosses the X.
Add a horizontal stitch
Take the needle up between the arms of the first X stitch on the right side and make a horizontal stitch that crosses all previous stitches in the center.
Make filling
Add more stitches of various sizes positioned close to each other to create a semi-covering filling.

Video tutorial

How to Embroider Double Cross Stitch | Step-by-Step Tutorial for Beginners

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.

Embroidery fabric cotton linen neutral colors Etsy — Embroidery fabric

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!