Fire and Iris has posted a lovely explanation of the three different stitches in the tent stitch family on their Instagram.
I'd like to add that Half Cross uses the least amount of thread--use it when you are playing thread chicken and hope not to run out!
Continental is the workhorse for single lines or small areas but it will distort your canvas out of shape if used all over. You or your finisher will likely need to block the canvas before framing it or making it into a pillow. You might get by without blocking if it's a small ornament.
Basketweave EATS thread because it puts so much thread on both the front and back. (Make sure you buy enough before you start stitching.) All that thread makes it super durable and perfect for chair seats and rugs, though. It also doesn't distort the canvas as much as its sister stitches do.
It's amazing how much difference where the needle goes into the canvas and comes out makes.
Written by Jane/Chilly HollowBlogging at http://chillyhollownp.blogspot.com
and at http://chstitchguides.blogspot.com
© Copyright July 17, 2025 Jane M. Wood. All rights reserved.
