Long stitch in cross stitch: what it is and how to stitch it neatly
A long stitch is a single straight stitch across several squares at once. Unlike backstitch, where a line is built from short stitches end to end, here the thread lies in one length. It's used for whiskers and fur, sun rays, blades of grass, strings, and shading on clothing.
How it looks on a chart
A long stitch is drawn as a straight line from one grid point to another, often across several squares and at an angle. The key usually lists it with backstitch or in a separate list. The key and the designer's notes tell you which lines to work as a single stitch.
How to stitch it
- Bring the needle up at the start of the line.
- Take it down at the end point — in one go, with no holes in between.
- Adjust the thread so it lies straight without pulling the fabric.
Long stitches usually go in after the crosses, like backstitch, so they sit on top and don't get buried.
Keeping a long stitch from snagging
- Don't make it too long. The longer the stitch, the easier it is to catch and the more it sags. Split a very long line into two or three stitches end to end.
- Tack it down. If a stitch has to be long, hold it down at one or two points with a tiny crossing stitch in the same thread.
- Even tension. A long stitch pulled too tight puckers the fabric; too loose, it sags and tangles. If you use a hoop, check the tension once it's off — see "Hoop or frame".
- One strand. Like backstitch, long stitches are usually worked in one strand, so they stay fine and neat. More on outlines in "Backstitch in cross stitch".
Where the app fits
In Crossette you mark long stitches on the chart just like crosses, backstitch, French knots and beads.
About the author
This article was written by the Crossette team. We're building Crossette, a cross stitch tracker for iPhone and iPad. It's in development; to join the beta, email [email protected].