Plastic Canvas Stitches: Learn the Double Cross Stitch also known as the Smyrna Stitch

This tutorial shows how to make the double cross stitch, also known as the smyrna stitch. This stitch is a great filler stitch, taking up much space on the plastic canvas.

It begins with a standard cross stitch, then a horizontal and a vertical stitch are added to resemble a star.

Can you double cross stitch on plastic canvas?

Embroidery is lovely needlework stitching that can be done on fabric, and it is also beautiful when done on plastic canvas.  There are many tips for crafting with plastic canvas on our site.

Plastic canvas crafts can be so much fun to make, and the stitches that are used add beautiful texture and design. 

The double cross stitch on plastic canvas is no exception!  The double cross stitch design fills the space nicely, and the stitch is pretty with a delightful  texture.

What can you make with double cross stitch on plastic canvas?

The double cross stitch, or smyrna stitch, is a great filler stitch to use on projects.  Some ideas for using the double cross stitch on plastic canvas are to make coasters, tissue box covers, bookmarks, picture frames, and more.

For other plastic canvas projects, be sure to see what our site has to offer!

Any time there is a need for fuller coverage on a plastic canvas project, the double cross stitch or smyrna stitch is one of the best choices.

What is 7 count plastic canvas?

The count of plastic canvas is the number of holes per inch.  Seven count plastic canvas would have seven holes per each inch.

Seven count plastic canvas is the most commonly used  Ten count plastic canvas, on the other hand, is smaller than seven count.

With a higher count plastic canvas, it will be necessary to use a lighter weight yarn and a smaller needle to work these smaller holes per inch.

The most common counts, or mesh, of plastic canvas are 7-mesh, 10-mesh, and 14-mesh.

When choosing plastic canvas mesh sizes for the double cross stitch using heavier yarn, it is helpful to use a smaller count which offers a larger space to work the stitches.

Interested in fun plastic canvas projects?  We have a lot to share!  Get the kiddos in on it too with our kids plastic canvas projects.

We hope you enjoy the detailed video and the following written tutorial on the smyrna stitch, or double cross stitch on plastic canvas.

what you need to make the double cross stitch on plastic canvas:

• Plastic canvas
• Plastic canvas needle
• Yarn

instructions for How to make the double cross stitch on plastic canvas

step 1: Find the hole for the first stitch

This double cross stitch will use five holes across and five holes down the plastic canvas.

Decide where the first stitch should begin.  Count down five holes, including the hole which will be the top of the stitch.

Bring the threaded needle up from the back five holes down from the top of the stitch.

Step 2: Make the first diagonal part of the stitch

Remembering that the double cross stitch will be five holes by five holes, count over five holes to the right. Be sure to count starting with the hole where the yarn came up from the back.

Next, count five holes up starting with the fifth hole across the bottom of the double cross stitch.  Push the needle down into this hole, making a diagonal stitch.

Step 3: Make the second diagonal of the double cross stitch

Beginning with the hole that the needle just went down, count down five holes.  Push the needle up from the back in this hole. Pull the yarn taut. 

To finish this diagonal portion of the double cross stitch, push the needle down into the hole that is five holes up and five holes across to the left.

Pulling the yarn taut, the main x of the double cross stitch is complete.

step 4:  MAKE THE MIDDLE STITCH FROM TOP TO BOTTOM

To make the middle vertical portion of the double cross stitch, bring the needle up from the back in the middle hole at the bottom of the X.  This will be the third hole. Gently pull the yarn taut.

Next, push the needle down into the middle hole in the top of the double cross stitch, making sure to gently pull the yarn all of the way through and taut.

step 5: make the horizontal stitch

To make the last portion of the double cross stitch, bring the needle up through the middle hole on the far left side.  This would be the third hole on the left edge.

Finish this stitch by pushing the needle down, directly across from where the needle came up toward the right side of the double cross stitch. Gently pull the yarn taut.

step 6: make the second double cross stitch

Once the first double cross stitch is completed, the next stitch can be made.

Push the needle and yarn up from the back in the lower corner of the first completed stitch. There will now be two pieces of yarn through one hole.  This is what connects the stitches and makes the double cross stitch excellent for filling.

For ease of instruction, there is an empty row between the two rows of stitches in our photos. 

To make the double cross stitch a true filler stitch, follow the directions below.

Using the same method and steps as the first double cross stitch, or smyrna stitch, count over five holes to the right and then five holes up. Push the needle down this hole to make the first portion of the X.

Continue following the directions above to make a second double cross stitch on the plastic canvas.

Continue making double cross stitches across the plastic canvas.

Now you know how to make the double cross stitch on plastic canvas!  Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference. We hope you enjoyed this tutorial!

more stitches

• Lazy Daisy Stitch on Plastic Canvas
• Algerian Eye Stitch
• Basket Weave Stitch
• Cable Embroidery Stitch
• Herringbone Stitch
• Woven Circle Stitch

For even more stitches, go to our hand embroidery stitches tutorial page.

Don't miss this Chicken Scratch Christmas Tree pattern featuring the double cross stitch.