Half, quarter and three-quarter stitches explained
Whole crosses produce stepped edges. Fractional stitches smooth them: they fill only part of a square and turn steps into curves. Then there is the half stitch for delicate backgrounds.
The half stitch
A half stitch is a single diagonal across one square, in other words a cross stitch without its top leg. It uses about half as much thread and lets the fabric show through. That is why it is used for sky, water, shadows and backgrounds that should recede behind the design.
Work all half stitches of an area in the same direction. If the chart gives no direction, use that of your bottom leg.
The quarter stitch
The quarter stitch runs from one corner of the square to its centre. On evenweave and linen there is a hole there when you stitch over two threads. On Aida you have to pierce the middle of the woven block with the needle. A sharp needle makes that easier.
The three-quarter stitch
A three-quarter stitch consists of a quarter stitch and a half stitch across the other diagonal. Together they fill a triangle, that is half the square. This lets you stitch slanted edges and curves neatly.
- Work the quarter stitch from the corner to the centre of the square.
- Lay the half stitch across the other two corners. It holds the quarter stitch in place.
Two colours in one square
Where two colours meet in one square, work a three-quarter stitch in one colour and a quarter stitch in the other in the free corner. Give the three-quarter stitch to the colour that should sit in front, usually the design rather than the background. If a backstitch will later run along the edge, two quarter stitches are enough.
Spotting fractional stitches on a chart
- Small symbol in one corner of the square: a quarter or three-quarter stitch in that corner.
- Square with a diagonal and two symbols: two colours share the square.
- A separate symbol or hatching for a whole area: half stitches. The key says so.
Fractional stitches on xstitchr
In the pattern designer you place half, quarter and three-quarter stitches with the fractional stitch tool: choose the stitch type and click the corner of the square the stitch should point to. In the stitching editor you tick them off like cross stitches, and the thread estimate counts them proportionally.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between a half stitch and a cross stitch?
A half stitch is only one of the two diagonals. A cross stitch consists of two half stitches that cross.
Can you work fractional stitches on Aida?
Yes. For quarter and three-quarter stitches, pierce the middle of the woven block with a sharp needle.
What are three-quarter stitches for?
For curves and slanted edges, for example in faces, petals and lettering.