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Sewing a Reversible Stitch

Reversible or "marking" stitches were once commonly used in samplers and for sewing monograms on napkins, handkerchiefs or other linens. A reversible stitch appears the same when seen from the front or the back of a piece of fabric, and it is an attractive stitch whenever you are sewing something that will be seen from both sides. This stitch is commonly used in embroidery and can be sewn on any plainly woven fabric.

Things You'll Need

Needle
Thread
Simple open-weave fabric
Scissors

Instructions

- 1
  Stitch a row of even diagonals. If the fabric was divided into even squares, the stitches would go from the bottom left corner of the first square on the front side of the fabric to the top right corner of that square. The next stitch would go from the top left corner of the square to the bottom right corner, but on the back side of the fabric. Continue stitching until you have a row that is your desired length.
- 2
  Reverse your stitches, stitching from the bottom right corner to the top left on the front side and the top right to the bottom left on the back. This will give you a row of cross stitches on each side with an open square between each stitch.
- 3
  Stitch another row of diagonals from the bottom left corner of the open square to the top right corner of each open square on the front side of the fabric. In between, stitch from the top left corner of the square to the bottom right corner one the back side of the fabric.
- 4
  Reverse the stitches to complete the crosses on each side, stitching from the bottom right corner to the top left corner on the front side of the fabric and the top right to the bottom left on the back.
- 5
  Add additional crosses if necessary to make an even line of cross stitches on each side of the fabric.
- 6
  Work the beginning and end of the thread under a stitch to secure in place and cut off all excess thread.

Sewing