Many crochet patterns are worked from one side to another and either upward (increasing rows) or outward (increasing rounds), but it is possible to add some variety into your stitch repertoire with the cross stitch. Learn how to insert an x-shaped cross stitch seamlessly into your work with this easy to follow tutorial.

The Cross Stitch

Many crochet patterns are worked from one side to another and either upward (increasing rows) or outward (increasing rounds), but it is possible to add some variety into your stitch repertoire with the cross stitch. Learn how to insert an x-shaped cross stitch seamlessly into your work with this easy to follow tutorial.

The Cross Stitch (cross-st): Double crochet in the space after the next single crochet on your second to last row. Chain one and double crochet in the space before the same single crochet stitch.

With A, chain 26. The foundation row, if you want to make a cross stitch pattern, should always consist of multiples of 6 plus 2.

Row 1: Single crochet in the second chain from the hook. Skip two chains and insert five double crochets into the next chain. Skip the next two chains and single crochet in the next one. Repeat that pattern across the row, turn and fasten off.

Row 2: Join B with a slip stitch in the first stitch. Chain two and double crochet in the same stitch. Chain one and single crochet in the center stitch of the five double crochet group. Chain one and, working on the next single crochet on the last row, make your cross stitch (as explained above).

Chain one, single crochet in the center stitch of the next five double crochet group, and chain one. Repeat that pattern across until you reach the last stitch. Insert two double crochet stitches into the last stitch and turn.

Row 3: Chain three. Insert two double crochets into the same stitch and single crochet in the next single crochet. Across the rest, repeat the following pattern: five double crochets in the chain one space of the cross stitch and then single crochet in the next one. In the third chain of the beginning chain two, insert three double crochets. Turn and fasten off.

Row 4: Join A with a single crochet in the first stitch. Chain one, cross stitch and then chain one. Across the row, single crochet in the center stitch of the five double crochet group, chain one, cross stitch again and chain one. Single crochet in the third chain of the beginning chain three and turn.

Row 5: Chain one, single crochet in the first stitch and put five double crochet stitches into the chain space of the cross stitch. For the rest of the row, follow the following pattern: single crochet in the next single crochet and insert five double crochets into the chain one space of the cross stitch. To finish off this row, single crochet in the last stitch, turn and fasten off.

Row 6: Join B with a slip stitch in the first stitch. Chain two, double crochet in the same stitch and chain one. Single crochet in the center stitch of the five double crochet group. Chain one. Cross stitch, chain one, single crochet in the center stitch of the five double crochet group and chain one across the rest of the row. Make double double crochet stitches into the last stitch and turn.

Row 7: Chain three and put two double crochets into the same stitch. Single crochet in the next one. Across the rest, follow this pattern: five double crochets into the chain one space of the cross stitch and then a single crochet into the next space. Finally, insert three double crochets into the third chain of the beginning chain-2, turn and fasten off.

To finish off the rest of the pattern, simply repeat rows four through seven until you’ve reached your desired length. Now it’s time to take these skills and apply them to the perfect beach bag: the Cross Stitch Tote!