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Box and diagonal stitches · Beginner

Scotch stitch

Five diagonal stitches of graduated length that fill a square three threads by three.

Scotch stitch: the finished stitch on canvas, 20 stitches, all slanting up to the right, in two colors
The finished stitch on canvas. Every stitch runs from one hole to another; the two colors are only there to tell the stitches apart. In the steps, new stitches are red, and the numbers give the order: up at an odd number, down at the next even one.

How to work it

  1. Start with a tent stitch

    Scotch stitch, step 1: the first stitch on the canvas. Numerals 1 and 2 mark its ends, in working order.

    Work a tent stitch over one intersection, in the top left corner of a square three threads by three.

  2. Lengthen to the long diagonal

    Scotch stitch, step 2: three stitches on the canvas, the two this step adds in red. Numerals 3 to 6 mark the ends of the new stitches, in working order.

    Work the next stitch over two intersections, then one over three: the long diagonal of the square.

  3. Shorten again to the corner

    Scotch stitch, step 3: five stitches on the canvas, the two this step adds in red. Numerals 7 to 10 mark the ends of the new stitches, in working order.

    Step back down: a stitch over two, then a final tent stitch in the bottom right corner.

  4. The next square

    Scotch stitch, step 4: ten stitches on the canvas, the five this step adds in red.

    Work the next square beside it, to the right in the picture, so that the two share the holes along the edge between them. The next row of squares lies directly below and shares holes in the same way.

At a glance

Also called
cushion stitch, flat stitch, diagonal satin
Used for
backgrounds; borders; buildings
Coverage
Full
Direction
Slanted up to the right
Stitch length
Over 1 to 3 intersections

Scotch stitch makes a smooth, flat square of slanted satin stitches. The squares line up in a grid. A larger version uses seven stitches over a four-thread square.

The names in this family are used loosely. One stitch reference files Scotch stitch as cushion stitch, and warns that 'cushion' is also used for the reversed and the framed versions. Go by the diagram, not the name.

The squares give a structured, tiled look. Named uses include buildings, paving, clothing and foliage, and one or more rows make a border. A single square fills any space three threads by three.

Choose a thread that fills the holes comfortably so that no canvas shows along the long stitches. One teacher suggests tapestry wool on 10 or 12 mesh and something finer on 18.

It pairs with tent stitch, worked as a frame around each square or in alternate squares.

Tips

  • Reverse the slant in alternate squares for a woven look.

When it goes wrong

Gaps at the edge of an irregular shape.
Fill them with as much of a square as fits, at the same angle, or with plain tent stitch.
The canvas pulls out of square.
Diagonal stitches can pull canvas out of shape. Work on stretcher bars or a frame.

Variations

  • Reversed Scotch. Alternate squares slant opposite ways. The woven look shows best in a shiny thread.
  • Open Scotch. A gap of bare canvas is left between squares, for an open border.

Questions

Should I finish one square before starting the next?
Yes. One teacher's instruction is to stitch each square as a unit and then move on.

Where to go next

Stitches

Guides