When you think of needlepoint, you probably think of a diagonal stitch that looks like this: /////

This classic stitch is actually part of a family of stitches called “tent” stitches. The tent stitches all look exactly the same from the front, but very different on the back. Like me, you’re probably wondering, “why would I bother learning three different stitches when they all look the same?”

Once you start stitching, you’ll quickly see that they serve different purposes because they have different levels of coverage. A stitch that is good for detail work (half-cross stitch) is not good for backgrounds (basketweave stitch).

Tent Stitch Cheatsheet

The back of tent stitches — from left to right: half-cross stitch, continental stitch, basketweave stitch