Tent Stitch Guide: Learn Half Cross, Continental, and Basketweave Stitches

Starting needlepoint can feel overwhelming, but the tent stitch is one of the easiest and most useful techniques for beginners.

In this guide, you'll learn three variations: half cross, continental, and basketweave stitch.

These simple, diagonal stitch variations are perfect for both beginners and experienced stitchers, whether you're working on a full design or adding fine details.

However, you may notice a problem that I encountered when I first began - my canvas was distorting into a parallelogram instead of staying a neat rectangle!

I soon learned that the way you work the tent stitch affects both the look and durability of your project.

Half Cross Stitch – The Simplest Tent Stitch Variation

The half cross stitch is suitable for items that don't get much wear, like wall hangings or framed pictures, due to minimal yarn on the back.

Before you start stitching, place your canvas in a needlepoint frame. This helps prevent warping caused by uneven tension, keeping your design in perfect shape.

As it sounds, this is just the first leg of a cross stitch. To work it follow the guide I gave for cross stitch, without making the return journey.

Using half cross stitch may lead to a messy look because you bring the needle up through a hole that already has yarn, which can bring loose fibers to the front.

Continental Tent Stitch – More Durable & Versatile

The extra yarn on the reverse of the canvas makes the continental stitch more durable.

Since continental stitch uses more thread than half cross stitch, check your kit's instructions to make sure you have enough yarn. Running out mid-project can be frustrating and may lead to visible dye lot differences if you buy more later.

Start the top row by following the numbering on the diagram. Each stitch is worked in a downwards diagonal direction over 1 canvas thread (top right to bottom left).

Take the needle back up to 3 to start the second, leaving a longer diagonal stitch on the back (as shown by my purple "stitches" on the diagram).

When you reach the end of the row bring your needle up in the row of holes directly beneath your previous stitch. Then, this time working from right to left along the row, continue following the diagram this time working each stitch in an upwards direction (bottom left to top right). 

When checking the back of your work note that all the stitches will "lean" in the same direction - apart from that turning stitch at the end of each row.

Basketweave Tent Stitch – Best for Large Areas and  Even Coverage

The neatest method of working tent stitch is with the basketweave stitch. This time you are working in diagonal rows. Start with the blue lines on the diagram.

Each stitch is worked upwards, but the actual row is traveling down the canvas. You will get an almost vertical stitch on the reverse when working down the canvas and a horizontal one on the back when working back up to the top.

As with the method above this way of working does use a little more yarn, and a little extra concentration is also needed.

I have shown the second row in pink. 

You start with stitch a-b and this time both the stitches and the row are going upwards. The stitches on the back will be almost horizontal.

This variation is named for its basketweave appearance, which forms on the back after a few rows. Check for mistakes by looking for stitches going in the wrong direction, which spoil the weave. Only the stitches were you move to a new row should be diagonal.

Basketweave preserves the canvas shape while you work but requires more practice. Use it for large background areas, but be prepared to adjust for frequent colour changes.

Quick Recap: Which Tent Stitch Should You Use?

• Use Half Cross Stitch for framed needlepoint or decorative pieces where durability isn't a concern.
• Use Continental Stitch for projects that will get more wear, like pillows or bags.
• Use Basketweave Stitch for large areas where you want to maintain perfect canvas shape.

Get Stitching!

Want to master tent stitch? Try these variations today! Share your progress in the comments or sign up for our free newsletter to get expert needlepoint tips.

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