Rice Stitch

Basically it consists of a large cross stitch (in the photographs below I have worked over 4 canvas threads but you can also work over 2) with its "arms" crossed by further stitches in each corner. These smaller stitches can be worked in the same thread, as in our first example, where a variegated cotton was used for both "layers".

The photograph below shows the second layer in progress, with the top 3 crosses still to have the additional stitches worked on top of them.

When the top layer is completed it gives a woven textured look to the stitched area.

Things can get really exciting when you work rice stitch using different fibres or threads for each layer.

In the photo below I used a fine rayon thread for the second layer which alters the effect considerably. It looks as though a fine net has been overlayed on top of the large cross stitches here.

The next photo shows the large crosses worked in 2mm silk ribbon. Here the corner stitches are worked in a variegated cotton over the top, giving a totally different effect.

In the next example I stitched alternate cross stitches in two shades of blue. The corner stitches were then worked in the alternate colour to the first layer to give the effect of differently coloured diamonds with a tiny cross in the center. Quite different from the effects above, but still the same stitch.

So how do we work this stitch?

The diagram on the right shows the sequence of stitches. As you can see it is a very simple stitch to work.

This diagram shows the stitch worked over 2 fabric or canvas threads, whereas my stitched examples were worked over 4 canvas threads. There is nothing to stop you using both in the same project.

So have some fun, and try out different types of thread, different colours and changing which you use for the first layer.

Rice stitch is quick to work and well worth learning.

Where to use Rice Stitch

It is a great stitch for filling in background areas, or for adding a textured effect to a design to give contrast to smooth areas stitched in tent stitch.

It can be just as easily stitched on Aida, evenweave or canvas making it very versatile.

Other names by which it is known include crossed corners cross stitch and William and Mary stitch.

Variations

One such example is given the apt name of Captive Rice Stitch, shown above. Here straight stitches "box in" the crossed corners cross stitches.

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