Rice Stitch: An Easy Needlepoint Stitch with Endless Effects

What Is Rice Stitch?

Rice stitch is a very useful needlepoint stitch to learn, as it can be used in so many different ways. It is simple to work, on either canvas or cross stitch fabrics.

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 left 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.

Second layer in progress

Completed — a woven textured look

Changing Threads Changes Everything

Things get really exciting when you work rice stitch using different fibres or threads for each layer. Here are three examples that show just how versatile this stitch can be.

Rayon Over Cotton

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

Fine rayon creates a net-like overlay

Silk Ribbon Base

Here the large crosses were worked in 2mm silk ribbon with the corner stitches in a variegated cotton over the top, giving a totally different effect.

Silk ribbon with variegated cotton overlay

Two-Colour Diamonds

In this 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 centre.

Quite different from the effects above, but still the same stitch.

Two-colour diamonds — same stitch, different magic

Triple Rice Stitch

You can also alter the number of tie-down stitches crossing the arms of the original cross stitch. The following sequence of photos show the stages of creating triple rice stitch, where two extra stitches are added in cerise crewel wool on top of the basic rice stitch worked in white.

Stage 1 — basic rice stitch in white

Stage 2 — first cerise tie-downs added

Stage 3 — second cerise tie-downs

Completed triple rice stitch

Outermost tie-downs only — over 4 threads

How to Work Rice Stitch

The diagram 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.

Stitch diagram — worked over 2 threads

Where to Use Rice Stitch

I used it in my Tranquillity design, one of the Textures to Dye For range of downloadable needlepoint patterns, for the textured rectangles just inside the border.

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.

Captive Rice Stitch

As well as varying the threads used, you can combine other stitches to give further variations.

One such example is given the apt name of Captive Rice Stitch, shown here. Straight stitches “box in” the crossed corners cross stitches, creating a structured, framed effect that works beautifully for borders and defined areas.

Captive Rice Stitch — boxed in with straight stitches

One Stitch, Endless Possibilities

Rice stitch is one of those wonderful stitches that rewards experimentation. Change your thread, change your colours, add extra layers — and you'll keep discovering new effects that bring texture and interest to your needlework.