Tent Stitch: Learn Half Cross, Continental, and Basketweave

Why the Tent Stitch Matters

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

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.

Half Cross Stitch — The Simplest Tent Stitch

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.

Use a blunt tapestry needle to stitch with as this won't pierce the canvas threads.

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.

Front of half cross stitch

Back of half cross stitch

Continental Tent Stitch — More Durable & Versatile

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

Continental stitch diagram

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 the 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.

The front looks the same...

...but see how much more thread is on the back?

Basketweave Tent Stitch — Best for Large Areas

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.

Basketweave stitch diagram

Each stitch is worked upwards, but the actual row is travelling 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 where you move to a new row should be diagonal.

Front of basketweave stitch

The back appears woven

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.

Which Tent Stitch Should You Use?

Ready to Try These Stitches?

A landscape worked entirely in tent stitch

Now you know all three tent stitch variations, it's time to pick up your needle and canvas. Whether you start with the simplicity of half cross or dive straight into basketweave, the key is to enjoy the rhythm of each stitch.

Want to explore more needlepoint techniques?