Positioning Fractional Stitches

What you will learn

• Reading split squares on a chart
• Sharing a square between two colours

Materials and tools

• 14-count Aida cloth, white or cream
• Tapestry needle size 24 (blunt tip)
• Six-strand embroidery floss
• Embroidery scissors
• 4 or 5 in (10 or 13 cm) hoop (optional on stiff Aida)

1. A full-size symbol filling the square means a full cross. A small symbol in a corner means a fractional stitch occupying that corner.
2. One small symbol alone in a square: stitch a three-quarter stitch if the area should look filled up to a diagonal edge, or a quarter stitch if the chart or key says so. Many charts state their convention in the notes.
3. Two small symbols in opposite corners: two colours share the square. Give the three-quarter stitch to the colour that belongs to the object in front, and the quarter stitch to the background colour.
4. Work fractional stitches after the full crosses around them so you can see the shape forming.
5. Finish with backstitch if the chart has an outline along that edge.

Tips for a neat result

• If you are unsure which colour should dominate, look at the picture of the finished design.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• Diagonal edges look smooth from arm's length.