Cross-Stitch on Tunisian Crochet
Several years ago, I came across an old Weldon’s pattern for a travel blanket. The illustration showed a blanket folded and rolled before being fastened with a buckled strap so that it could be slunk over a shoulder for easier carrying. This method of carrying a blanket was perfect for long train rides.
However, it was the design of the blanket that really caught my attention. Fox faces had been embroidered on a background of large Tunisian crochet squares. Gorgeous! But I wanted to try out the embroidery technique before I committed to an entire blanket. A crochet carpet bag seemed like the perfect solution.
I am in love with this technique of cross-stitching on a Tunisian simple stitch background! The Tunisian crochet square color block strips are simple and the perfect stress-reducing project. They are great for first time Tunisian crocheters. And the cross-stitch possibilities are endless. Pull out your graph paper and draw a rabbit or deer to cross-stitch instead. Just let your imagination run wild.
But first I’ll show you how to cross-stitch on Tunisian crochet fabric. There are two important things to keep in mind.
Stitch Placement on Tunisian Crochet
When cross-stitching into a Tunisian simple stitch fabric, the ends of each crossed stitch must be worked into the same space as the ends of the surrounding stitches. This prevents a gap of the background color from interrupting the created image. This means that one side of the crossed stitch will be worked over the top of the vertical line created by the Tunisian stitch. Just keep your cross-stitch placement consistent.
Count Twice so You Can Stitch Once
Begin with the main color first and count twice. I learned this the hard way, and I was forced to undo a few sections. You may also notice a couple of small difference in one of the fox faces. Please don’t look too closely.
My favorite part was witnessing the fun progression of the fox face as it is finished color by color. The possibilities are endless. You could cross-stitch any design you chose into the simple Tunisian square.
You can find the Fox Traveling Bag in Vintage Crochet from our friends at Long Thread Media, as well as great articles and more vintage inspired crochet patterns.
Have you cross-stitched on Tunisian crochet? Share your tips below.
Originally published 11/17/2016. Updated 3/10/2024.
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