Learn How to Work the Tent Stitch

Tent stitch refers to a family of needlepoint stitches worked diagonally over one intersection of canvas mesh. Tent stitch can be used to work the main design, or the background areas of the canvas.

There are several stitches in this family including the Continental Stitch, basketweave stitch, and Half Cross Stitch.

In the photo the tent stitch variations are shown left to right, along with their corresponding back sides.

Many needlepointers refer to the Continental Stitch as the Tent Stitch, and the terms are often used interchangeably.