Stitch Library
Palestrina Knot
This stitch is a truly counted stitch, occupying the same space as one cross stitch. It looks rather like a cross stitch with a central horizontal bar. When a uniform, carefully centred stitch is needed, the Palestrina knot is ideal. This stitch can be formed on aida or evenweave fabric.
Make a half cross stitch from right to left. Bring the needle to the front at bottom left, and over the first stitch as if making a normal cross stitch. Instead of going through the fabric at top right, take the needle under the first stitch, from the top, keeping the thread fairly taut. Go back over and under the first stitch, bringing the needle over the thread loop and pulling firmly to form a knot. Now complete the stitch by passing the needle through the fabric in the top right-hand corner.
