LESSON 4 OF 8 · ABOUT 14 MINUTES
Handle gaps and change colors
Plan a short thread path and secure an isolated cross without a visible carry.
Bring to the table
- A small stitched area or practice scrap
- Two thread colors
- A blunt tapestry needle
See the example
In the practice row, two green crosses are separated by six blank squares. A long dark strand across the back can show through the open fabric. End the first run and start again near the isolated cross instead of stretching thread across the gap.
Try it step by step
Choose the next nearby stitch
Use the chart symbol to locate a short connected run. Count any gap from an established stitch before moving to a separate area.
End before a long open gap
For these projects, finish the thread before carrying it across more than five blank squares. Across light or open fabric, even shorter dark carries may show; turn the work over and inspect.
Start the separate cross
For this truly isolated cross, leave about 2 inches of starting tail behind the fabric. Hold it beneath the back of the first diagonal and complete the cross. If there are nearby stitches to anchor the ending tail, a two-strand loop start is another option: fold one strand into two, then pass the needle through its loop behind the first diagonal.
Secure the isolated ends
Pass the working thread under the stitch backs. For the isolated tail start, tie the starting and ending tails together behind the cross with a small square knot: right over left, then left over right. Snug gently, check the front, then trim the loose ends. This exception adds a small bump; test it on scrap before a thin card or bookmark finish. Nearby groups can instead use the woven-tail finish in Lesson 6.
YOUR TURN
A small practice check
You are using two strands. The next dark cross is across six empty squares on white Aida, with no nearby stitch backs for its tail. Which plan fits this example?
Show the answer and explanation
Finish the current run; leave a starting tail at the isolated cross and secure both tails behind it
Finish and restart, then secure both tails behind the isolated cross and check the result. One folded strand supplies two working strands; two folded strands supply four. Check any knot for a bump before a thin finish.
Check your actual work
- I counted the empty squares before moving.
- No dark carry shows through the front.
- The isolated cross stays secure with a gentle check.
The practice check reviews a method. Use these checks on your own cloth before moving on.
If something goes wrong
The loop start used too many strands.
Undo that cross and restart with the selected strand count. Use a tail-under-stitches start for an odd number of strands.
An isolated tail slips out.
Stop before cutting it shorter. Rethread and secure it under the stitch backs; use fresh thread if the remaining tail is too short to control.
Use the skill on a project
Lavender Bookmark → has a complete chart, materials and stitch mode.
Next: Undo a miscount safelyTechnique references
Diagrams and practice examples are original teaching illustrations. They are not photographs of finished stitching.