Diagonal stitches are stitches that are worked at a slant (diagonally). It is important to maintain an even tension when working diagonal stitches. This will help prevent your canvas from warping. These stitches are often confused with Cross stitches. Although most cross stitches and all diagonal stitches are worked ?diagonally?, diagonal stitches do not cross over each other or create a ?cross-like? look. In this article the diagonal stitches that are appropriate for working large areas and backgrounds will be discussed.

When considering which stitch to use for the background of a piece, one of the more interesting stitches that will spring to mind is the Mosaic Stitch. The mosaic stitch consists of short and long diagonal stitches, which form a block-like pattern. When worked as a straight stitch, the Mosaic Stitch is referred to as the hungarian stitch. This stitch may be worked horizontally or diagonally. The name, mosaic stitch, is derived from the intricate patterns that can be worked up using different colors for the blocks. This is called mosaic work. The mosaic stitch may be worked in large or small areas.

The Scotch Stitch is similar to the mosaic stitch in that they both produce block-type patterns. However the scotch stitch is worked using five stitches as opposed to the mosaic stitch, which is worked using three stitches. The scotch stitch may be worked diagonally or horizontally. The third variation of this stitch, the condensed scotch stitch, should always be worked diagonally.

The Checker Stitch is a variation of the scotch stitch. The name is derived from the ?checker-board look? this stitch creates. Basically, this stitch consists of a series of scotch stitches that alternate with blocks of tent stitches. The use of the tightly stitched tent stitch with the loosely stitched scotch stitch creates an interesting textural effect (the tent stitch appears flat next to the 3-D appearance of the scotch stitch).

The Byzantine Stitch is a quick and easy stitch suitable for filling large areas of canvas. The byzantine stitch creates a step-like pattern. It consists of four diagonal stitches worked horizontally, followed by another four diagonal stitches worked vertically. This pattern of alternating horizontal and vertical diagonal stitches is how the step-like appearance is created. The size of the steps may vary. For example, you may choose to make the diagonal stitches cover two canvas intersections, three canvas intersections or more. Just be sure that all of the diagonal stitches are the same length.

The Jacquard Stitch is similar to the byzantine stitch, except for the added rows of continental stitches that separate the byzantine stitches within the jacquard stitch. After completing a byzantine stitch, add a row of continental stitches along side. Add another byzantine stitch, and, again, add another row of continental stitches along side. The jacquard stitch, like the byzantine stitch creates a step-like pattern. For a more interesting look, use a different color yarn for the continental stitches.

The Cashmere Stitch creates a pattern of blocks on the canvas. It consists of a tent stitch, followed by two diagonal stitches and another tent stitch. Each of the diagonal stitches should cover two canvas intersections. This stitch may be worked diagonally, horizontally or vertically. When worked using two colors, the cashmere stitch can create a striped appearance. The cashmere stitch may be worked from the left to the right or from the right to the left.

The Kalem Stitch consists of alternating rows of diagonal stitches. This stitch is similar to the stem stitch in that the stitches of each row are slanted in opposite directions. Unlike the stem stitch, which is worked vertically, the kalem stitch is worked horizontally. The kalem stitch is suitable for both large and small canvas areas and can also be worked on rug canvas.

The Stem Stitch consists of rows of diagonal stitches with back stitches worked in between. This stitch is similar to the kalem stitch in that the stitches of each row are slanted in opposite directions. Unlike the kalem stitch, which is worked horizontally, the Stem Stitch is worked vertically. The stem stitch is suitable for both large and small canvas areas.

The Milanese Stitch, like its variation, the oriental stitch is especially good for filling in large areas of canvas. The milanese stitch is a brocade stitch that forms alternating triangles. When complete it gives a zigzag appearance.

The Oriental Stitch, like the Milanese stitch is good for filling in large areas of canvas. The Oriental Stitch is a brocade stitch that forms alternating triangles. When complete it gives a zigzag appearance. The oriental stitch begins with a series of milanese stitches. Spaces are left between the rows. These spaces will be filled with diagonal stitches. You may choose to work the diagonal stitches in a different color. This will create an exciting look for your work.

These are just a few of the diagonal stitches that create interesting backgrounds and fill large areas. For a more detailed list of diagonal stitches available and instructions (with diagrams) for working each stitch, visit the page at stitchopedia.com and click on whichever stitch is of interest to you. The choice of a background stitch will depend on what exists in the foreground. If the foreground is full of detail and color, you may not want a background that is too ?busy?. In that case, you will want to choose a plain background. This completes the first part of ?Diagonal Stitches: The Greatest Hits?. In part two, I will discuss the diagonal stitches that are appropriate for small, detailed work. I will also describe some of the decorative diagonal stitches.