The Embossed Cross Stitch is a textured knitting pattern that creates raised geometric crosses across a background of reverse stocking stitch. Knit and purl stitches worked through the back loops form the twisted, embossed sections, giving the crosses extra definition and making them stand out from the background.
This embossed knitting stitch pattern is worked over a multiple of 12 stitches plus 1 with a 16-row repeat. It is a lovely choice for blankets, cushion covers, scarves, sweaters and other projects where you want a bold but relatively simple geometric texture.
Pattern Details
- Stitch Multiple: Multiple of 12 + 1 stitches
- Row Repeat: 16 rows
- Techniques: Knit, purl, knit through the back loop, purl through the back loop
Abbreviations
- k: knit
- p: purl
- ktbl: knit through the back loop
- ptbl: purl through the back loop
- st(s): stitch(es)
Embossed Cross Stitch Pattern
Cast on a multiple of 12 stitches + 1.
Row 1: purl.
Row 2: knit.
Row 3: *p5, ktbl 3, p4; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 4: *k5, ptbl 3, k4; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 5: *p5, ktbl 3, p4; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 6: *k5, ptbl 3, k4; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 7: *p2, ktbl 9, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 8: *k2, ptbl 9, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 9: *p2, ktbl 9, p1; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 10: *k2, ptbl 9, k1; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 11: *p5, ktbl 3, p4; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 12: *k5, ptbl 3, k4; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 13: *p5, ktbl 3, p4; repeat from * to last st, p1.
Row 14: *k5, ptbl 3, k4; repeat from * to last st, k1.
Row 15: purl.
Row 16: knit.
Repeat Rows 1–16 for the pattern.
Helpful Knitting Notes
The raised crosses are created by working selected stitches through the back loops. This twists the stitches and makes them stand out against the surrounding knitted fabric without using cables.
Rows 3–6 form the narrower vertical section of each cross. On Rows 7–10, the twisted section expands from 3 stitches to 9 stitches, creating the horizontal arms of the embossed cross. Rows 11–14 then return to the narrower 3-stitch section.
Because stitches worked through the back loop are naturally tighter than ordinary knit and purl stitches, keep your tension relaxed when working ktbl and ptbl.
The pattern does not use increases or decreases, so your stitch count remains the same throughout all 16 rows.
Choosing Your Cast-On Number
Use:
12 × number of repeats + 1 stitch
- 1 repeat: 13 sts
- 2 repeats: 25 sts
- 3 repeats: 37 sts
- 4 repeats: 49 sts
- 5 repeats: 61 sts
The embossed texture tends to show particularly well in a smooth, solid-coloured yarn where the twisted stitches and geometric cross shapes can be clearly seen.
