Another often overlooked small space stitch is the Cross Stitch. Because, really, what's more fun than plain needlepoint than plain needlepoint twice over the same intersection?
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What sets the Cross Stitch apart is its unique ability to be a single stand-alone stitch. Steps 1-4 illustrate the sequence for the individual stitch. You can use it for an eye, a button, an earring, a flower center, or a star. Use it for any single stitch that needs to stand apart, however delicately, from the area around it. For use as a single stitch, it works best if the area surrounding it is a different color. It also makes a great accent stitch in a larger pattern, illustrated by the stitched sample on Instagram.
The entire diagram shows a cluster of Cross Stitches. Consider covering an entire small area that needs texture yet needs to recede a little bit. Consider it for groundcover in the distance on a landscape. It also makes a great tree trunk, allowing the (more enjoyable to stitch*) leaves to stand out.
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I hope you have the perfect spot for this stitch! Please enjoy! Have a wonderful #smallspacesunday!
A Note about Diagrams
I use color in diagrams to make them as clear as possible. The primary function of different colored lines is to illustrate a stitch sequence. For example, layering of colors demonstrates you add them in that order. They can also provide ideas on how to integrate additional threads (one line for each color). Or, you can use the same thread for all color lines. That's where I encourage you to use your imagination for the space you are stitching!