Cretan stitch

Cretan stitch

This can feel awkward to start with.  Start by keeping the stitch larger and open before trying to create the stitches closer together.  It is also useful to try to keep the angle of the stitch consistent.

1.  Bring the needle out at A and take the needle down at B to the right and slightly below point A, bringing it back up half way between points A and B, ensuring that the thread is kept under the needle before pulling the needle right through.

2.  It feels like working in reverse here.  Bring the needle over to the left taking it in at point C and back out to the right of point C, at point D.  Again, ensure that the thread is kept under the needle before pulling the needle right through.

Repeat steps 2 and 3.