A Stitch in Time: Norwich Stitch

The Norwich, waffle, southern cross, or plaited interlaced stitch is considered to be a large, square, highly textured, modern-day canvas and needlepoint stitch. It is composed of a raised diamond superimposed upon a stitched square. Normally, it's worked over an uneven number of background threads.

Deanna Hall West found this stitch to be called the Norwich or waffle stitch in equal frequency in the literature. This is somewhat unusual because one name usually predominates. She prefers the Norwich name because of less confusion; there is another embroidery stitch called a waffle stitch that consists of rows of small straight stitches. There are also waffle stitches in both knitting and crochet. How the “Norwich” appellation originated remains a mystery.

The Norwich, waffle, southern cross, or plaited interlaced stitch is considered to be a large, square, highly textured, modern-day canvas and needlepoint stitch. This PDF includes more on the Norwich stitch, along with step-by-step illustrations.

About Deanna Hall West: Deanna Hall West has been active in the needlework publishing business for more than 40 years as an editor, designer, author, researcher, teacher, and stitcher. She is recognized for her knowledge and writings about antique needlework accessories, samplers, and individual embroidery stitches.

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