When bringing up the needle, the thread should be under the point of the needle. The needle and thread are then moved diagonally upwards to the position of the next stitch, making sure that very little space is left between each stitch, and thus creating a V-shape.
There are various variations, which produce a different effect and appearance (compare here).
The Cretan stitch is also known as the long-armed feather stitch, quill stitch and the Persian stitch.
See also: open cretan stitch
Sources:
- CLAYTON, Mary (2007). The Needlecrafter's Companion. 1001 Stitch Terms and Techniques, London: Collins and Brown, p. 44.
- EATON, Jan (1986). The Complete Stitch Encyclopedia, Twickenham: Hamlyn Publishing, pp. 11, 13.
- THOMAS, Mary (1934). Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, London: Hodder and Stoughton, pp. 58-59.
GVE