Crossstitchforum - A FREE forum for Cross Stitchers

Although the photo is not clear, where I circle the square (top left square of the red circle), there are 2 different symbols on this one square. The outline divides it unequally.
Do I just stitch half cross-stitch for each symbol? I hope that you understand what I mean.

Yes those are fractional stitches Helene. I'm on my mobile so can't do diagrams but this link may help you http://www.yarntree.com/040halfstitch.htm" target="_blank" target="_blank

Ooooohhhh, a tough one. I usually do that kind of marking one of two ways depending on which I think would look better within the design. Usually I do a 3/4 stitch in the larger half of the square and a 1/4 stitch in the smaller half, that way I have more coverage underneath the backstitch. If I think it won't look too bulky, sometimes I'll just go ahead and do the full stitch underneath. I don't particularly care for just doing 1/4 stitches as I feel it leaves too much fabric showing after the backstitching is done. All of that being said, I'm usually working on 14 ct or 18 ct. If you're working on a smaller count fabric, 1/4 stitches would probably work just fine.

If both symbols in the square are the same, I do a full stitch. I think sometimes, if there is backstitching cutting through the square, that the backstitch line obliterates the symbol if the symbol is centered in the square so the designer puts the symbol on either side of the backstitch line so you can see it.

If the symbols are different, I'll either do two 1/4 stitches and let the backstitch lay on top to separate them or I'll do a 3/4 stitch of the 'front" color and a quarter stitch of the 'background' color. Even though the backstitching doesn't divide it equally, it's usually not noticeable unless you put it right to your nose and scrutinize it, which no one will do when viewing the finished piece. Doing two quarter stitches makes it less bulky in that square. I make the decision on which way to do it based on the design and how I want it to look.

Helene I usually do 1/4 stitches in the corner and colour symbols say as the back stitch covers the remainder of the square. Takes a bit of doing on aida admittedly but I like the effect better.

and i tend to do two threequarter stitches in the square unless it would be way too bulky (so 20 count and above) but working on 14-18 or 28-36 ill use two.

and then the back stitch goes over the top.

whatever you prefer really!
Niki xxx

Thank you for all the very helpful answers. Armed with this, I will see what looks best. You are all brilliant!

Sometimes you need to experiment to see which is the 1/4 stitch and which one the 3/4

For instance if it's part of the shaping or shading and there's a darker shade which may look better' underneath'