The four sided stitch can be worked using normal tension or with a pulled tension to open the threads of the fabric to create a lacy effect.
It is also referred to as a square or four sided openwork stitch. It is often found worked in lines on drawn thread work. The stitch produces an effect very similar to hem stitch.
If worked in the correct sequence the reverse appears as a row of cross stitches with layered diagonal stitches.
The stitch is started with a waste knot and finished with the thread being buried on the back of the fabric.