The diagonal basket weave method is a perfect way to make your little stitches on canvas. The yarn does cover the canvas very well, it gives a nice surface. Because the basketweave stitch takes more yarn your work will be more sturdy and have a longer life.
upward = 'up the ladder'
downward = 'down the pole'
Stitching in diagonal rows.The basketweave stitch is done in diagonal rows. A basketweave pattern of horizontal and vertical long stitches is created on the back. It is very important that the diagonal rows alternately go upwards and then downwards again. The top strand of fabric on the intersecion to be stitched determines the row direction: On a horizontal intersection the needle goes horizontally through the canvas, creating an upward row. On a vertical intersection the needle goes vertically through the canvas, creating a downward row. Only when changing row direction does the needle go diagonally through the canvas. This is the case for the border and outside borders of every coloured area. Below the various turning points have been drawn.
When using mono canvas, go by the rules 'up the ladder' and 'down the pole' as shown in the upper diagrams. This way you can always know which direction to go. When using interlock canvas, you have to remember or check which way to go.