The X pattern actually comes naturally on a hanging strop. Typically, you stand to your strong side (e.g. right side if you are right handed) of the strop. In this position, it is very difficult to do anything but an X pattern. At least this is what I have found. I have a 3" strop, so the X pattern is not really necessary to cover the entire blade, but I just dont see how I could do stroke parallel to the strop with out some serious contortions.