Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 43 i Cross Stitch Favourites

Stitch Tip If you’ve not worked backstitch or French knots before, then practise on some scrap aida first to build your confidence SHOPPING LIST Fabric 8cm (3in) wide 14-count white aida band with white trim, cut to the required length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Medium jute gift bag or bag of your choice Stitcher’s guide Our garden-themed letters are stitched onto 14-count aida band and contain whole cross stitch, backstitch and a few French knots, so are ideal for beginners who are wanting to learn new skills. “I take so much inspiration from my garden, so it’s nice to dedicate a project to my favourite place. An abc is the perfect way to show off the different elements of a…

Stitch Tip Try adding in a strand of metallic thread to the flowers if you want to add a little glimmer of sunshine to your abc SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each letter Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Acrylic pen pots and notebook of your choice Stitcher’s guide Our passion flower alphabet is stitched onto 14-count white aida. It contains whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch and French knots so is ideal for intermediate stitchers. Bright idea Stitch just the flowers to decorate a handkerchief, needlecase or to turn into a feminine keyring. How to stitch the passion flower abc 1 Find the centre of your piece of fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and…

Stitch Tip Stitch the whole alphabet as a sampler to hang on a little one’s bedroom wall SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Backing card, fabric, ribbon and buttons of your choice from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide These super-cute characters are stitched onto 14-count aida. They contain whole cross stitch and backstitch only, so are great for stitching newbies. We think they’re ideal for teaching children how to stitch, too. How to stitch the woodland abc 1 Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Find the centre of the chart and start stitching from here, in the middle of your…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 10cm (4in) xrequired length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Gadget case; iron on interfacing Stitcher’s guide Our folky alphabet is stitched onto 14-count white aida and, as it uses whole cross stitch only, everyone can enjoy stitching this ABC – it’s ideal for complete beginners. How to stitch the folky abc 1 Fold your aida fabric in half both horizontally and vertically to find the centre. Find the centre of your chart and start stitching from this point, in the centre of your fabric. 2 Work all of the cross stitchover one block of aida using two strands of thread; refer to the key to see which colours to use when. Check your stitching…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Gift tags and ribbon of your choice from your local craft shop Stitch Tip To save on thread, leave the white squares unstitched so that the aida shows through Stitcher’s guide Our bright and beautiful birthday letters are stitched onto 14-count aida and take an hour or two per letter to stitch. They contain whole cross stitch, backstitch and French knots, so are easy to stitch and a great opportunity for newbies to try French knots. Bright idea These designs will also make great decorations for the front of party bags. Stitch the word 'party' or the recipient’s name or initials. Birthday tags alphabet…

Sweets alphabet key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 29 high x 33 wide DESIGN AREA 14HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x6cm (2x2¼in) These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton Bright idea Experiment with using coloured seed beads to add sprinkles to the letters – but be warned, they will look good enough to eat! SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each letter Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Paper party bags from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide Our sweetie alphabet is stitched on 14-count aida and each letter should just take an hour or so to complete. The alphabet contains whole cross stitch, fractionals and backstitch, so is ideal for intermediate stitchers, but as there are only a sprinkling…

Stitch Tip These motifs are the ideal size for using up scrap pieces of aida SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Felt pencil case, flexible coaster and notebook of your choice from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide Easy to stitch onto 14-count aida using whole stitches and backstitch only, this funky office alphabet is suited to every type of stitcher. Bright idea Stitch a messy workmate’s initial and place inside a paperweight to tidy their papers! How to stitch the office abc 1 Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Find the centre of the chart and start stitching from here,…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 36x30cm (14x12in) Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Blank canvas measuring 25x20cm (10x8in) Stitcher’s guide This adorable sampler is worked on 14-count white aida. You’ll whizz through the larger areas of colour using whole cross stitch and fractionals, while the backstitch and French knots will keep you busy adding detail and definition to this future heirloom. We think this is a great project for an advanced beginner to expand their skills with. How to stitch the baby sampler 1 Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Use the arrows on the chart to help find its centre, then start stitching from here, in the middle of your…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15cm (6in) high x the measurement of the name, plus 10cm (4in) for framing Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Frame of your choice and cup screws from a hardware shop “I promised my niece I’d teach her how to stitch, and I think I’ve just found the perfect project! We’ll start with her initial and gradually build up to her whole name to hang on her bedroom door.”Abi Barker, special projects coordinator Stitcher’s guide Our fairies are brought to life on 14-count aida and contain whole cross stitch and backstitch only, so are ideal for beginners, although stitchers of all abilities will enjoy these magical quick makes. How to stitch the abc 1 Find…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 40x36cm (16x14in) Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Frame of your choice with a minimum aperture of 30x25cm (12x10in) Stitcher’s guide Our sampler is stitched onto 14-count white aida using 23 different shades of stranded cotton. It contains whole cross stitch, backstitch and French knots and is ideal for intermediate stitchers. “We picked a green wooden frame to mount our sampler in. The natural texture of the wood adds to the rustic, cottagey look.”Fiona Baker, technical editor How to stitch the sampler 1 Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Use the arrows on the chart to find its centre and start stitching from here, working outwards.…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15cm (6in) x required length, plus turnings Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Backing fabric of your choice and matching cord from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide Get ready for blast off with 14-count aida, cut to the length of the name you are stitching. The letters are worked in whole cross stitch, backstitch and French knots making this a great project for advanced beginners and intermediate stitchers. “The little boys in my family are absolutely obsessed with aliens, so I was inspired to design these space-themed letters featuring planets, astronauts, spaceships and, of course, little green men!”Durene Jones, designer How to stitch the spaceman alphabet 1 Plot the position of each letter onto…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Gift tags and ribbons of your choice from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide Our fun flowerpot alphabet is worked on 14-count white aida and uses just a handful of colours. Each letter is worked in whole cross stitch only, with a little backstitch to add definition. The letters are quick and easy to stitch – each one will take just an hour or two to complete, making them an excellent choice for beginners. Bright idea If you have scraps of card left from other projects, then make your own bases for the gift tags instead of buying them. “What a happy little ABC…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 10cm (4in) x required length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Backing fabric, iron-on interfacing, hanging rod and cord of your choice from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide This quirky alphabet is stitched on 14-count aida and each letter will take just a couple of hours to complete. Worked in whole cross stitch and backstitch only, this alphabet can be enjoyed by stitchers of all abilities. Bright idea Use a single letter for a card, or put together a selection to make a special sign for a play den. How to stitch the alphabet 1Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Find the centre of the…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15cm (6in) x the required length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Cushion pad, backing fabric and crochet ribbon of your choice from your local craft shop How to stitch the assisi abc 1 Find the centre of your aida by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. The centre is where the lines cross. Find the centre of the chart and start stitching here, working your way outwards. 2 Work the crossstitch on the design using two strands of cotton. Add the backstitch next, using one strand of cotton. 3 Check over your finished stitching, then prepare it for making up. Stitcher’s guide This stylish cushion cover is stitched onto 14-count aida and…

Stitch Tip Make a birthday cake even more special, when you stitch our tempting abc onto aida band to wrap around it SHOPPING LIST Fabric 5cm (2in) wide 14-count white aida band with blue trim, cut to the required length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Stitcher’s guide This mouth-watering alphabet is stitched onto aida band which you can cut to the length of your lettering or the object it is decorating. The letters are worked in whole cross stitch, backstitch and French knots, so it is a great project for confident beginners who are looking to take the next step. “I’m hosting a charity tea party this summer, so I’m going to stitch lots of strawberry-themed decorations to give my guests an…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 15cm (6in) x the required length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Rice for filling the doorstop; backing fabric; medium weight iron-on interfacing Stitcher’s guide Easy to work, our train letters are stitched onto 14-count aida and contain whole cross stitch and backstitch only, so are ideal for stitchers of any skill level. “I love designing kids’ projects as you can really go to town with colour. I used bold primary shades for these letters, which all sit on their own carriage. Just stitch the train, then choose your carriages and connect them to spell names or messages. It’s a really fun make!”Fiona Baker, designer Bright idea Pick backing fabric in zingy shades to brighten…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric Polstitches Designs 14-count Heavenly aida measuring 15cm (6in) x required length for the toiletries tidy and 15x18cm (6x7in) for the card Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Woven basket or box of your choice Stitcher’s guide These designs are worked on 14-count aida in whole cross stitch and backstitch. Each letter takes around 3 hours so you can whip up personalised designs quickly. We think stitchers of all abilities will enjoy working these blooms. “I love coming up with easy ways to personalise cards and gifts, and this spring alphabet will add a stylish touch. I wanted every stitcher to feel confident about creating these letters so stuck to a simple colour palette and easy stitches.”Lucie Heaton, designer How…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Card and gift bag of your choice from your local craft shop; backing paper Stitcher’s guide This pretty abc is stitched onto 14-count aida and contains whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch and the letter ‘r’ has French knots, too. As the letters are stitched in just two colours we think they're great for confident beginners who want to hone their technique. How to stitch the floral abc 1 Fold your fabric in half both vertically and horizontally to find its centre. Find the centre of your chart and start stitching here, in the centre of your fabric. 2 Work all of the cross stitch…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 30x36cm (12x14in) Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Frame of your choice with a minimum aperture of 22x26cm (8½x10¼in) Stitcher’s guide This pretty sampler is worked on 14-count white aida. Although large, it will only take around 30 hours to stitch as it contains whole cross stitch only, making it ideal for stitchers of all abilities. Bright idea Use individual motifs from the design as quick stitches to decorate cards and tags. How to stitch the spring sampler 1Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Use the arrows on the chart to help find its centre, then start stitching from here, in the middle of your fabric.…

SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida measuring 40x33cm (16x13in) Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Fabric, ribbon and dowel of your choice from your local craft shop Stitcher’s guide This adorable wall-hanging is worked on 14-count white aida and will take around 70 hours to stitch. The design contains whole cross stitch, fractionals and backstitch so is best suited to those with a little bit of stitching experience. How to stitch the baby wall-hanging 1 Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half both horizontally and vertically. Follow the black arrows on the chart to find the centre of the chart and start stitching from here, working your way outwards. 2 Work the cross stitch on the design using…

Stitch Tip Choose aida band with a coloured trim for a more feminine effect SHOPPING LIST Fabric 14-count white aida band with pink trim measuring 8cm (3in) wide x desired length Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle Size 24 tapestry needle Extras Wicker basket of your choice Stitcher’s guide Easy to stitch onto 14-count aida band using whole cross stitch and backstitch only, our handbags and shoes alphabet is suited to stitchers of all abilities. Each letter takes around 2-3 hours to complete, so we'd recommend this is a great starting project for brand new stitchers – although shop-a-holics of all skill levels will enjoy working up these fun designs! “This abc is absolutely fabulous! I’ve got lots of girl friends who are very girly and love…