Indholdsfortegnelse for April 2024 i CrossStitcher

SIMPLE MACHINE SEWING: 30 STEP-BY-STEP PROJECTS ANGELA PRESSLEY [CICO Books] Angela Pressley’s latest book is a handy bible for learning the art of machine sewing and upcycling your fabric scraps to create accessories, garments, and home furnishings. With 30 projects, you are taught useful techniques, including topstitching, quilting, and patchwork. You can learn to create a pouffe, mug cosies, plant-pot covers, and more for your home, as well as accessories, such as a bucket hat and reversible tote. COUNTRYSIDE CROSS STITCH TANIA SANTARELLI [Tuva Publishing] Tania Santarelli offers a beautiful collection of countryside patterns to add joy to your life. The book’s themes include farm life, garden, flowers, people, kitchen, animals, handicrafts, sewing, embroidery, patchwork and hobbies. The projects are simple, fun, and easy to stitch, with most of them using only…

PART 3 CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Spring Sunrise, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Sampedro 14 count aida in White • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Fill in the form on page 17 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £33.80, or £39.70 including a 10in wooden embroidery hoop, all plus P&P. Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 135 high x 135 wide Design size: 25x25cm (97⁄8x97⁄8in) Stitch time: 56 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. (2) indicates…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch April Showers, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart 14 count aida in Vintage Sky Blue • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Fill in the form on page 17 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £33, plus P&P. Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 173 high x 120 wide Design size: 31.5x22cm (123⁄8x85⁄8in) Stitch time: 70 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. (2) indicates more than one skein is required *See ‘The Key’ on…

We mounted our unicorn in an orange-painted wooden hoop – you could choose another colour from the mane to make yours coordinate too Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 55 high x 54 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 8 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Navy 14 count aida; ref: 3706/589; 28x28cm (11x11in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Wooden embroidery hoop; 15cm (6in) diameter Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com TURN TO PAGE 24 TO LEARN HOW TO MOUNT YOUR WORK IN A HOOP How to… stitch the ‘mane’ Step 1 CUT 12cm (43⁄4in) lengths of all six strands of stranded cotton in the colours listed in the key. You will notice there are…

(4) indicates more than one skein is required Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 62 high x 62 wide Design size: 37x37cm (141⁄2x141⁄2in) Stitch time: 19 hours This design was stitched on a 4-count punched felt cushion. You can buy the Rico cushion used in this project from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… cushion USE 12 strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch. Once stitched, place the cushion front and back, right-sides together. Make a row of running stitches on the very outer row of holes, stitching the front and back of the cushion together and using six strands of stranded cotton. When you get to the last side of the cushion, insert the pad or fill it with toy stuffing, and complete the final stitches to seal the pad inside. Finish…

ENDLESS STITCHING DELIGHTS: Explore a universe of cross-stitch designs, from elegant florals to charming animals – discover your cross-stitch haven! MASTER YOUR CRAFT: Elevate your skills with expert tips, step-by-step tutorials, and insider secrets. Create stunning masterpieces with the guidance of seasoned stitchers. PERFECT FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, CrossStitcher Magazine caters to all. Find projects that match your skill and style in your stitching paradise. Why should I choose digital? A digital subscription is a super money-saving, inflation-busting option! The ideal choice if you’re looking for even more exclusive cross stitching content. Indulge in your stitching passion wherever you are. Take a look at all the great offers we have waiting for you… bit.ly/CROSPM SCAN ME!…

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING FABRICS Aida is the ideal choice for cross stitch beginners – it is a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares with a grid of holes. Each cross stitch is worked over one square. Aida comes in a range of sizes which are called counts. So 14 count means that there are 14 squares to the inch and this will make 14 cross stitches. Aida also comes in 16, 18 and 20 count. The larger the number, the more stitches to the inch and so the smaller the design will stitch up. Evenweave is a woven grid of threads in a finer count. Each stitch is usually worked over two threads, so a 28 count evenweave with each stitch worked over two…

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 46 high x 28 wide (each side) Design size: 8.5x5cm (33⁄8x2in) Stitch time: 13 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Turn to page 17 to order the tin and fabric needed for this project Make a… mouse wardrobe Step 1 STITCH the wardrobe inserts, using two strands for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. Space the two parts on the fabric to allow for a seam allowance on all sides. Step 2 CUT around the wardrobe inserts, leaving approx. two blank aida squares on all sides, and rounding the corners to fit the tin. Apply fabric glue or Fray Check to the corners to stop them from fraying. Use double-sided tape to stick the wardrobe inserts into the…

Immerse yourself in 30 enchanting cross-stitch designs, skillfully blending Gail Bussi’s signature chalk art and hand-lettering style. Perfect for both beginners and experienced stitchers, this collection promises a soothing escape into the world of mindful creativity. RRP £17.95 £14.36 What’s Inside? Inspire: Elevate your spirits with positive thoughts for various occasions. Create: Craft vibrant florals and motivational quotes, celebrating your artistic spirit. Connect: Share finished pieces as heartfelt gifts or adorn your space with personal aspirations. GET YOUR COPY! bit.ly/InspiredCrossStitch *Product is subject to availability and is priced correctly at the time of publication. Geographic restrictions apply…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 48 high x 38 wide Design size: 9x7.5cm (31⁄2x3in) Stitch time: 51⁄2 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside of the card around the edge of the aperture. Step 4 PLACE the stitching on the table right-side up, and then place the card on top, pressing down firmly on the tape. Step 5 CHECK which flap will fold onto the back of the stitching, then add strips of double-sided tape and…

STAR LETTER A trip down memory lane I have just finished the British Isles & Ireland SAL from last year. missed one out and changed the layout. I loved waiting each month to see what the next ones were going to be. Doing them, some of them brought back memories of visiting them, and new ones to me had me googling to find out more about them and add them to my visiting list. Jenny Soame, Woking, Surrey We’re so pleased you’ve got so much out of doing the SAL, Jenny! Martin & Susan, CrossStitcher Editors Feline Friend My version of Cat Amongst The Thistles (issue 405) using colours from my stash. Once pressed and framed it is a gift for my Mum’s birthday. Deborah Ashley, via Facebook YOUR CHANCE TO…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 56 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 8 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Turn to page 17 to buy DMC Coloris thread, cork squares and a materials pack for this project! Make a… coaster Step 1 NOTE that we have used DMC Coloris thread to stitch our coasters. This variegated thread is a six-stranded divisible thread that can be used in the same way as stranded cotton. Stitch the design in the centre of your fabric using two strands of Coloris. You will need just one skein for each coaster to create a beautiful pattern. Step 2 COMPLETE all the cross stitch, then you can assemble your coaster. For each coaster, you will need…

Each month we publish a new letter and number set based on a theme, designed for you to cut out and keep for when you need it Let your imagination take flight with our fabulous alphabet and numbers set this month! Ideal for all sorts of occasions, our butterflies and moths are perfect for gifts, cards, home decor and more. You’ll be a flutter with excitement at all the options these motifs provide, as you personalise your projects with ease! Our Butterflies & Moths alphabet letters were mounted in a card, flexi-hoop and a thread-bound wooden embroidery hoop. Each was stitched on 14 count white aida, and each letter is approximately 30 high x 30 wide. The design size for each letter is approx. 6x6cm (2¼x2¼in), and it took our…

Ready for a more challenging project? Our retro racing car poster will get you geared up to tackle all the details in it. It would make a wonderful gift for someone with a fondness for classic cars and nostalgia for racing at Goodward. There’s no need for speed as you stitch it though, take your time and you’ll pass this stitching challenge with flying colours! Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 166 high x 116 wide Design size: 30.5x21cm (12x81⁄4in) Stitch time: 57 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. TURN TO PAGE 47 TO LEARN HOW TO FRAME YOUR PICTURE Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 50x40cm (19x15¾in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Mount board to…

We stitched this egg-cellent design on white 14 count aida, backed it with felt and added a green ribbon trim, bow and hanging loop SHOW OFF WHAT OR WHERE YOU STITCH… WE’D love to see what or where you stitch on your break. Send to crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with TEA BREAK as the subject. If you’re featured you’ll receive a mystery prize! ISSUE 405’S TEA BREAK WINNER “This is my happy stitching place. The large pouffe holds my baskets of threads in front of my sofa in a bay window. Perfect light for stitching. My hoop stand to the left, cuppa to the right, and I’m all set. Happy days.” Linda Bateman…

As a reader you already know what you have in your hands is the very best cross stitching magazine around. In response to your feedback, we’re rolling out our most budget-friendly subscription offer yet. 13 ISSUES PER YEAR PAY FOR 12! • Develop your technique with our imaginative tutorials • Use our simple step-by-step instructions to make thoughtful gifts for your friends and family • Enjoy a unique and complete stitching gift with every issue Delight in the joy of stitching with this pocket-friendly offer crafted with you in mind. bit.ly/PAYG424 Scan me! T&Cs Apply: Pay as you go (PAYG). Monthly subscription of £4.99 per month, paying by Direct Debit or continuous card payment only. You will receive 13 issues per year, pay for only 12. For EU & Rest of…

Dream sewing room What does your dream sewing room look like? This gorgeous example has the Natural History Museum Lift Top Draftsman Desk, which would be the perfect centrepiece of any workspace. Keep everything in order with the Navy 3-Tier Cantilever Wooden Sewing Box and the Beech 120 Spools Holder. The Lottie Jute Oval Pastel Rug adds a cosy touch, while the Scalloped Edge Shade Air and Frilled Check Cushion in Pinecone makes your stitching session all the more relaxing. Time for a spring refreshment! All items are available from www.dunelm.com. BUZZY LIFE GET ‘BUZZY’ with this bee-utiful mandala bee cross stitch kit! It includes cross stitch instructions, a printed A3 colour chart, thread, fabric, and a needle. You’ll need to stitch about 158w x 101h ‘honeycomb’ shaped stitches using…

Hullo! Someone recently asked what my five-year plan was – they were shocked I didn’t have one. I personally don’t gel with the productivity culture, where everything is mapped out for maximum productivity – sometimes, I just want to dally in the garden and eat biscuits and be happy existing, not worrying about where I’m heading. But it did get me thinking about the old saying ‘failure to plan is planning to fail’ and I wonder if I couldn’t do with a bit more directional planning. As an example, I’ve been bouldering (rock climbing without ropes) for a few years. I wish I could do harder climbs, but I haven’t organised learning the skills needed to progress. Apparently, just wishing doesn’t make it happen! It’s the same with my long…

Every month we are giving you a FREE calendar download to print out and attach your stitching to display in your home. Head to our CrossStitcher Facebook Digital Downloads page… Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 46 high x 46 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (31⁄4x 31⁄4in) Stitch time: 3 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Over the year we will be bringing you 12 months to make a Calendar Year. Each month is filled with motifs appropriate for that season How to… join our Stitch-A-Long We’re unveiling a new monthly calender which will run from January to December 24. Over the year we will be bringing you 12 seasonal designs that can be used for birthday or anniversaries, one for each month of the year. They…

DAWN DREGER I’ve been working on Long Dog Sampler’s Pandemic for a while now. It’s a massive piece, and monochromatic, so I don’t have to fiddle with changing floss colours. It’s so rewarding to see each motif appear as I work, and the floss and fabric I chose are colours I love working with! GRACE COLLIER If I can find a small chart and see immediate results, that will really lift my spirits. Also… finding the perfect piece for my grands! DEBORAH JULIA WHITE I like mandalas and patterns. The repetition is meditative, especially if I can incorporate variegated threads. KRISTA KOVAL - DALY I love my Blackwork Projects. For some reason, I find that this is the most relaxing to stitch. PEARL LEE I like to stitch smaller designs.…

Textile designer, screen printer, beading enthusiast, passionate teacher – is there anything Miesje Chafer can’t do? We chatted with Miesje to find out more about her colourful artwork… You design bold, bright needlepoint patterns, but you’re also a textile designer and creator! What’s your history with design and creating? Although I did an Art Foundation course, I didn’t enjoy it and ended up training as a nurse. Whilst working in nursing, I did a short screen-printing course in London and completely fell in love with it. I started experimenting with printing on fabric, made a few products, then, 12 years ago, took part in my first craft fair. Things snowballed after that when I was asked to do some wholesale, so I reduced my nursing hours to two days a…

Festival season is just around the corner, so why not accessorise accordingly with a hand-stitched bracelet? In preparation we asked our three designers this month to come up with a design for a leather-effect bracelet that is ready to stitch. The designers, as usual, could only use the seven shades of stranded cotton we gave them, and they had to work with a black cuff bracelet which features a stitchable area. Take a look at their colourful results below – we’ve featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for June – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. THE CHALLENGE • Black cuff…