Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2025 i CrossStitcher

HAS THE CHRISTMAS season got longer in recent years? We are all used to crackers and gift wrap landing in the supermarkets from September onwards, but the celebrations seem to start earlier, with many houses decorated from very early December. We suddenly realised why this is – artificial Christmas trees! As youngsters, our trees came into the house sometimes as late as Christmas Eve. You certainly didn’t get the variety of different fir trees available now, and a mere whisper of central heating would encourage a tree to moult madly and make socks or bare feet a very bad idea if you wanted to avoid being pricked by pine needles on the floor! As a Christmas tree is the main decoration in so many homes, we have come up with ways…

Here are some of my favourite items I use for stitching, some of which I stock at my shop www.thestitchinglady.com NEEDLEMINDER A must-have to avoid losing your needle! I chose this one from Stitch Happens as I have a pet bunny and it is super-cute. It’s a way to have her with me while I stitch, without her nibbling the threads! THREAD GLOSS I’m currently using Cosy Cabin from Sew Luxe Co, it keeps my threads from tangling and there’s a gorgeous Christmassy scent in the air while I stitch, perfect for my Christmas cross stitch project! MY FAVOURITE SCISSORS Scissors are an absolute essential, it’s just a bonus that they look so pretty! And you can never just have one pair when they look this beautiful, you need to…

PRIDE AND PREJU-STITCH JANE AUSTEN/DOVER [Dover Publications] Featuring 30 bookmarks inspired by Austen’s six acclaimed novels, this guide shares know-how on essential tools and materials, plus patterns with simple instructions. Perfect for both novices and experienced cross stitchers, these elegant page markers, created perfectly in period style, will delight Austen enthusiasts and book lovers. Stitch a nostalgic bookmark to proudly accompany your next reading journey! BIRTH FLOWER EMBROIDERY: A MONTH-BY-MONTH CELEBRATION OF FLORAL EMBROIDERY AMY L. FRAZER [Walter Foster Publishing] This collection provides varied designs for every birth flower, coupled with straightforward tutorials and top tips suitable for both stitching newbies and more experienced crafters. There are 26 beautiful patterns, stitch guidance, gorgeous images and customisable motifs. Ideal for celebrating birthdays and anniversaries, these projects will add charm and elegance to any wardrobe…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 49 high x 39 wide Max. design size: 8.5x7.5cm (31⁄3x3in) Stitch time: 4½ hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. You can replace the French knots in the snowman design with sparkling seed beads if you prefer Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch and French knots as indicated on the chart. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Only the two smaller designs will fit the oval aperture card blanks. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside of the card around the edge of the aperture. Step 4 PLACE the…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch time: 3½Small; 5 hours large Max. stitch count: 30 high x 30 wide small; 45 high x 30 wide large Design size: 5.5x5.5cm 2⅛x2⅛in) small; 8x5.5cm (3⅛x2 ⅛in) large These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Festive Cheer, 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: • Sampedro 14 count aida in Cream • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Backing fabric • Baker’s twine • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Fill in the form on page 12 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the…

You can buy a red checked apron and aida for £12.50, plus P&P! Turn to page 12 to order Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 18x18cm (7x7in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Apron Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… stitched apron Step 1 STITCH the design in the centre of the aida fabric, using two strands for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch. Step 2 TURN under the edges of the aida and press. Place on the bib of the apron, using a tape measure to get it in the centre, and equally spaced in from the edges. Pin in position. Step 3 STITCH around the edge of the aida patch, to attach it to the apron bib, using a…

Christmas is coming and signs to direct Santa to your family’s stockings are a must-stitch right now! So, this month, we’ve invited three designers to create a mini ‘Santa Stop Here!’ hanging. They also had to stick to only the six shades of stranded co˜ on we selected for them, plus some gold metallic thread. Check out their cute results below – we’ve included a pa˜ ern for each design so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this inspires you to join in as well – turn the page to discover our challenge for the February issue! THE CHALLENGE • Piece of white 14 count aida • 6 shades of DMC stranded cotton (shown above) • Gold metallic thread • Metal hanger to hang your stitching THE RULES •…

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…

ISSUE 430 JANUARY 2026 On sale 18 November Inside this month ♥ Wonderful Winter: cosy seasonal sampler ♥ Icing On The Cake: Christmas cake band ♥ Just Pawfect: Sausage dog thank you cards ♥ Merry Mice: Cute Christmas mice alphabet STOCKISTS WANTED! If you are an independent stitching shop, and would like to stock CrossStitcher magazine, please email NikkiM@warnersgroup.co.uk for more details. YOUR EXCLUSIVE KIT! All you need to create a floral card with a choice of four greeting tags! SECURE YOUR STITCHING INSPIRATION! Subscribing to CrossStitcher has never been easier! Enjoy the convenience of subscribing using your local currency and secure your monthly stitching inspiration – plus SAVE BIG ON THE SHOP PRICES! Turn to page 28 to subscribe.…

You can download and print out your exclusive illustrated picture mount by visiting our CrossStitcher Digital Downloads Facebook page Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 58 high x 58 wide Design size: 11x11cm (4⅜x4⅜in) Stitch time: 15 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Stitching your… Festive Forest Friends Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand of stranded cotton or gold thread for the backstitch. The French knots are stitched using one strand of stranded cotton. Step 2 SEW the beads in the position shown on the chart, using white stranded cotton, and the sequins using gold thread. Step 3 NOTE you will have a front and back to your cardboard frame. Cut your stitching into a circle…

If you’d like a pack containing the Pewter Grey 14 count aida and the skeins to complete the sampler, turn to page 12, and order for £41, plus P&P Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 46 high x 46 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (3¼x3¼in) Stitch time: 5 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Pewter 14 count aida, ref: 3706/713; 14x14cm (5½x5½in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… join our Stitch-A-Long Our Mouse year monthly calendar ran from January 25 to December 25. Over the year, we brought you 12 seasonal designs that can be used for cards and keepsakes for birthdays or anniversaries, one for each month of the year. They can…

We asked our fans on Facebook, “If you had to choose one type of embellishment for your stitching, what would it be?” CHONG CHOY YIN Beads or sequins for some 3D effects. I used beads, sequins and metallic threads in a piece I stitched a few years ago. LIZ DRAPER The right beads can make a project really come to life, adding dimension and sparkle to almost any design. Besides, I hate French knots with a passion that is only one step down from my hatred of black outline stitches. LINDA SOUTER Definitely beads, so many colours to choose from, so many ways you can add dimensions to a project and they make your creations stand out and ‘POP’. LINDA WEST Beads, buttons and charms are the things I like…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Star of Wonder, 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: • Sampedro 14 count aida in White • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Skein of DMC Light Effects • Seed beads • Wooden house shapes frames • 4 miniature hinges and screws • White felt • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Fill in the form on page 12 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £69.75, or just the frames and hinges for £35, both plus P&P. Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 82 high x 35…

Ruth Horn is a 66-year-old cross stitcher from County Durham, who has been threading needles and crafting cross stitch projects for nearly six decades. She chatted to us about her 57-year stitching journey, which includes 30 years of reading CrossStitcher! While she doesn’t consider herself part of a formal stitching community, Ruth is still a keen ambassador of the craft, “I am not really part of a scene but talk about it to anyone who will listen,” she says. Her main connection to other stitchers is online, particularly through LoveQuiltsUK, a charity where she contributes her work. “I love seeing what others stitch, so I am beautifully entertained through that website!” she explains. Ruth’s stitching journey began at age nine, 57 years ago, during a break from boarding school. “Friends…

Joy to the world! We were jumping for joy when we saw the new range of chunky modern cross stitch kits from Stitchsperation! Brighten your home with JOY, featuring the word JOY over a CMYK halftone inspired wreath shape in eight beautiful shades of UK-made Appleton’s tapestry wool. Once you've finished stitching, the design measures approximately 33x33cm and can be framed or turned into a cushion (please note, cushion making supplies are not included). Or choose the chunky Rise Up design!. There are also Rise Up and Don’t Hate The Player ‘fully stitched’ kits if you prefer. stitchsperation.com DECK THE HALLS THIS BRILLIANT bauble will have you longing for the festive season to display it on your Christmas tree. It’s the perfect mindful project for the season and comes with…

Hullo! As winter settles in, the world can look somewhat stark. Bare branches, long nights and crisp mornings remind us of the season’s harsher edges. But it’s also a time when the simplest things generate such joy. A hot mug in cold hands feels like a lifeline. The falling of snow wraps us in whimsy. A carrot, a scarf and a collection of snowballs rolled together become something more than frozen water. A snowman reminds us that through togetherness, we can create delight in a harsh world. Cross stitch isn’t so different. A single cross on its own is small and unassuming, but when joined with others, it becomes intricate, colourful and full of character. We can form communities, shapes and stories where each input carries weight as part of…

CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch ’Tis The Season, 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: • Fabric Flair Snow Flurry Blue 14 count aida • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Fill in the form on page 12 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £38.30, or if you prefer just order the Fabric of the Month on page 15 for £18, both plus P&P. *See ‘The Key’ on page 78. Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 120 high x 179 wide Design size: 21.5x32cm (8½x12⅝in) Stitch…

*See ‘The Key’ on page 78. Designed by: Jane Prutton Max. stitch count: 29 high x 28 wide Max. design size: 5.5x5cm (2⅛x2in) Stitch time: 4½ hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… polar tag STITCH the polar bear in the centre of the aida fabric, cut the aida to fit the front of the tag, and then fray the outer block of aida on all sides. Use double-sided tape to attach the stitched aida to the front of the tag. You could use these designs for Christmas cards too! Materials • Fabric Flair Snow Flurry Blue 14 countaida; 8x6cm (3⅛x2⅜in) x 5• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• White luggage tags; 11.5x6.5cm (4½x2½in) Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com…

Get set for a whole new stitching experience next year! TexStyle, a brand-new fibre, textile and stitching festival is coming to Manchester in March 2026. A celebration of all things textile, featuring in die makers, groups and guilds – there’s something for every stitcher to enjoy. All sorts of fibre crafts are represented, such as cross stitch, embroidery, knitting, crochet, felting and quilting – plus much more! The festival will be bringing together a host of independent stitch craft creators under one roof. We love that stitchers based in the north of England, as well as those from further afield, will get this opportunity to indulge in their favourite crafts and get the chance to purchase new stash, kits and more! TexStyle is held at Manchester Central on 14th and…

Make a… tree skirt Step 1 MEASURE the distance around your tree, so that the skirt will fit comfortably under the branches, adding on 5cm (2in) at either end. Step 2 WORK out how many pattern repeats you will need to fill the fabric. Each repeat is four houses, which ends with the house with the Christmas tree. You should leave one blank aida square after the Christmas tree house and the next repeat. Stitch the houses using two strands for the cross stitch. Step 3 IRON Vilene onto the back of your stitching. Turn over the bottom edge twice, onto the wrong side, and then machine or catch stitch the seam in place. Step 4 USE small, sharp scissors to cut around the roofs and chimneys, leaving two blank…

Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 245 high x 180 wide (complete design) Design size: 44.5x33cm (17½x13in) Stitch time: 213 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Navy 14 count aida, ref: 3706/589; 60x50cm (23½x19½in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• DMC Light Effects as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Seed beads as listed in the key• Frame with a 47x35.5cm (18½x14in) aperture• Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com We have given you the key and thread count for working the complete Mouse House at Christmas – this will allow you to buy your threads together For a larger design such as this one, we'd recommend using a roller frame as this will allow you to easily roll…

LITTLE LIBRARY SAL The fourth book in our library is The Happy Prince, written by Oscar Wilde in 1888. A gold statue of a deceased prince with a lead heart weeps for the poor people in the city. help of a swallow to stay jewels from his eyes to those who need them more. Eventually, the swallow dies and throw away the statue as they consider it ugly without jewels. An angel takes the lead heart and swallow to heaven, where they’re declared the most precious things on Earth and the swallow sings in the garden of Paradise. Start stitching the top corner of The Secret Garden, which was our issue 426 September 2025, 17.5cm (7in) down from the top-left corner of the fabric, and 10cm (4in) in from the left.…