Stitch April/May 2026

Hello, Stitch readers! Welcome to our April/May issue of Stitch, a celebration of spring in all its freshness, colour and sense of possibility. As the days grow longer and the first blossoms begin to appear, this issue is filled with projects that capture that spirit of renewal, light and joyful creativity. Gracing our cover is Carrie Goff’s stunning floral goddess stumpwork design, an intricate and richly detailed piece created to upcycle a denim jacket. It is bold, textured and full of life, perfectly capturing the abundance of spring. Becky Dawes brings us a vibrant magpies cushion worked in luminous silk shading, bursting with colour and character. We are also delighted to introduce the first instalment in Tanya Bentham’s four-part series on Opus Anglicanum, beginning with a charming blue tit and…

I really loved creating this striking design, inspired by the joy and energy of spring in full bloom. When designing the cushion, I chose a vibrant colour palette so that the finished embroidery would feel uplifting and full of life — something that’s sure to brighten any room and lift your mood. YOU WILL NEED: MATERIALS: • Cushion cover: I used a 45x45cm pre-made cushion cover, but the pattern will also work on 40x40cm • DMC threads: ○ 742 Light Tangerine ○ 550 Very Dark Violet ○ 915 Dark Plum Purple ○ 718 Plum ○ 3818 Ultra Very Dark Emerald Green ○ 699 Green ○ 701 Light Green ○ 703 Spring Green ○ 3371 Black Brown ○ 801 Dark Coffee Brown ○ 310 Solid Black ○ B5200 Bright White ○…

I’ve been creating “goddess”-themed artworks on and off for about a year now, usually simply for the joy of it. Each one is unique — just as all women are. As I work, I find myself reflecting on different thoughts and experiences, and this particular piece feels especially meaningful. She represents growth — both intentional and unintentional. Much like our own lives, we learn and evolve with purpose, yet there are also wild vines and unexpected shoots that shape us just as deeply as the lessons we consciously seek. She is golden, inspired and inspiring. She is restful, yet rest itself is essential for creating life and movement; even in stillness, there is mindful growth. She is beautiful in her naturalness, filled with small hidden details waiting to be discovered.…

Ruth Singer is a Leicestershire-based textile artist whose practice sits at the intersection of history, hand stitch and storytelling. With a background in museums and textile history, her work explores personal and collective narratives through cloth, often uncovering overlooked stories embedded in historic objects and practices. In late 2025, Ruth brought one such story back into public view through Mary Linwood: Art, Stitch and Life, an exhibition at Leicester Museum and Art Gallery. The project celebrated the life and legacy of Mary Linwood (1755–1845), once the most famous embroidery artist in Britain and the first woman artist to own her own gallery in London, yet largely forgotten in the 21st century. Alongside rarely seen embroideries by Linwood, the exhibition featured new textile works by Ruth, as well as an extensive…

Using a beautiful blend of watercolour painting, goldwork, and a range of stitches and techniques, this design invites you to combine soft pinks, warm browns, and glowing golds to showcase the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms. With plenty of creative freedom, you can truly make the piece your own — add just a few blossoms for a subtle look, or fill the design with flowers for a richer effect. Enjoy the relaxing process of layering colour, texture, and stitch to create a unique and elegant handmade bookmark. YOU WILL NEED: MATERIALS: • White felt • White cotton fabric • Stranded cotton in light, medium and dark shades of pink • Brown stranded cotton • Gold passing thread • Gold metallic thread (I used a Fil A Gant in 122) •…

BRITISH QUILT & STITCH VILLAGE Event dates: 24th-26th April 2026 Venue: Uttoxeter Racecourse, Wood Lane, Uttoxeter, Staffordshire, ST14 8BD Opening hours: Friday-Saturday 10am–4.30pm, Sunday 10am–4pm Tickets: From £15 Now in its 12th year, the British Quilt & Stitch Village returns to the perfect venue of Uttoxeter Racecourse. Set across the racecourse’s traditional buildings, the show has a warm, welcoming “village” feel, giving visitors plenty of space to explore everything on offer. Expect a multitude of specialist trade stands to stock up on all your quilting essentials, plus quilt and embroidery exhibitors demonstrating skills and offering opportunities for hands-on experience. Workshops run throughout the 3-day event — pre-book before or during the show (subject to availability) to learn new skills and take home your own creation. The show’s competition theme is…