Just CrossStitch April 2023

Happy spring, stitching friends! The first signs of springtime are beginning to emerge. The crocus, daffodils and tulips are parading their showy blooms, while the warmth of the sunshine and freshness in the air expand with each new day. To bring this beautiful season of renewal to your needle and thread, our designers have outdone themselves in packing three delightful chapters full of designs created especially for you! The Spring Blooms chapter offers patterns utilizing a rainbow of floss colors, which are abundantly displayed in Sea of Tulips by Lee Fisher found on page 21. Early Birds presents patterns featuring another eagerly anticipated sign of spring, our feathered friends. Easter Blessings showcases projects to help you celebrate the holiday. We’ve also tucked in some fresh ideas for finishing. One of my favorites…

Mother Nature: Spring Design by Perry A. Hadi of Stitchora Skill Level: Advanced Stitch Count: 141H × 112W Design Size: 10⅛" × 8" Materials • 16" × 14" piece 28-count flax Cashel linen from Wichelt Imports Inc. • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Where small symbols appear, work ¼ cross stitch using two strands of floss. Where two colors are bracketed together, use one strand of each color floss. Work ½ cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch over two threads or work straight stitch using one strand of floss, unless indicated otherwise in color code. Work French knot using one strand of floss and wrapping around needle twice. ALSO FEATURED IN THIS 4-PART SERIES Mother Nature: Spring Shaded…

Style Tip: Wrap hoop with coordinating fabric! Skill Level: Easy Stitch Count: 85H × 85W Design Size: 6⅛" × 6⅛" Materials • 12" × 12" piece 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc. • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Where small symbols appear around outer edges of butterfly wings, work ¾ cross stitch using two strands of floss, piercing fabric carefully. Where other small symbols appear work ¼ cross stitch using two strands of floss, piercing fabric carefully. Backstitch over one square or work straight stitch using one strand of floss. Finishing Instructions Model was finished using Hoop Finishing Instructions. Model is displayed with a hoop prop from Modern Hoopla. Stitched by Polly Frantsen Welcome Spring Shaded portion indicates chart overlap.…

Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 113H × 109W Design Size: 8⅛" × 7¾" Materials • 14" × 14" piece 28-count Fog Cashel linen from Picture This Plus • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch over two threads or work straight stitch using one strand of floss. Finishing Instructions Model was finished using Pillow Finishing Instructions. Trim was made using coordinating floss and Twisted-Cording Instructions. Stitched and finished by Shirley Meyer Shaded portion indicates chart overlap.…

Zippered Bag Instructions Included! Skill Level: Easy Stitch Count: 73H × 97W Design Size: 5¼" × 6⅞” Materials • 11" × 13" piece 28-count navy Lugana from Zweigart® • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Finishing Materials & Instructions • One 6½" × 8½" piece coordinating fabric for bag back • Two 6½” × 8½" pieces coordinating fabric for lining • Two 1½" × 2" pieces coordinating fabric for zipper tabs • One coordinating-color 9" plastic zipper • Coordinating sewing thread • Sewing machine (optional) • Decorative zipper-pull charm (optional) Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. With design centered, trim stitched piece to 6½" × 8½". Measure and mark zipper 8” from top of zipper teeth.…

Twisted cording made easy! See our Favorite Finds on page 61. Skill Level: Easy Stitch Count: 70H × 70W Design Size: 5" × 5" Materials • 11" × 11" piece 28-count Whirlpool Lugana from Picture This Plus • One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss • Size 24 tapestry needle Instructions Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch over two threads using one strand of floss. Finishing Instructions Model was finished using Pillow-Ornament Finishing Instructions. Trim and hanger were made using coordinating floss and Twisted-Cording Instructions. Stitched and finished by Shirley Meyer…