Índex per January 2022 a CrossStitcher

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 23 high x 23 wide (each) Design size: 4.5x4.5cm (13/4x13/4in) Stitch time: 3 hours (each) Turn to page 85 to find your free 2022 calendar at the end of this digital issue! Using… your calendar WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR OF STITCHING! Our free gift features 12 different accessories, one for each month of the year. We’re sharing here a brief preview of the January scissor fobs project – see your calendar for full details, charts and instructions for January and every other month. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. DUCK & SWAN SCISSOR FOBS Create a twisted cord hanger and a tassel from stranded cotton. Place your stitched aida facedown onto backing fabric and pin. Place the folded hanger and…

DOTTODOTHABERDASHERY Brighten your stitched designs with this gorgeous collection of Nordic Folk inspired iron-on patches, including a 4.5x4.5cm Dala horse. ZWERGIGDE Back your Dala horse hangers and cushions with this 100% cotton fabric, LEKSAND MINI, in cream or light beige with colourful horses. COTTONCLARA Whip up three sweet Dala horses, pre-cut for stitching, ready to hang on your tree – you only need simple backstitch skills to complete them!…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 50 high x 40 wide (each) Design size: 8x6.5cm(31/4x21/2in); Stitch time: 6 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 32 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materilas For each bag Zweigart Natural/Silver 32 count Belfast linen, ref: 3609/17; 38x15cm (15x6in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Length of baker’s twine Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com We suggest filling the reindeer feed sack with some porridge oats – taking care not to over fill! Make a… mini sack Step 1 FOLD your fabric in half lengthways, and place a pin 3cm (1in) up from the fold line at the bottom, on one side of the bag – this will be the bottom of your stitching. Step 2 STITCH the design…

Pro Tip Top designers share their favourite stitching tips "Recycle wool to make stranded cotton" “Embroidery threads can be quite expensive, so many times I use my knitting yarn and split the threads and save a lot of money on that! Here I’ve stitched on dip dye hessian with my Jeans yarn in ‘Crazy’ – a variegated yarn. Of course you can use any knitting yarn, but it has to be wool or cotton as acrylic breaks.” FIRST PAST THE POST! Val White was the first to send us a pic of her finished festive camper van design from issue 377 – she wins a selection of DMC stranded cotton skeins in 20 colours of her choice from Willow Fabrics. The first person to stitch and send us a pic…

For when small is beautiful… MEGA MINI CROSS STITCH MAKOTO OOZU [Pavilion] Got no time for larger designs? Just love mini motifs? Japanese cross stitch guru Makoto Oozu is here to help with hundreds of tiny motifs you can use to customise anything and everything, from T-shirts to bags. To help you decide which you’d like to stitch first, the book is arranged by themes that cover everyday life so you can visit the toyshop packed with teddies, dinosaurs, cars, trains and computer games, try on some new styles with sunglasses, watches, socks, jewellery and make-up and make some new animal pals with dogs, cats, birds and fish. All this and much more! Plus, there are step-by-step instructions for beginners, as well as tips for stitching onto different fabrics. For…

Like so many of our readers, Sharon Brown has been stitching for a very long time – in her case, since 1990! She came across a book on cross stitch and was instantly hooked. “To say I am an addict is an understatement!” Sharon exclaims. “I stitch as often as I can. I look forward to settling down on the couch in the evenings with my cross stitch and watching some true crime series.”Based in South Africa, Sharon finds the stitching scene there is thriving, but supplies are always an issue, “We do not have the luxury of having lots of lovely needlework stores so purchasing online from South African suppliers is our best and only option available. We do have a Stash Unload group where stitchers sell items from…

Some of you may be lucky enough to have a white Christmas every year, but for us, it’s been quite a few years since we built a snowman at Christmas. So let’s make a cute snowman tree decoration for our Christmas tree! He can be a reminder of those fun-filled snowy Christmases as a child – the anticipation of waiting for Santa to arrive – decorating the tree with sparkly lights – and of course building a giant snowman with a carrot nose, and your dad’s old gardening hat and scarf to keep him warm! We used DMC White Iridescent 14 count fabric, red cotton fabric and black felt for the snowman, all available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… snowman decoration Step 1 FOLLOW the chart and key to stitch your…

Make a… folded scissor case Step 1 STITCH the blue tit centrally onto the aida, using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Make a paper pattern of the outer triangular shape stitched around the blue tit, by laying tracing paper, or any see-through paper, over the design and then tracing the shape. Add 5mm (1/4in) around the design, then fold the paper on the side seams, so that you have two back flaps. Cut out the shape – you’ll have three identical triangle shapes that when the two outer ones are folded in, fit exactly behind the central triangle. Working on the back, with the flaps folded in, cut from the centre top to the point – this will give you a central back seam…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 52 high x 52 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 11 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials: Make a… dragonfly biscornu Step 1 STITCH the top of the biscornu following the chart and working in the centre of the aida. Use two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Repeat for the bottom of the biscornu, stitching the same outer backstitch line as on the top, with a motif in all four corners. Step 2 TRIM both fabric pieces, leaving a 1.25cm (1/2in) seam allowance. Fold the seam allowance to the reverse, so the outer teal backstitch line is on the edge of both fabrics. Press the folds and points…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 48 high x 43 wide Design size: 9x8cm (31/2x31/4in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials: Make a… squirrel pincushion Step 1 STITCH the squirrel centrally onto the aida, using two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch and the French knots. Place the stitched aida face-down on the felt square. Pin in place. Step 2 MACHINE stitch around the edge, following the outer row of cross stitch to create a squirrel shape. Reduce the seam allowance and clip the curves and also clip into any tight corners. Turn to the right side. Step 3 CUT a card circle to fit the bottom of your squirrel pincushion. Cover with…

WE THOUGHT WE should mention ‘Christmas hangovers’. No, nothing caused by an excess of mulled wine, but the frustration arising from the things we meant to stitch last Christmas and put on the list for this year. We know we are not alone in this, so we have a project on page 52 dedicated to the feeling! Even if some of the sparkly festive projects in this issue don’t make it in time for this year – remember you can always find a quiet corner this ‘twixmas’ (the gap between Christmas and New Year) and enjoy a bit of festive stitching while the tree is still up and the house feels twinkly. We are especially in love with our cover project (page 18) and love the icy feel – the…

“My workspace is located at the rear of my home overlooking my garden. We took down the old conservatory and built a room for me to work in. When working, I have fabric and embroidery threads everywhere but afterwards I store them neatly away in cupboards and drawers. The tools I couldn’t be without are my needle and thread, scissors/rotary cutter and cutting mat and of course my sewing machine. I store all my stock in large clear boxes so that when I sell an item, I can easily locate it and quickly despatch it to the customer.” www.stitchgalore.com Drop us a line to crosssstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with images of your craft space and a few words about it and our favourites could be featured in a future issue!…

Hullo! We’ve had quite the ride these past few years and, while things have certainly been challenging, they’ve also given us time to slow down and notice the small, important details of life. We know I love a good mindfulness moment, but it’s those fleeting moments of private joy that inspire me most. So, this new series is going to focus on stopping to notice the little things in life that make existence extra-special, whether it’s the sun filtering through the trees just right, the first crack into the top of a crème brulee, or listening to a song from your teens that you haven’t heard in years and realising you still remember all the words (and maybe the dance moves). Something I find fascinating about people is when they…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 90 high x 130 wide – one pattern repeat Design size: 16x23cm (6¼x9in) – one pattern repeat Stitch time: 26 hours – one pattern repeat This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart Mystic Grey 28 count Cashel linen, ref: 3821/771; 25x55cm (10x211/2in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle 15cm drum lampshade kit Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com This symbol shows the start and end of the pattern repeat There's no need to do anything special to make the repeat pattern work - simply start the chart again from left to right once you finish the first repeat Make a… lampshade Step 1 MEASURE the height and circumference of your lampshade carefully before…

MICHELLE SMITH I love bold and bright because it feels all colourful and happy when doing a piece of work. JOSEY GRIMWOOD I love bright, bold colourful ones, they go so well with a nice black crisp outline. JOANNA GU LEANNE HULSE I love bright and colourful threads, especially blues, as these are my favourite colours and are calming. SHANNIE DILWORTH I love glow-in-the-dark threads! I love stitching with them and waiting until it’s dark for a surprise! DEBORAH JULIA WHITE I love variegated threads most of all. They’re interesting to work with as they’re always changing, and create some wonderful effects. I love finding new ways to use different colour combinations. GRACE COLLIER I try to work Étoile in with my stitching… adds just the right amount of bling!…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 120 high x 90 wide Design size: 22x17.5cm (9x63/4in) Stitch time: 33 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Try not to carry black thread too far across the back of your work when stitching the words, as it may show thro ugh Materials Sampedro White 14 count aida; 40x36cm (16x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 23x1 9cm (9x91/2in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… frame a picture Step 1 CUT a piece of white mount board to fit inside your frame. Place your design centrally over the mount board and pin the fabric around the board to secure, starting at the centre of each side…

Welcome to the final part of our latest three-part project – a companion piece to our Cinderella scene from last Christmas. This month you’ll be focussing on the right-hand section of the design. There are plenty of luxury touches to this special design, and as you can see from the finished scene opposite, they all combine to create a gorgeous shimmering, embellished result. You frame can your finished design or why not make a wall hanging? Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 137 high x 300 wide (complete design – 3 parts) Design size: 25.5x55cm (10x21½in) Stitch time: 140 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. For a longer project such as this we recommend using a roller frame Materials Zweigart Navy 14 count aida, ref: 3706/589;…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 121 high x 93 wide Design size: 23.5x17.5cm(91/4x63/4in) Stitch time: 16 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… hanger Step 1 TURN the sides of your stitched aida over onto the wrong side of the fabric, leaving 2cm (3/4in) between the design and the fabric edge. Repeat for the other side. Press in place. Step 2 TURN over the bottom of your fabric, leaving 2.5cm (1in) of unstitched fabric at the front. Turn the top of the fabric over, leaving 2.5cm (1in) of unstitched fabric showing at the front, but making sure there is enough fabric to make a channel for the dowel to go through at the back. Press in place. Step 3 LEAVE enough seam allowance to…

Make a… box pincushion Step 1 CUT your fabric into five pieces – the top, measuring 15x15cm (6x6in), and four side strips, each measuring 15x5cm (6x2in). Stitch in the centre of each piece of fabric using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch – the multi bee design should be repeated on each of the side panels. Step 2 JOIN the side panels together on the short seam, so that the cross stitch flows continuously along the assembled strip. Reduce the seam allowance on these seams. Working on the wrong side, pin the assembled side strip to the top, making sure the corners line up, and leaving two blank squares between the seam and the cross stitch on the top and the sides. Step 3 MACHINE…

Make a… robin & holly pincushion Step 1 STITCH the robin centrally onto the aida, using two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch and one for the French knots. To create the pincushion shape, wrap the fabric around into a cone shape. Pin the cone down the back, and check the design is central on the front. Mark the seam allowance for the back seams with pins, and mark the top seam in the same way. Template Use your template at 100% Step 2 TURN though to the right side. Stuff with toy stuffing. Make a row of running stitches around the top of the fabric, and then pull up the thread to gather. Fold a length of baker’s twine in half and knot the ends together.…

In this practical and insightful book you’ll discover all the inspiration and advice you need to get started, as well as ten visually exciting and easy-to-follow projects from professional card designers. This book by Cristin Morgan, founder of the popular hand embroidery company Marigold + Mars, contains a stunning collection of contemporary embroidery motifs with bold colour palettes for you to stitch away at for hours on end. Lexi’s easy template-tracing method makes embroidery into a wearable art, so embroiderers can show off their stitching as a part of their everyday style, rather than just as a static wall display. Decoupage (from the French, découpe, meaning to cut out) entails gluing cut-out pictures to an object and covering with varnish. It’s a fun and easy way to decorate just about…

RAG RUG TECHNIQUES FOR BEGINNERS ELSPETH JACKSON [CICO Books] With this new book you can learn eight rag-rugging methods to create 30 items as accessories and homestyle makes. Rag rugging is an eco-friendly technique as the materials are unwanted clothing and textiles. From Coiled Rope Rugs and Peg Loom Weaving to Loopy Rugs and more, Elspeth gives you all the skills, tools and equipment you need to know to create items such as placemats, bowls, wall hangings and even a Christmas tree! SUPER SUBVERSIVE CROSS STITCH JULIE JACKSON [Sasquatch Books] If you’re of a sensitive nature, you may want to avert your eyes! Julie Jackson, creator of the Subversive Cross Stitch movement has compiled 50 easy-to-stitch designs, with 23 brand-new patterns and 27 fan favourites. Bringing traditional cross stitch techniques…

Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 120 high x 180 wide Design size: 23x33cm (9x13in) Stitch time: 115 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. PLEASE NOTE: Because of supply difficulties with some thread, particularly those manufactured in the USA, we have used a single strand of Anchor Metallic embroidery thread to complete the snow areas of your design – alternatively use two strands of B5200 DMC stranded cotton and one strand of Kreinik 32 blending filament. Although the threads are very different in structure, both will give you a gorgeous sparkly snow effect. Get hold of a bead nabber to make selecting and picking up any dropped seed beads so much easier! Materials Sampedro White 14 countaida; 50x40cm (19x153/4in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 54 high x 39 wide Max. design size: 10x7cm (4x23/4in) Stitch time: 4 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 – as you will be stitching areas of isolated backstitch, take care not to track across the back of your fabric or you will create shadows when viewed from the front. 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…

*See ‘The Key’ on page 80. Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 33x22.5cm (13x9in) Stitch time: 102 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Use the park and stitch method to help you tackle the many colour changes in this design Materials Zweigart Light Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/503; 55x50 cm (211/2x191/2in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 38x 29cm (15x111/2in) aperture Mount board to fit frame Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Delightful Display, 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: Zweigart 14…

Make a… purse Step 1 CUT your fabric using the template provided with your purse kit, or follow the instructions for making a template. Some kits have a gusset and others just the front and backs. The photo shows the shape of the purse kit we have used and how the design fits below the clasp. Adjust your fabric size accordingly. Step 2 STITCH the design using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Step 3 ASSEMBLE your purse following the instructions given with the kit. You will need to cut a backing and two lining pieces using the same template as for the front of the purse. Once the purse front and the backing are joined and turned to the right side, the lining pieces…

Welcome to this month’s designer challenge! With Christmas Day nearly here we wanted to set a challenge for decorations that could be made at the last minute. So we asked three designers to come up with a festive design for a ready-to-stitch card tree shape, just using six shades of stranded cotton with some gold metallic for sparkle. Read on to see their amazing results, which might just give you some ideas for your own quick decs! If you’d like to take on an upcoming challenge, turn to page 75 for details of the challenge for our March issue! THE CHALLENGE THE RULES FIONA CROUCH… HOLLY TREE “I wanted to go for something pretty, and have the soft pink as the dominant colour,…

Make a… butterfly needlecase Step 1 STITCHone half of the butterfly on the right-hand side of the aida, using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Use your phone to make a mirror image of the butterfly chart to complete the other half – for an iPhone, take a picture using the camera and then go to edit where you can flip the butterfly wing. On an android phone use the tools option to rotate the image. Step 2 PLACE the stitched butterfly face-up on one piece of felt. Pin the two layers together. Working on the right side, machine stitch around the edge of the design, leaving three to four blank squares of aida between the design and the stitching. Try to follow the outer…

Make a… scissor fob Step 1 STITCH the design in the centre of the fabric using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Step 2 PLACE your stitched aida right-sides together with your backing fabric. Stitch around the design, just outside the outer row of cross stitch, and leaving the bottom edge open. Reduce the seam allowance and clip the corners before turning to the right side. Fill with toy stuffing. Step 3 PUSH the seam allowance at the bottom up and inside the fob, so that the outer edge of the design matches the other sides. Catch stitch the seam closed, but leave a small gap centrally at the bottom to make it easier to attach the twisted cord and the tassel. Step 4 MAKE…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 48 high x 36 wide Design size: 9x6.5cm (31/2x11/2in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials: Template Use your template at 100% Make a… scissor case Step 1 STITCH the field mouse in the centre of the bottom half of your aida using two strands for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch – you will be using the aida doubled over when you assemble the scissor case, so the top half of the aida will fold behind as a lining. Step 2 FINISH your stitching. Fold the top half of the aida behind your work, leaving two blank squares above the design on the front. Finger press the fold in place.…