Ultimate Cross Stitch Christmas

editor Welcome to this collector’s edition of Ultimate Cross Stitch, we’re thrilled to bring you this Christmas themed issue filled with sumptuous seasonal projects. Whether you are stitching decorations for your home or creating cards and gifts for friends and family, we have the perfect project inside. Setting off the festivities this year is Santa, grinning as he flies across the skies in his sleigh, delivering a sackful of presents to excited children. If you’re stitching for little ones this year, choose the fun elf stocking and personalise it with their name so they can hang it from the mantelpiece year after year. They’ll also love the special advent calendar we have for them – a smiling snowman with a moveable carrot nose that counts down the days Decorating your home at this…

Bright, colourful and with a sweet, heartwarming sentiment, this fun design is the perfect hanging to decorate your home throughout December. This project is ideal for beginners looking to take on something a bit more challenging. You’ll get a chance to work a few fractionals in the lettering, use backstitch to define the shading detail and add French knots to finish. For those with a bit more experience, try adapting the thread shades to personalise your design – shade it to match your own front door, or make the snowman’s winter woollies your favourite colour. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 31x26cm (12¼x10¼in) Extras: Permin 32cm Red Heart Bellpull “I love putting a funky twist on a traditional style, so this…

You’ll love bringing this festive project to life, as every section of this densely worked design is full of interest. Whether you’re stitching the roaring fireplace, the pretty wreath on the mantelpiece or the intricate patterns on the tree decorations, there’s plenty to keep your attention – not forgetting the star of the show! The rich colours and depth of detail make this scene so realistic, but we’ve embellished it further with pretty fairy light beads to give that extra special touch to this gorgeous design. For both the stitcher and the recipient, this really is the gift that keeps on giving, so give this puppy a home today! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 36x30cm (14x12in) Extras:…

Stitch away the pressures of Christmas and enjoy making this modern trio by Emma Congdon – then display them at home to keep everyone in the holiday spirit. These upbeat wordy samplers are great projects for skilled stitchers as they involve French knots as well as backstitch and whole stitches. A vibrant colour scheme is a great way to highlight these all-important family rules at Christmas time! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic thread as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 40x35cm (15¾x13¾in) for the large design, 31x27cm (12¼x10½in) for the medium design, and 15x15cm (6x6in) for the small design Extras: Stretched canvases measuring 25x20cm (10x8in) and 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in), and a white square aperture card of choice from local stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 50 hours…

Just because it’s freezing outside doesn’t mean we have to stop stitching our favourite florals – there’s a whole riot of colour to be found in holly leaves, ripe berries and lush green foliage. This Christmas wreath is bursting with bold winter hues – stitchers looking for a challenge will enjoy the complex modern style made with whole stitches, backstitch and French knots. With a red robin at the centre, it’ll add a splash of colour to your home. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 35x35cm (13¾x13¾in) Extras: 9in wooden embroidery hoop, white paint, pompom trim and ribbon of your choice from local stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 35 hours Type of stitches: Cross stitch, backstitch, French knots, half cross stitch Level: Intermediate Tip Only…

From the charming tiled rooftops adorned with freshly fallen flakes, to the beautifully decorative lamp posts, these sweet dwellings look so inviting. Build this delightful street stitch by stitch, using a sweet pastel colour palette against a soft blue aida to add to the wintery feel. And, as you stitch each section, you’ll discover new little details that never caught your eye before, like the traditional porches and wrought-iron fences. Bring it all to life in whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch, then a sprinkling of seed beads to create the snow flurries. Whatever the weather outside, you’re sure to stay cosy stitching this scenic scene. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 14-count pale blue aida measuring 26x50cm (10x20in) Extras: Mill Hill seed…