Ultimate Cross Stitch East Asia

Ornate and decorative designs from China, Japan and beyond give endlessly creative stitching possibilities, whether it’s the gentle shading of delicate pink blossom, working the carefully chosen thread colours for a geisha’s make-up, enjoying beading and metallic threads on elaborate hair adornments or stitching the patterns of a stylish kimono. With their timeless appeal, the larger designs make relaxing and calming pictures for your home. Lesley Teare is the queen of Orient-themed designs and we feature some of her best here – with parasols and Japanese water gardens that are beautiful to behold. If you like a challenge, try the intricate golden pagodas on black fabric, and feel satisfied with the stunning results, or recreate pretty paper Chinese lanterns in stitches. There are quirky gifts too, which are fun to stitch and…

Designer Lesley has created many geisha designs throughout her career but it’s a theme she never tires of, and there’s always another idea that she just has to get down on paper. The central design in this elaborate picture is circular, and in Japanese design circular shapes are a symbol of intuition and inspiration, which are both important qualities to have as a stitcher. Set within a square, the four corners add a sense of symmetry to the piece, helping to bring balance. You’ll love stitching this design, especially detail such as tiny flowers mirroring the larger ones in the border, and little bows to mimic the shape of the butterflies. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic threads as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 28-count…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic threads as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 14-count pale blue aida, measuring 40x33cm (15¾x13in) Extras: Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key. Frame of your choice with a minimum aperture of 25x18cm (10x7in) Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 40 hours Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots, beads Level: Intermediate Framing your work To finish your stitched piece off in style, mount it in a simple black frame, as we have done here. It will look fantastic hung at the side of a dressing table in your bedroom. Tip If you have the perfect frame for this design, but it’s a little too big, simply use a mount in a coordinating shade to bridge the gap It’s in the detail Diane has embellished this glamorous…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring 42x39cm (16½x15¼in) Extras: Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key. Frame and mount of your choice with a minimum aperture of 26.5x21cm(10½x8¼in) Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 65 hours Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots, beads Level: Advanced Stitcher’s guide This design is worked on 28-count white evenweave over two threads of the fabric, using 28 different shades of stranded cotton. The design uses cross stitch in two strands of thread, plus fractional stitches, also in two strands. Backstitch outlines and defines the design in one strand of thread, while French knots in two strands and Mill Hill seed beads add detail. This dense project is recommended for experienced stitchers. Tip The design is…

This fabulous picture will look wonderful framed and hung on your walls, creating a glamorous focal point in whichever room you decide to hang it. There are plenty of elegant details in this design to challenge you as you recreate it in stitches, with backstitch highlighting the tiny butterflies and florals on the kimono and fractionals creating the fine details of the face and hair pieces. Soft yellows, strong purple and pretty pinks are the main colours used, with clever shading adding extra depth. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic threads as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count light blue evenweave measuring 40x38cm (15¾x15in) Extras: Frame and mount of your choice with a minimum aperture of 27.5x23cm (10¾x9in) Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 50 hours Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals,…

Lesley has chosen a sumptuous and varied colour palette for this design, which helps to offer a contemporary edge to this exotic scene. A Japanese lady wearing a kimono and holding a parasol stands in the middle of a Japanese water garden, with butterflies and blossom all around. Teal blues, yellows and pinks bring a freshness to this design, while abundant florals, surrounding the picture and adorning the kimono, add pretty touches. This chart will be enjoyed by intermediate and experienced stitchers alike. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic threads as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring 43x39cm (17x15¼in) Extras: Frame of your choice with a minimum aperture of 28x24cm (11x9½in) Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 55 hours Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Level: Intermediate Garden geisha key STITCH…