Índex per Summer 2018 a CrossStitcher

“The Unicorn is one of our bestselling designs and I wanted it to include a rainbow – so worked the colours into a flowing mane! I always have a sketchbook on the go for initial ideas and notes if I have a flash of inspiration and stick in colour swatches and images. The designs in our kits are on the mini side so I will often sketch out on a grid to work on the scale and then put into a Stitch program. This creates a rough image which I will stitch up and add to and take away.” www.themakearcade.co.uk…

Hi there! I’m Jess, Stitch People’s designer and resident Australian! I started my cross stitch journey 10 years ago. I’m a hands-on maker of things and I wanted a fun gift for a birthday. I’d been exposed to cross stitch previously, but it wasn’t until it blended with pop culture that I dived into the art form with a Dalek pattern. My friend loved it, I loved making it, and I began wondering if I could make my own patterns. Turns out, I could! I’ve been designing for Stitch People for just over a year and it’s now my main job! Prior to this I was a scientist, looking into the mysteries of pro state cancer. But, alas, as much as questions of medicine thrill me, the drive to create…

For nice, neat, French knots, don’t wrap your thread around the needle more than three times before making the stitch Materials Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0550; 50x50cm (19½x19½in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Backing fabric; 39x39cm (15½x15½in) Cushion pad; 35.5x35.5cm (14x 14in) For stockist details see page 89 Designed by: Rebecca Spencer Stitch count: 140 high x 140 wide Design size: 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Stitch time: 34 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… cushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then cut the aida to 39x39cm (15½x15½in), with the design in the centre. Step 2 PLACE the cushion front right-sides together with the backing fabric. Pin, then machine stitch, around the edge with a 1.25cm (½in) seam…

For those of you a little wary of beading, don’t despair, our step-by-step guide in this issue shows several different ways to get to grips with those pesky little beads without losing your patience. The pretty stitched Kraft tag with looped greenery and beaded pips is a lovely addition to a gift pot of homemade jam. Our fruity brooch is very on-trend and perfect for a denim jacket. Finally, our luscious strawberry doily is stitched on a readymade mat, and the best part is that you can add your own crochet edging. MAKE A… STRAWBERRY TAG With a pre-punched tag, this beaded berry is super-quick to stitch. The holes in beads can vary in size so check that they can be threaded onto your needle before beginning Step1 MAKE the…

Designed by: Nikki Székely Max. stitch count: 53 high x 36 wide Max. design size: 9.5x6.5cm (3¾x25⅝in) Stitch time: 9 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart Flecked Oatmeal 14 count Rustico aida, ref: 3279/0054; 15x12.5cm (6x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Card blank with a 10.5x8.5cm (4¼x3¼in) rectangular aperture For stockist details see page 89 *See ‘The Key’ on page 86. Attach bugle beads to your stitched cacti, if you’d like to add a little 3D texture Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step…

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 509 high x 65 wide (complete sampler) Design size: 93x12cm (36½x4¾in) (complete sampler) Stitch time: 6 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. THE KEY ALL THE symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread codes beside them. The key also tells you the different stitches used in the design. The closest column of thread codes listed next to the chart symbols is the thread brand that’s used in the design. Similar colour matches are listed alongside it. Where no close match can be found, you may have to use a different brand of thread for that shade. THE CHART EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre…

THERE CAN’T BE MANY hobbies that enable you to make things to wear, things to make your home more beautiful and things to give as really memorable gifts. Hurray, cross stitch lets you do all this and more! If you want to make something pretty to wear this summer, try a delicate flower necklace – we have three designs to choose from on page 24. Dressing up your home also couldn’t be easier this month. Stitch Rebecca Spencer’s celebration of summer animals on page 18, or Emma Congdon’s oh-so-fruity cushion design (page 62). Of course, one of the most fun rooms we all love to stitch for is a nursery. If you have a little one in your life, there’s a great version of The Owl and The Pussycat to…

CRAFTY CACTI INSPIRED BY our cute cacti cards on page 57, we’ve got some more prickly products you can get crafting with… WHO Liz Padgham-Major has designed an elegant embroidery kit to make your own cactus pendant. Choose from a silver-plated chain or a leather cord, both approx.46cm(18in)long. www.notonthehighstreet.com/lizpadgham-major WHAT Get stuck into your next crafting project with this Cactus Felting Kit. Make three mini cacti that you can display proudly in your craft room–we reck on they might make good pin cushions too! www.hobbycraft.co.uk HOW Liven up the card blank of one of your cactus cards from page57 by decorating it with this cactus and Mexican themed washi tape! www.luckandluck.co.uk…

VISIBLE MENDING: ARTFUL STITCHERY TO REPAIR AND REFRESH YOUR FAVOURITE THINGS JENNY WILDING CARDON [Martingale & Co] If you’ve got a few items of clothing that are a little worse for wear, check out this handy book that shares ways to repair rips, snags and tears creatively using stitching. Learn how to hand-mend with techniques such as boro, embroidery, patching and darning, as well as ways to use your sewing machine for quick repairs. Get creative and turn your disasters into decorative features! THE SEED BEAD BOOK KATE HAXELL [Cico Books] If you’re using seed beads in your stitching and have some left over, this book shows how to make your own fashion seed bead jewellery! Featuring over 35 projects including earrings, chokers, rings, pendants and much more, there are…

Our mini vase designs would also make gorgeous hanging lavender sachets for your bedroom – simply add some dried lavender to your bags at the end of step 2 Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 58 high x 24 wide Max. design size: 4x1.5cm (1½x5⅝8in) Stitch time: 3 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 40 count linen over one thread of the fabric. Materials For each necklace Zweigart 40 count White Newcastle linen, ref: 3348/0100; 7. 5x 5.5cm (3x2¼in) x 2 pieces Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 28 tapestry needle 5mm satin ribbon; 9cm (3½in) Waxed cord For stockist details see page 89 Make a… necklace Step 1 STITCH your design onto 40 count fabric, with each stitch being worked over one thread, to create…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 178 high x 123 wide Design size: 33x22cm (13x8¾in) Stitch time: 40 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 50x43cm (19½x17in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Mill Hill seed beads as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 37x26cm (14½x10in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 *See ‘The Key’ on page 86. Short on time? Simply stitch the central sentiment, then as many sweets as you can manage around it 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…

PART 2 Designed by: Lucie Heaton Max. stitch count: 45 high x 45 wide Max. design size: 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) Stitch time: 3 hours each (large motif); 1½ hours each (small motif) These designs were stitched on 18 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Materials Zweigart White 18 count Cotton-Anne cloth, ref: 7588/0100-145; 72.5x115cm (28½x45in) – Half Panel Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 89 Part 1 of our baby afghan was in June’s CrossStitcher (issue 331), which is available to order from www.willowfabrics.com Stitching your… afghan Step1 TAKE a look at your half panel of Cotton-Anne cloth. It will have 28 small panels – seven high and four wide, and just less than a half panel on all four…

Welcome to the second sampler in our series covering the four seasons of the year. Packed with fun little details, our summer design includes French knots, variegated threads and more to make a gorgeous design. It’s perfect for beginners who would like to stretch their skills, as each self-contained motif is quick to stitch, so not too daunting to attempt. Have fun bringing it to life!  Designed by: Faye Walsh (Little Dove Designs)  Stitch count: 179 high x 121 wide  Design size: 33x22cm (13x8¾in)  Stitch time: 40 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Light Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0503; 50x43cm (19½x17in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Butterfly/dragonfly charms x 3 Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 37x26cm (14½x10in) aperture Mount…

Your projects For all the basic supplies you need to make the projects in this issue… WILLOW FABRICS www.willowfabrics.com For Zweigart evenweave, aida, linen, Cashel, wooden embroidery hoops and all kinds of stitching fabrics COTTON PATCH www.cottonpatch.co.uk 0121 702 2840 For stuffing, wadding, interfacing, Bondaweb, scissors and a range of haberdashery supplies FRED ALDOUS www.fredaldous.co.uk 0161 236 4224 For general craft and haberdashery supplies as well as mount board for framing your work JOHN JAMES NEEDLES www.jjneedles.com 0152 783 0941 For all kinds of needles and needle packs JOHN LEWIS www.johnlewis.com 03456 049 049 For a wide range of stitching and sewing supplies, including cotton printed fabrics SIESTA FRAMES www.siestaframes.com 0120 281 3363 For stitching frames, hoops and lamps CLOUD CRAFT www.cloudcraft.co.uk For 100% wool felt in lots of colours…

CABOODLETEXTILES If you’re looking for a fabric that has a little stretch to it, this Navy Alien Monsters Cotton Lycra Jersey Knit Fabric could be a fun solution. SEWSIMPLYAPPLIQUED Decorate your projects with this Monster With Feet Appliqué that can be downloaded to use as a file on certain sewing machines. 1906MONSTERS Worried about losing your needle? Worry no more with a worry monster hand-drawn needle minder, unique to this Etsy shop!…

Each of these beautiful Zweigart colours can be used for cards or samplers or put in your stash for future projects. You will receive one FQ in the colour of your choice, (please mark the colour on your coupon or in the margin. If you are ordering more than one colour attach a separate piece of paper). The size of a FQ is 50x55cm (19½x21½in). 14 Count Summer Aida FQ for £5.30, ref: FQSUM01 MORE OFFERS FOR YOU! Pick up more stitching goodies at great prices and with UK postage of just £1.90… NEW DMC THREAD SHADES DMC have added 35 new colours to their range for the first time in 20 years – receive all 35 8M skeins of DMC stranded cotton, numbered 1 to 35, plus 35 cardboard…

Place a white cloth on your lap while stitching to make it easier to see the holes in the navy aida fabric Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 186 high x 122 wide Design size: 34x22cm (13½x8¾in) Stitch time: 59 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Zweigart Navy 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0589; 50x43cm (19½x17in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key DMC Light Effects as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 38x29cm (15x11½in) aperture Mount board to fit frame For stockist details see page 89 PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Moonlight Magic, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching straight away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your…

Giveaways open 22 May – 18 June 2018 STITCHING PRIZES FOR YOU! Paw Prints kits This delightful new doggy design is one of several new creations in the Peter Underhill Collection for Heritage Crafts. Once stitched it measures 8x20.5cm (3¼x8in) and the kit contains Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted onto numbered cards, a needle, clear charts and instructions. Priced RRP £17.05 from hcrafts.com, we have two kits to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘PAW PRINTS GIVEAWAY XST332’. Festival of Quilts tickets The 2018 Festival of Quilts is at the NEC in Birmingham from 9-12 August 2018. There will be 750 competition quilts, workshops, talks, lectures, and demos. All this, plus awards, a fashion show and more, as well as over 300 craft…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 180 high x 180 wide Design size: 33x33cm (13x13in) Stitch time: 53 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Attach a silver charm of your choice to give your cushion a luxury finishing touch Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 46x46cm (18x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Butterfly charm Backing fabric; 35.5x35.5cm (14x14in) Cushion pad; 33x33cm (13x13in) For stockist details see page 89 Make a… cushion Step 1 COMPLETE the stitching, then cut the even weave to 35.5x35.5cm (14x14in), with the design in the centre. Step 2 PLACE the cushion front right-sides together with the backing fabric. Pin, then machine stitch, around the edge with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance, leaving a…

MELISSA REDDY-TREMBLAY Going on a cruise in June and plan to take a stitching kit. There’s only so much sitting by the pool reading one can do. SUE DEWDNEY I always take stitching. There’s a lovely bar terrace where you can sew the afternoon away. Currently working on a Maria Diaz pattern. Using her alphabet zoo in an afghan wall hanging for my second granddaughter. SARAH LARGE Oh yes. I get loads of stitching done on holiday and always factor a new kit into my holiday budget. I have my electronic to-do list set up for a month ahead of when we go to remind me to buy two kits I desperately want to take with me. CORNELIA MORE Yes, definitely. As I will be going to the coast I…

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING NEEDLES For basic stitching you’ll need a tapestry needle that has a blunt tip and large eye. Use a size 24 needle for most aidas, and a size 26 for evenweaves and linens. Use a sharp embroidery needle for finer details such as backstitch and French knots. EMBROIDERY SCISSORS Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads. STRANDED COTTON Embroidery thread is also called stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will tell you how many strands you’ll need to stitch with. HOOPS AND FRAMES Though not absolutely essential, we do recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame to keep an even stitching…