Índex per December 2015 a CrossStitcher

All wrapped up We’re loving Hannah Sturrock’s cheery gift tags for Christmas – they’re the perfect quick make to personalise any present and could even be adapted to make festive cards. They’re taken from Hannah’s first book, Modern Cross Stitch, which is packed full of ideas, including snowflake wall art and a traditional Santa sack. Hannah says, “It’s a delicious feeling to curl up on the sofa and, stitch by stitch, create something that you know will be treasured.” We agree! www.rylandpeters.com FOREST FANCY FLORIDA’S SEWINGSEED are always tempting us with their modern cross stitch kits using simple shapes and fresh colours. Beginners and experts alike are sure to love their Deer in the Forest kit. This elegant wall art is perfect for adding…

Lately, for reasons that I can’t fully explain yet, I’ve been thinking about cross stitch frontiers. Those areas around the edge of the form where there’s space to play and try new things. Where are the bits that we can explore and do more with? Let’s have a look at the main materials we use – fabric and stitches. Fabric is an area where things can get interesting. We’ve all stitched on aida and evenweave, and many of us will have used interfaces to branch out onto other materials. But do you know where there’s a frontier? Printed canvasses! With digital printing technologies exploding onto the scene, it’s never been cheaper and easier to have fabric printed with a design of your choosing, so now’s the time to think about…

These owls appeared in issue 262 of your magazine. I used them to make a drawstring bag to put small items in. Barbara Kruk, Poland I made this hanging ornament for my brother. I really liked the series of animals from the October issue of CrossStitcher. Malgorzata Paluch, Poland Here is a photo of my finished project of the gardening sampler from issue 277 of CrossStitcher! Cecile Araneta Cacho, Philippines Here are the cottages from issue 297’s free gift. I couldn’t do just one, I used extra fabric as I had to stitch all three! Erica Allen, Gloucestershire This is the free gift from issue 288. I changed the scissors fob to be a minibiscornu, using up all the spare threads. Yula Oliel, Africa When my son had just lost…

With a limited colour palette and no backstitch, this design will stitch up relatively easily! Stitch count: 120 high x 90 wide Design size: 16.5x12.5cm (8¾x6½in) Stitch time: 41 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Picture Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 33x25cm (13x10in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 22.5x25cm (9x10in) aperture For stockist details see page 84 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 and working outwards. Step 2 PIN around the entire perimeter and check…

Stitch count: 32 high x 32 wide Design size: 6x6cm (2½x2½in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count cream evenweave, ref: 3270/264, 17.5x15.5cm (7x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Pale yellow card with a 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) square aperture For stockist details see page 84 Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of the evenweave, and the backstitch and French knots in one strand. Step 2 TRIM the stitched evenweave to fit your card, with the design placed centrally behind the aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the inside of the card around the…

Max. stitch count: 37 high x 31 wide Max. design size: 7x5.5cm (2¾x2¼in) Stitch time: various These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. MATERIALS For each decoration Zweigart 28 count white Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100, 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key White felt for backing, 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) Orange ribbon (for hanging decorations) Toy stuffing For stockist details see page 84 Make a… decoration Step 1 STITCH your chosen Kawaii character. Place the stitching and a piece of felt right sides together. Step 2 CUT a length of ribbon and fold in half, bringing the cut ends together. Place the ribbon between the fabric and felt, with the cut ends against the edge of the fabric, and the folded…

2 WAYS TO ORDER (Print back issues only) Visit the website: http://dennis.subscribeonline.co.uk/  back-issues Call us on: 0844 826 5038 * *Calls will cost 7p per minute plus your telephone company’s access charge. Find even more back issues in digital format! Search for CrossStitcher in the App Store for iPad and iPhone Go to Zinio for Android or PC/Mac http://bit.ly/1uiBDQf…

OLULA  Give little ones a bear hug in this superfine merino baby blanket. It’s fully reversible and the perfect gift to present with a handstitched tag! THINGS THAT SING It’s impossible to resist this snowy friend and comfy cushion. Animal lovers will be pleased to know you can also pick up a dog or cat design. DEVONLY CRAFTS  This furry fellow will add a cute touch to your Christmas tree. We’re loving his handstitched touches, such as the blanket stitch edging.…

Max. stitch count: 41 high x 45 wide Max. design size: 8x7.5cm (3¼x3in) Stitch time: 5 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Picture Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) for each jumper Fabric Flair 28 count cloud blue evenweave, for the background Stranded cotton as listed in the key Red baker’s twine or string Clothes pegs Wooden frame to fit For stockist details see page 84 Decoration Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) for each jumper Stranded cotton as listed in the key White felt for decoration backs, 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) for each jumper Red ribbon Toy stuffing For stockist details see page 84 Stitch as many or as few jumpers as you like and simply extend…

Stitch count: 135 high x 120 wide Design size: 23.5x21.5cm (9¼x8½in) Stitch time: 34 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count off-white Quaker fabric, ref: 3993/101, 40x40cm (16x16in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Wooden frame, 30.5x32cm (12x12½in) Mount board to fit your frame For stockist details see page 84…

Cross stitch and Christmas often go hand in hand, as stitchers settle down to start on special handmade presents and decorations. Which got us thinking – what do the lucky folks with crafty careers do to make sure their Christmas is a stitching success? We asked four ladies in the business to share with us their favourite festive traditions and seasonal stitching dreams… CYNTHIA ZITTEL The Drawn Thread www.drawnthread.com Tell us about your cross stitch journey! I’ve always been crafty, since I was about 10 years old when my mother taught me to use the sewing machine. I first started cross stitch years ago when my neighbour took me to a local shop and I was hooked. Several years later I entered a sampler design contest – and won second…

Stitch count: 108 high x 100 wide Design size: 18.5x17.5cm (7¼x7in) Stitch time: 49 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count blue Brittney evenweave (or 14 count aida), ref no: 3270/503, 61x35.5cm (24x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Herringbone cotton tape, 2.5x40cm (1x16in) For stockist details see page 84 Make a… tote bag Step 1 TURN over the top edge of the fabric twice on to the wrong side. Iron, then machine stitch in place. Step 2 WITH right sides facing, sew up the centre back seam, then neaten on the inside. Iron the bag so that the design is at the centre front and the seam is centre. Step…

Stitch count: 117 high x 113 wide Design size: 23x23cm (9x9in) Stitch time: 19 hours This design was stitched on 25 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 25 count Lugana beige evenweave, ref: 3835/264, 35.5x35.5cm (14x14in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Clock mechanism Circle of thick card x 2, 26cm (10¼in) diameter For stockist details see page 84 Make an… advent clock Step 1 TRIM your stitching larger than your cardboard circle, so that when wrapped around it there is a 7cm (2½in) overlap on the reverse side. Step 2 MAKE a hole in the centre of both cardboard circles, large enough for the shaft of the mechanism to go through. Wrap your stitching over one cardboard circle…

SPARKLING TREE How adorable is this dinky little tree decoration? Attach tiny gems for a fun fairy light finish. SNOWFLAKE HEART Use sequins or spangles to add delicate shimmering detail to this Christmas heart. BRIGHT BAUBLE Couch down gold thread to create the stunning bow on this sweet stitched bauble design. What better time of the year for adding a bit of shimmer to your stitching, than at Christmas? This month we’ve created three festive decorations that will make your stitching shine! We’ve used three techniques that are quick to stitch and simple to do. Add a sprinkling of spangles or sequins to our snowflake design, or glittering gems to this simple Christmas tree decoration. Or for something a bit more challenging how about couching a festive gold bow to…

Max. stitch count: 42 high x 41 wide Max. design size: 7.5x7cm (3x2¾in) Stitch time: 3 hours each These designs were stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of the fabric. Materials For each letter Zweigart 28 count natural Cashel linen, ref: 3281/052, (15x15cm) 6x6in Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Wooden embroidery hoop, 10cm (4in) Ribbon bow For stockist details see page 84 How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece into a circle slightly larger than your hoop. Place the inside hoop beneath the two pieces and the outer hoop on top. Centre and press over your work. Pull taut and tighten the screw. Step 2 TURN your stitching to the…

RED, RED, ROBINS ROBINS ARE a fab festive motif for crafters, just take a peek at these feathered finds… WHO Love bead work? Add festive sparkle to your outfit with this beautiful brooch by Polly Red. www.folksy.com/shops/PollyRed www.pollyred.co.uk WHAT  This sweet handmade robin pin cushion makes a gorgeous gift for stitchers. www.etsy.com/shop/RainbowFelt HOW  Get in a flap with this robin paper bunting from Goodnight Boutique. goodnight boutique.com…

Stitch count: 118 high x 165 wide Design size: 20.5x29cm (8x11½in) Stitch time: 85 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count opalescent white Cashel linen, ref: 3281/1111, 38x46cm (15x18in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Frame with a 25x36cm (10x14in) aperture For stockist details see page 84 ALGERIAN EYE STITCH ALGERIAN Eye Stitches are worked in one and two strands of stranded cotton in two different colours. Work each stitch over the number of threads shown on the chart. Make each stitch into the centre, creating a small star with a hole in the middle. Take care when working the backstitch as the colours are very similar and worked in a mixture…

Stitch count: 56 high x 56 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 5 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney red evenweave, ref: 3270/954, 30x50cm (12x20in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 84 Make a… bag Step 1 FOLD your fabric both ways to find the centre. Start stitching in the centre of the fabric with the long fabric edges at the top and bottom. Step 2 TURN over the top edge of the fabric, twice on to the wrong side. Iron, then machine stitch in place. Step 3 WITH right side facing, sew up the centre back seam, then neaten on the inside.…

Stitch count: 122 high x 98 wide Design size: 22.5x18cm (9x7in) Stitch time: 40 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Permin 14 count white aida, 35.5x30.5cm (14x12in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Red plastic flexi-hoop, 25.5x20cm (10x8in) Felt for backing For stockist details see page 84 How to… frame in a flexi-hoop Step 1 TRIM your stitching into an oval slightly larger than your hoop. Step 2 CENTRE over the inner hoop and press the outer hoop down over your fabric. Step 3 PULL your fabric taut, then on the back secure to the inner hoop with glue or double-sided tape. Step 4 CUT an oval of felt the same size as your hoop. Place over the…

Try to make sure the design lines up at the back as you join Santa up Instead of a silver bell, you could use a small white pom-pom on Santa’s hat! Stitch count: 62 high x 72 wide Design size: 11.5x13.5cm (4½x5¼in) Stitch time: 11 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney white evenweave, ref: 3270/100, 16.5x17.5cm (6½x7in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Black felt for the base Black button Silver bell Red ribbon or sparkly thread for hanging Toy stuffing For stockist details see page 84 Make a… Santa decoration Step 1 CUT around the stitched Santa, leaving 1cm (½in) outside the edge of the design. Working on the wrong side, roll…

Max. stitch count: 51 high x 52 wide Max. design size: 9x9.5cm (3½x3¾in) Stitch time: 6 hours (all four) These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials For each card Zweigart 28 count white Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100, 14x20cm (5½x8in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Gold divisible thread Cards with apertures to fit the designs Buttons For stockist details see page 84 Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK all the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of fabric, and the backstitch in one strand. Do not stitch the areas marked in grey on the chart. When all the other stitching is complete, sew a button in the centre of each marked area. Step…

TOOLS OF THE TRADE 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 for stitchers and can be picked up for just a few pounds. Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads – that way a decent pair should last you a lifetime. STRANDED COTTON Embroidery thread is also commonly referred to as stranded cotton. Each thread length is made up of six strands of cotton twisted together. The chart key will indicate how many strands you’ll need to stitch your…