Table of contents for February 2020 in CrossStitcher

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 25 high x 66 wide Design size: 5x7cm (2x2¾in) Stitch time: 2 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Make a… needlecase Step 1 STITCH the design in the centre of your aida, adding your chosen letter from the alphabet provided. Use two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch. Step 2 CUT your stitched fabric, leaving three bank squares of aida around the design. Remove the outer square on all sides to fray the edges. Step 3 CUT the second piece of white felt the same size as the floral fabric. With right sides facing, place the felt and floral fabric together, then stitch around the edge, leaving a gap on one side for turning. Turn through to…

“My workspace for the last 19 years has been a tiny room tucked away upstairs at home, it’s actually adjoining to my bedroom so my commute to work takes less than one minute and I can turn up in my PJs, how handy is that? “My essential bits of kit are a laptop for creating new cross stitch patterns, thread samples and shade cards, a daylight lamp and photography backdrop board plus space for lots and lots of cross stitch magazines. I love how everything is within easy reach in my little room, once I settle down in my space I can really concentrate on everything cross stitch and I become quite oblivious to the outside world!” www.lucieheaton.com Facebook and Instagram: @lucieheatoncrossstitch…

Hullo! Welcome to the final pa ern in our affirmation series! I hope you’ve enjoyed them as much as I’ve enjoyed creating them for you! The fitting final word is: Achieve. What could you achieve if you knew you couldn’t fail? What dreams could you realise if you knew nothing–including yourself – stood in your way? By pushing aside insecurity or doubt (even temporarily) and just starting, I find most things are far less intimidating than I first thought. We can’t achieve if we don’t begin! But starting can be easier said than done! We’ve all been there. You’re keen to start, you have a plan and the tools: you want to do this! But for some reason, you just can’t start. Maybe it’s the anxiety of trying something new,…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 55 high x 55 wide Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in) Stitch time: 4 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Best In Blue, 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: How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £14.75, plus P&P. Wash your hands and avoid greasy moisturisers before stitching these as there’s lots of the bare white fabric showing on each design Material For each hoop Sampedro White 14 countaida;…

DAWN WRIGHT I would love to be a one at a time person so I can get more done. Instead, I have been cursed with a disease called start*them*all which causes an avalanche of UFOs. MYNA SINGH I have a lot of projects which are a good mix of big and small. I start new things because there are patterns which I feel are calling my name and my reason is I will eventually finish what I start, even if it takes time. HELEN PRICE I’m afraid I have quite a few on the go all at the same time. There are that many gorgeous patterns out there that I want to stitch them all. CLARE HOPLEY KNAPKIN I usually have one big on the go and multiple small ones…

Designed by: Durene Jones Max. stitch count: 53 high x 38 wide Max. design size: 9.5x7cm (3¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 3 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, two for the half cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch. 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 up, and then place the card on top, pressing down firmly on the tape. Step 5 CHECK which flap will fold onto the back of…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 117 high x 160 wide Design size: 21.5x29.5cm (8½x11½in) Stitch time: 39 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Brew Can Do It, 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: How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £34.50, plus P&P. Short of time? Select just one shelf of pots to stitch and reposition the writing above and below Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 41x50cm (16x19½in) Stranded cotton…

Welcome to our new stitch-a-long for 2020. Designer Amanda Butler has created an amazing ‘Alice In Wonderland’ SAL – and will be unveiling a new character from this much-loved book and Through The Looking Glass each month. In this issue we give you the complete border framework to stitch, ready for our first character A GIRL NAMED ALICE Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll is one of the most well-known and best-loved classic children’s books of all time, published in 1865. Carroll, whose real name was Charles Lutwidge Dodgson, began his tale with Alice falling down a rabbit hole into a fantasy world – and recounts the wonderfully strange characters she meets there. Who can forget the fretful white rabbit from the original story or Tweedledum and Tweedledee from…

NO ONE SEEMS VERY FOND of the early months of the year but we think there is something to be said for the feeling of being warm inside and looking out of the window into the winter world, whether it’s frosty where you live or full-on snow. (Apologies to our Australian readers!) This is the feeling we hope to capture with our cover project for this month. So our window setting takes in a seasonal view, just as the light is beginning to fade and it’s time to make a nice warming drink. Turn to page 18 to share the feeling in stitches! We really should call this our cosy issue. From a kitchen coffee sampler to perk up winter mornings (page 58) to some cute character cards all wrapped…

STOCKWELLCERAMICSUK We love these Heart Shaped Willow Pattern Buttons – there are eight ceramic buttons per pack, featuring an iconic Willow Pattern scene. STITCHINGPOSTLEWES ‘Scene’ from the ‘Indigo’ fabric range by Makower features a traditional Japanese design – including pagodas and bridges. OANDYSTUDIO Andrea creates Delft embroidery hoops embellished with vines, berries, leaves, smaller flowers and branches to complete the look.…

MACHINE EMBROIDERED ART ALISON HOLT [Search Press] This is a 2-in-1 book – not only does it act as a showcase for textile artist Alison Holt’s embroideries, but she teaches you to ‘paint’ your own landscapes and scenes using two machine stitches. Alison stitches on hand-coloured backgrounds, blending her stitches to achieve her amazing results. Areas covered include gardens and flowers and landscapes and woodlands, using various combinations of the two machine stitches. SEW STEP BY STEP ALISON SMITH [Dorling Kindersley] If you got a new sewing machine for Christmas or are hoping to dust o? one that’s never used – this book will teach you the essentials. From the various features of a sewing machine and the qualities of different fabrics, to how to read patterns. There are 200…

Designed by: Susan Bates Stitch count: 120 high x 120 wide Design size: 22x22cm (8¾x8¾in) Stitch time: 51 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch A Winter’s View, 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: How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £41.50, plus P&P When making your French knots, don’t wrap the thread more than three times around the needle Materials Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… frame a picture Step…

CrossStitcher is the UK’s longest-established cross stitch magazine, bringing you irresistible projects from top designers. It’s packed with quality content from quick and easy, to classic samplers, from greetings cards to contemporary cushions. We pride ourselves on an upbeat and friendly approach to make every stitcher welcome, whatever their experience and ability. We know how to treat our subscribers well, so make sure you aren’t missing out on a single issue and make sure you subscribe today! Already a subscriber? Well it doesn’t hurt to remind yourself of the amazing benefits we’re giving you each and every issue. Not subscribed yet? You’re missing all this… Editors SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS: Free kit with every issue, sometimes two kits! Help shape our content – we are actively looking for new and talented designers…

Faces & Figures in Stitch hit the headlines when it opened with one special portrait. It was an amazingly true-to-life representation of Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall – painstakingly captured in blackwork. But the portrait of the patron of the Royal School of Needlework (RSN) is just one of over 100 astonishing works of embroidery on display. We took a look at some of the highlights. The exhibition brings together an array of embroidered portraits spanning three centuries, from early samplers to detailed tapestries. The embroideries are mainly executed by students at the famous sewing school, as well as some stars from the RSN’s own collections Dr Susan Kay-Williams, Chief Executive of the RSN said, “While flowers and animals are the most common themes for embroidery, images of people are…

Stitch count: 57 high x 78 wide Design size: 10.5x14.5cm (4¼x5¾in) Stitch time: 17 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Stitch count: 27 high x 61 high, house roof; 33 high x 61 wide house front Design size: 5x11.5cm (2x4½in) house roof; 6x11.5cm (2½x4½in) house front Stitch time: 17 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric TAKE A CLOSER LOOK MAKING A POM-POM First, wind yarn around two card discs with a hole in their centre. Next, cut between the two card discs all the way around. Tie some yarn between the discs. Cut the discs off, flu_ ng the yarn ends. Materials House needlecase Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Photocopy this page for the template if you don't want…

Designed by: Maria Diaz for Tuva Stitch count: 46 high x 39 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (3¼x3¼in) Stitch time: 2.5 hours This design was stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric This design would also look fantastic stitched as the front of a mini cushion! Materials MORE MUST-STITCH MOTIFS Maria Diaz’s pretty hummingbird was taken from Modern Motifs & Borders in Cross Stitch by Tuva Publishing. This book contains over 400 motifs to stitch, inspired by the revival of folk art style. All the patterns are simple, quick to stitch, and easy to use in multiple ways, so you can enjoy mixing and matching them for different projects. For more info visit www.tuvapublishing.com.…

Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 210 high x 130 wide Design size: 38x24cm (15x9¼in) Stitch time: 35 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. THE CHART (PAGE 84) EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design and your fabric. The centre of our charts are indicated by arrows at the designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s centre, fold it in half and into quarters. 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…

Shiny, happy, stitching… We’ve fallen in love with the new embroidery kits from Rico Design. Each kit contains everything you need to embroider stylish modern cases, purses and wall hangings, and we’re delighted that the Love and Beauty cases, as well as the Happy purse each feature cross stitching – with metallic threads included for extra sparkle in some of the kits. There’s also a birds wall hanging and floral purse using a variety of embroidery stitches if you’d like to expand your skills. For stockists visit www.rico-design.com. STORY SISTERS BOTHY THREADS have brought out a fabulous sampler for any bookworms or history lovers out there. Their Brontes design by Pete Smith is packed with literary details about the sister writers. Each kit contains 14 count cream Zweigart aida, pre-sorted…

WINTER MITTENS WE’RE WRAPPING up warm against the winter cold, so here’s some ideas to keep things cosy and get making with mittens… WHO Panna have this gorgeous Mittens cross stitch kit, worked in half stitches, whole stitches and backstitch. panna-stitch.com WHAT Check out this pretty large (25mm wide) yellow grain ribbon with a printed pattern of mittens and snowflakes. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/JosieCoccinelle HOW Create cosy home furnishings or back cross stitch hangers and cushions with this Winter & Mittens fabric, which is digitally printed onto the fabric of your choice. www.spoonflower.com…

Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 64 high x 65 wide Design size: 11.5x8.5cm (4½x4½in) Stitch time: 15 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric Materials Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com For an extra glam touch, you could stitch the perfume bottle using metallic threads Don’t have time to make a make-up bag? Find a plain fabric one in the shops that’s big enough for this design and simply use waste canvas to stitch it onto the bag’s front Make a… make-up bag Step 1 NOTE that the front of the purse is made from the stitched aida, and the back from cotton fabric. Start by turning over the top edge of both fabrics by 1.25cm (½in). Press the seams in place. Working…

FIRST PAST THE POST! Sharon Walker was the first to send us a pic of her finished January dog chart from issue 352 – 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 of their finished Forever Yours needlecase to crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk will also win this great prize! Pro Tip Our designers share their top stitching tips Keep threads in order" “After many years of a disorganised stash of threads, I decided this year to get organised. I’ve been sorting my threads in a specialised thread box and it saves me so much time as I can see at an instant which threads I already have, so I don’t make any double…

Designed by: Durene Jones Stitch count: 176 high x 114 wide Design size: 31.5x21cm (12¼x8¼in) Stitch time: 36 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. CrossStitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch A Bit Of A Do, 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: How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £34.50, plus P&P. Materials Zweigart Antique White 14 count aida, ref: 3706/0101; 50x41cm (19½x16in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Frame with a 35x25cm (14x10in) aperture Mount board…

Stitch Festival tickets The Stitch Festival (formerly The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show), is on 27 February – 1 March 2020 at the Business Design Centre, Islington. With 200 craft stands, visitors can enjoy sewing, knit and crochet stars demonstrating a wide range of techniques and projects on the Festival’s Stitch Stage. Advance adult tickets for The Stitch Festival are £15 – use discount code CSM2020 for £2.50 off full price advance tickets. Find full booking information at www.thestitchfestival.co.uk. We have five pairs of tickets to give away. Enter by post to the address below, labelling your entry ‘STITCH FESTIVAL GIVEAWAY XST353’. Petite Sampler kits This Petite Engagement Sampler cross stitch kit from Lifetime Samplers contains Zweigart fabric, DMC thread, instructions, needle, chart with both colour and symbols and ready-sorted…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 64 high x 49 wide card; 21 high x 21 wide face Max. design size: 11x8.5cm (4¼x3¼in) card; 4x4cm (1½x1½in) face Stitch time: 10 hours (both) These designs were stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of fabric You can get the self-coved buttons we used here from www.willowfabrics.com Make an… eskimo or husky card Step 1 STITCH the design in the centre of a piece of Brittney fabric, using two strands for the cross stitch and two for the half cross stitch stitch, and one for the backstitch. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then cut the fabric so that it fits the front of your card. To fray the edges, gently pull away one thread of fabric on all sides. Attach…

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…