Table of contents for November 2015 in CrossStitcher

Stitch count: 25 high x 25 wide Design size: 4.5x4.5cm (1¾x1¾in) Stitch time: 2 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… brooch Step 1 STITCH your character in the centre of a 10x10cm (4x4in) piece of 14 count aida, using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one for the backstitch. Step 2 TAKE a 5.5cm mini wooden embroidery hoop – these can be ordered online from various Etsy suppliers or www.cloudcraft.co.uk. Place the backing disc centrally on the back of your stitching and draw round it. Cut along the drawn line, then glue your stitching to the disc. Step 3 UNDO the hoop’s screw a little and push the disc inside so it sits halfway in, then stick in…

JUB 78 MakelikeSantaandpopasurprise intoeachstockingforeverydayof Adventwiththisprettypolkadot homemadegarland. SEW SWEET VIOLET Welovethislinenbunting,perfect foraverygrown-upChristmas countdown–andit’savailableasa downloadablepatterntoo. THE SUGAR HOUSE SHOP Howmajesticisthisreindeeradvent calendar?Makeyourveryown, includingfeltornaments,withThe SugarHouseShop’spattern.…

Stitch count: 87 high x 115 wide Design size: 15x20cm (6x8in) Stitch time: 17 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Cushion • Zweigart 28 count Brittney cream evenweave, ref: 3270/779, 25.5x30.5cm (10x12in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Fabric for cushion back, 23x28cm (9x11in) • Toy stuffing For stockist details see page 84 Make a… cushion Step 1 CUT the stitched cushion front the same size as the backing fabric. Place the cushion front on top of the back, with right sides together. Step 2 MACHINE stitch around the edge of the cushion, with a 2cm (¾in) seam allowance, leaving a gap for turning. Step 3 TURN the cushion to…

Stitch some of the motifs, such as the star and reindeer stamp separately, then trim and stick on tags to go with Santa’s gifts! Stitch count: 173 high x 115 wide Design size: 30x20cm (12x8in) Stitch time: 49 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials • Zweigart 28 count Brittney mocha evenweave, ref: 3270/779, 63x86cm (25x34in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Coordinating fabric for the bag top, 20x86cm (8x34in) For stockist details see page 84 Make a… Santa sack Step 1 COMPLETE all the cross stitch using four strands of stranded cotton over two threads of fabric, making sure the design is in the centre of the fabric, with the…

Max. stitch count: 54 high x 39 wide Max. design size: 9.5x6.5cm (3¾x2½in) Stitch time: 24 hours (all four) These designs were stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials For each card • Zweigart 32 count Murano blue evenweave, ref: 3984/503, 15x11cm (6x4¼in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Beige card with an 11x7cm (4¼x2¾in) aperture For stockist details see page 84 Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton over two threads of 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…

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…

WELCOME TO THE NOVEMBER issue, and a special welcome to the many new readers who are joining us every issue. Thank you also to the loyal band of regular readers and subscribers who write, email, send us photos and enter our competitions. We’ve been making changes to the content over the past few issues, and we know that you’re liking our new-look pictures and pages from your correspondence. This issue we’ve continued with our makeover; giving our charts clearer numbers and keys with larger symbols for easy reading. Our focus is now firmly on quality, for both projects and the technical aspects of cross stitch. We hope you’ll like the changes we have planned over the next few months, so keep writing and telling us what you like and want…

REINDEER GAMES HOP ALONG robins – reindeers are our new favourite Christmas creatures. Stitch our cushion on page 24 or try these finds. WHO VisitAustralianEtsystore,ByCharlie,for fun festivewoodennapkinholderslikethis whimsical laser-cut reindeerdesign. www.etsy.com/shop/ByCharlie? WHAT Checkoutthissweet ginghamreindeertree decoration fromThe WhiteCompany. Hisgingham patterncolours meanshe’llcoordinate withmostChristmas colourschemes. www.thewhitecompany.com HOW ThesefeltsweetiesfromHobbycraftwilladd somefurryfuntocards.Attachtoanaida square,addabackstitchgreeting underneathandmountonyourcard! www.hobbycraft.co.uk…

Max. stitch count: 19 high x 37 wide Max. design size: 5.5x7.5cm (2x3in) Stitch time: 11 hours in total This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 28 count Brittney evenweave, ref: 3270/100, 7.5x10cm (3x4in), for each reel Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Wooden cotton reels, 3x4.5cm (1¼x¾in) Wire to make wreath For stockist details see page 84 Make a… wreath Step 1 STITCH each design, making sure it is in the centre of the evenweave. Step 2 MEASURE a cotton reel carefully to get the exact size. Using these measurements as a guide, fold over, and then press the edges of the evenweave, trimming if necessary, until the fabric fits snugly around the…

Stamp a message to your recipient and add to a tag to tie on your jar with string as an extra personal finishing touch Stitch count: 36 high x 50 wide Design size: 6.5x9cm (2¾x3½in) Stitch time: 2 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida. Materials Zweigart 14 count white aida, ref: 3706/100, 11.5cm (4½in) x distance around jar plus overlap Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 84 Make a… jar wrap Step 1 MEASURE the diameter of your jar carefully before you start stitching, adding on a small amount for the overlap at the back. Cut your aida fabric to this size. Step 2 STITCH your jar label in the centre of the aida…

Stitch count: 31 high x 41 wide Design size: 5.5x7.5cm (2x3in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on felt using 14 count waste canvas. Materials • Green felt, two 16x22cm (6x8¾in) pieces • 14 count waste canvas, 10x10cm (4x4in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle For stockist details see page 84 How to… use waste canvas Step 1 DRAW a copy of the pig template on paper. Place this on one piece of green felt, and then tack around the edge, transferring the pig’s outline to the felt. Carefully tear away the paper, leaving the tacking lines on the felt. Step 2 PLACE the waste canvas just right of centre on the pig front. Tack to the felt. Stitch…

Stitch count: 29 high x 39 wide Design size: 4.5x6cm (1¾x2½in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 32 count linen over two threads of the fabric. Materials • Zweigart 32 count blue Belfast linen, ref: 3609/778, 12.5x17.5cm (5x7in) • Stranded cotton as listed on the key • Pearl white seed beads • Pale blue card with a 5.5x7cm (2¼x2¾in) oval aperture • Ribbon bow 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 linen, and the backstitch and French knots in one strand. Step 2 TRIM the stitched linen to fit your card, with the design placed centrally behind the aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape…

MATERIALS Advent bag • Zweigart 25 count Lugana white evenweave, ref: 3835/100, 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in) for each block • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • Tea towel • String For stockist details see page 84 Make an… Advent bag Step 1 CUT a 38x14cm (15x5½in) strip from the tea towel for each bag. Fold the strip in half across the short side – this fold is the bottom of the bag. Step 2 MACHINE the stitched patch on to the bag, sewing around the four sides close to the stitching. Step 3 TURN over the two short edges to create channels and machine stitch each in place. Step 4 PLACE right sides together, then sew up the side seams leaving a small…

ISSUE 299 DECEMBER 2015 On sale 13 November Inside this month Get in the Christmas spirit with our festive heart picture Quick-stitch cards to make with backstitch and beads Sweet Christmas tree apron, for festive fun in the kitchen! Stitch our clever ‘Countdown to Christmas’ clock! MAKE FREE GIFT! Make gifts extra-special with our luxury tags kit, complete with alphabet charts!…

Stitch count: 22 high x 28 wide Design size: 4.5x5cm (1½x2in) Stitch time: 5 hours This design was stitched on 28 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials For each skate Zweigart 28 count Brittney white evenweave, ref: 3270/100; two 10x10cm (4x4in) pieces Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Toy stuffing Large paper clip For stockist details see page 84 Make a… mini ice skate Step 1 STITCH a front and back for each ice skate in the centre of the evenweave. Step 2 PLACE the front and back of the skate right sides together. You may need to hold the stitching up to a window to get the lines to match exactly. Pin and then tack together. Step 3 MACHINE…

One question I’m often asked is, “Does it matter if the back is tidy?” I get asked that mainly by new starters who are worried that their work won’t be up to scratch. It’s a funny one, and to me it seems like it’s an urban myth that spreads around the edge of the stitching world, perpetuated by, well I don’t really know what. I realised a while ago that the same desire that drives a man to create a nice striped lawn also exhibits itself among manbroiderers, and I know that I take a certain amount of pleasure in keeping my backside neat and tidy. I don’t doubt that any stitcher worth their salt pays attention to their rear, avoiding unnecessary knots and jumbles, but it seems to be…

Stitch count: 89 high x 118 wide Design size: 24x31cm (9½x12¼in) Stitch time: 20 hours This design was stitched on 19 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Zweigart 19 count Ariosa blue evenweave, ref: 3211/5091, 50x50cm (20x20in) Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric for cushion back, 44.5x44.5cm (17½x17½in) Cushion pad, 40.5x40.5cm (16x16in) For stockist details see page 84 We stitched our cushion over two threads of Ariosa 19 count evenweave to make it nice and chunky…

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Stitch count: 114 high x 116 wide Design size: 23x23cm (9x9in) Stitch time: 25 hours This design was stitched on 25 count evenweave over two threads of the fabric. Materials Picture • Zweigart 25 count Lugana chocolate evenweave, ref: 3835/9024, 40x40cm (16x16in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle • 30.5x32cm (12x12½in) wooden frame • Mount board to fit your frame 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: 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…

Desperately seeking I‘m looking for any unwanted cross stitch items – aida, threads, animal/general charts suitable for cards, card blanks, etc. as I’m stitching cards for different charities such as Hearing Dogs for The Deaf, Cats Protection, Borders Animal Rescue, etc. Thanks in anticipation. Caroline Walker, 70 South Park, Armadale, Bathgate, West Lothian, EH48 3LE Hello, I am looking for a cross stitch chart of Andy Pandy and his pals Teddy and especially Looby Loo. Can anyone help me please. I would be so grateful. I will pay all costs. Thank you. Maxine McClure, 61 Tennyson Way, Melton Mowbray, Leics, LE13 1LS I am appealing for Disney cross Stitch kits and charts to make and sell for cancer charities, also any white or light blue 12 count aida that can…