Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2022 i The World of Cross Stitching

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, there are plenty of romantic ideas for you to stitch for your other half this month. Jenny Barton’s trio of cute designs are filled with her characteristic warmth and humour (p20) or for a smaller project, stitch a card with the words ‘I love you’ in a language of your choice. This set of greetings from Perry Abdel-Hadi feature sweet motifs and 10 different dialect variations (p66). February 2022 marks the start of the Year of the Tiger so celebrate Chinese New Year with Durene Jones’ striking big cat on vibrant red fabric (p62). We know that families come in all shapes and sizes, so we wanted to offer an inclusive sampler for new arrivals whatever the family set up. This sweet typographical…

Star Letter WINTER WOODLAND I’d love to introduce you to Hjort – protector of the O’Neil household! We named him Hjort as it means deer in Danish. This is my biggest full coverage piece at 71,400 stitches. It took four months to complete. I’m so proud of this one and it’s the first big piece that I’ve kept for our home. Sarah O’Neil, via email Hannah F: This is such an accomplishment, Sarah and I’m pleased to know you’re keeping it for yourself after all your hard work. Full coverage patterns can be so intimidating but they’re absolutely worth it when they’re finished aren’t they. Hjort is such a handsome creature. He most definitely looks like a protector. I’m sure you’re going to get so many compliments from visitors once he’s…

Like many people during lockdown I renewed my love of cross stitching, after a break that lasted many years. I was given a subscription to the magazine as a Christmas present and have just completed the bookmark included in issue 304 (March 2021). As I haven’t been able to see my mum, who lives in Wales, since the summer I thought I would send it to her. Instead of mounting it in the card supplied, I folded back the raw edges and backed it with some felt. It worked out a lot better than I expected! I’m looking forward to trying some other projects to keep me busy until the next mag arrives. Gaynor Hall, via email Lynne: You’ve done a great job of this stylish stitch, Gaynor. I hope your…

I’ve always loved Margaret Tarrant’s Flower Fairies and Fiona Baker’s conversion in issue 306 (May 2021) really inspired me. I wanted the final picture to complement one I already had, so I radically changed the aida colour and used DMC linen threads, some of which are blended, to give a soft finish. To set it off I painted the frame to pick out the colour in the violets. It’s now hanging in our bedroom and I love it. Thank you! Dot Penn, via email Fiona: I’m so pleased you enjoyed this stitch, Dot. I must confess that I so loved working on this conversion as I’m a Margaret Tarrant fan myself – the intricate detail is so admirable. In fact, this was one of my fave stitches last year and it’s…

Each month we randomly select three subscribers to win a prize as a thank you This month’s winners are: Heather Hale, Uxbridge Stacey Matoshi, Reading Yvette Swales, Wallsend Prizes every month! The lucky winners will each be receiving this Kim Anderson seasonal kit. Immediate Media Co., publishers of The World of Cross Stitching, Subs Stars giveaway Terms and Conditions Prizes were dispatched before the on sale date of this issue. There are no cash alternatives. Winning entries will be chosen at random from all current subscribers. The draw is final and no correspondence will be entered into. To subscribe turn to page 44…

I was so inspired to make this beautiful unicorn for my sister Shelly’s birthday. She loves pretty things. When I stitched the unicorn’s mane, all I could think of was Shelly’s long locks. I was delighted to make this. Everyone in my family said Shelly and the unicorn have similar hair. Thanks for all the many beautiful projects you inspire me to make. Jenny Minichino, USA Hannah F: This is a very pretty stitch, Jenny. Shelly looks so pleased and I love the frame and pink mount you chose. If other readers would like to stitch this design by Shannon Wasillieff, you can find it in issue 278 (Mar 2019), available digitally in our app. If you’re included in the photo holding your stitching, then we’ll boost the size of the…

Q What is the most efficient way for me to undo large areas of cross stitching? Stephanie Holland, via Facebook A Fiona: We’d usually recommend carefully undoing (or frogging, as it’s known) the work stitch-by-stitch with your needle, though this isn’t always feasible with a large area or one where there’s lots of colour changes. In this instance, you could try using a seam ripper or small pair of embroidery scissors along the back and front of the stitches, then delicately pull out the strands. This is not an ideal method though, and there is the risk of damaging the fabric underneath stitches if you catch it, so do take extra care and use a magnifying glass or lamp if you can.…

Q Am I allowed to sell a few pieces monthly on Etsy that I made from Ultimate Cross Stitch Home magazine as long as I credit the designer? Sara Akile, via email A Hannah F: Ultimate Cross Stitch isn’t produced by us, but it was a sister title, so it’s covered by an Angel Policy. This means that you can use patterns to make things to sell as long as they’re made personally and by you (i.e. not mass produced) and it’d be great if you could credit the designer too. For more info, see Fiona Baker’s detailed article on copyright in issue 303 (February 2021).…

The final touch Q I have just finished ‘Wallace and GromitTM’ from issue 307 (June 2021) and would like to frame it myself. Any advice on the best way to do this? Helen Warner, via Facebook A Heather: All you’ll need, alongside your chosen frame, is a piece of stiff acid-free mount board the same size as the aperture. Before you begin, remember to tie off all loose ends at the back of your stitching – there’s nothing worse than noticing trailing threads showing through the fabric! Then lay the stitching centrally, right side up, on the front of the mount board. Once you’re happy with the position, insert a line of pins down each side into the edges of the board to hold it in place. Trim your fabric…

Goldleaf Needlework* have launched a new ‘Professions’ collection designed by Vanessa Wells and the first release is this ‘Doctor’ cross stitch. The finished piece will be around 23x9cm (9x3in) and the kit comes complete with 14-count pale blue aida, DMC threads and a needle. The design is also available as a PDF to download and get on with right away for £6 if you can’t wait for the postie! It’ll make a lovely gift for medical professionals and students – you can always adapt skin tones and hair colour to suit – we’re so excited to see this collection grow!…

Designed for stitchers eager to master new techniques and set themselves regular, fun new challenges, welcome to this month’s workshop, which focuses on closed buttonhole stitch. This is a variation of blanket stitch but is organised in clusters of three vertical stitches, joined at the top to form little pyramids. It makes a very pretty border stitch. As you know, I aim to cover a wide variety of styles and themes each issue and every pattern is designed to be small enough to be stitched over a weekend or in between larger projects. My patterns are simple to follow, and I’ll always be sure to give you lots of clear step-by-step instructions for any special stitches. Happy stitching! Teddy Bear key STITCH COUNT 58 high x 58 wide DESIGN AREA…

on sale now! JUST £9.99* Inc free UK P&P what’s side! ✵ In-depth guides to over 40 stitches ✵ From easy makes to multi-stitch projects ✵ All the templates & traces you need inside ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ORDER ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/ultimatestitchguide21 OR CALL 03330 162 138+ AND QUOTE ‘Ultimate Stitch Guide Print 1’ +UK calls will cost the same as other standard fixed line numbers (starting 01 or 02) and are included as part of any inclusive or free minutes allowances (if offered by your phone tari"). Lines open weekdays 9am to 5pm. Overseas please call +44 (0)1604 973 746. Price. EUR price £11.99, ROW price £12.99. All prices include P&P. Please allow up to 28 days for delivery. Offer subject to availability.…

Design my pet! Q I love this section of the magazine and though I don’t have pets of my own I have stitched many of the previous charts for friends and family. My brother-in-law and his wife have adopted a Bengal cat called Diesel, and he is now settling in with his pal Cosmos (their Bedlington Terrier). I hope that Durene might be able to feature Diesel in a future issue. Sallie Date, via email A Durene says: I’m so pleased you’ve made some of my previous pet designs up for your friends and family. And how great to hear that your brother-in-law and his wife rehomed Diesel. It’s a pleasure to have a go at designing him for you, Sallie. This stitch will make a lovely card, or you…

× Choose your project… Use the Factbox guide in every one of our projects, to make sure you choose the right level for you. Absolute beginners should aim for a design without fractional stitches. × Buy your materials… Use our shopping list for each project, which specifies everything needed, like size of fabric and finishing materials. Using another fabric with different HPI (holes-per-inch), will give a different finished size of design. Calculate your fabric requirements like this: stitch count divided by HPI of new fabric choice = new size in inches. Add at least 10cm (4in) on each dimension to allow for mounting, or less for cards. × Get ready… We always recommend starting in the centre of a design and working outwards. Our charts are marked with two centre…

Quarter The chart shows which corner has the fractional. Bring the needle up in that corner and down in the centre of the square, halfway across the diagonal (diagram 1). Threequarters Work a quarter stitch, then a half stitch across the other diagonal arm of the square as in diagram 2. Like quarters, three-quarter stitches can face any direction. Two symbols When two symbols share a square, work a fractional in each colour. Decide on the quarter stitch for the background colour, then a three-quarters stitch for the main one (diagram 3). Back-to-back For a stronger outline, work a three-quarter stitch in each colour, stitching them back-to-back (diagram 4). Make sure that the two half stitch arms lie neatly parallel to each other.…

GREAT REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE: • Subscriptions from £1 an issue • Continue to make great savings after your trial period • Enjoy easy and convenient delivery direct to your door • Never miss an issue of your favourite magazine 2 EASY WAYS TO ORDER Visit buysubscriptions.com/JS22SPC Call 0330 053 8660†quote code JS22SPC *This offer closes on 12th February 2022 and is valid for UK delivery addresses and by direct debit only. The discounts shown are savings calculated as a percentage of the full shop price, excluding Radio Times and Match of the Day which are calculated as a percentage of the basic annual rate. For overseas rates visit www.buysubscriptions.com. Should the magazine ordered change in frequency; we will honour the number of issues and not the term of the subscription.…

GAIL BUSSI Gail designed projects for WOXS many years ago and we’re thrilled to welcome her back again. Try her intricate folk-style birdhouse sampler on page 36. HANNAH DALE Hannah has perfectly captured the beauty and poise of a leopard in their tropical jungle habitat (p10) in a new and exclusive design on speckled fabric. SUSAN BATES Choose from six miniature modern floral designs to create pretty necklaces, pin badges and magnets – a fun way to show off your stitchy hobby (p76).…

Materials White14-count aida measuring 9x9cm (31/2x31/2in) Strandedcotton as listed in the key Felt wooden dowel rod and baker’s twine Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread Lilac x1 Pink x3 Brown x1 Green x2 Light green x2 Red x2 Grey x2 Total: 13 lengths Love is in the Air key STITCH COUNT 35 high x 35 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 6.5x6.5cm (2½x2½in) DESIGNED BY Emma Congdon STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Whole stitches only Factbox Approx4hours Crossstitchbackstitch Beginner TOP TIP To attach your stitching to the felt, position centrally and sew running stitch in white thread around the outside edge of the stitched area…

I ‘ve been stitching in my spare time for many years (not as often as I’d like as a busy SEN primary school teacher!). I began this design in November as a Christmas gift for a wonderful friend who really loves dragons. After searching through past issues, I found a great dragon design in issue 274 (2018) of The World of Cross Stitching and I adapted it to make a unique gift especially for her. I really enjoyed making this and I’m now moving onto bigger and more complicated designs. Thank you for your wonderful mag full of inspiration! I would love to feature in it one day. Sarah-Jane Findley, Leicestershire Emily: We’re delighted to include your letter in the mag, Sarah-Jane. What a great gift for your friend. I bet…

I love WOXS magazine and the inspiration it gives me. My dad is an enthusiastic gardener growing various flowers and vegetables, so this year I gave him an early Father’s Day present which he loved. The photo was taken in his garden with the lovely flowers around me. I love Ursula Michael designs from Imaginating* as they are so creative and inventive. I’ve got a few on my to-stitch list. Joanna Timothy, Staffordshire Sue: As an avid gardener myself, I’m really fond of this thoughtful pressie for your dad, Joanna. I’m awfully impressed by his gorgeous-looking garden as well. What a brilliant photo. You’ve got me looking forward to spring again!…

I‘ve got back into cross stitching since October and it’s helped me relax after work – even at work when there is a quiet moment. Here’s my Lizzie Mouse from issue 303 (February 2021). She’s now pride of place at the newsagent I work in to help remind customers to stay safe! Sandra Moore, West Sussex Emily: Thanks, Sandra. We adore your Lizzie stitch and it’s so satisfying to know our designs can help others relax! WRITE TO US AT: ters, The World of Cross Stitching, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST…

Don’t forget to send all your letters and photos in to us! Email us at: theworldofxstitching@immediate.co.uk or write to: The World of Cross Stitching, Immediate Media Co, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST Get in touch on Facebook, too! Each letter printed only in The World of Cross Stitching and not in any other cross stitching magazines will win a crafty mystery prize! *For stockists see page 90 EMAIL US AT: theworldofxstitching@immediate.co.uk or like our Facebook page: The World of Cross Stitching…

Fiona Baker Our Senior Technical Editor Fiona is ready to solve stitching dilemmas and answer technique questions Heather Nugent Heather is a cross stitch designer and multicrafter – she’ll help you transform your stitching into finished items Hannah Erskine A lifelong stitcher, our Charting Assistant Hannah can answer any chart or stitching related questions Jenny Barton Design pro Jenny has been creating projects for us for years and is ready to take on your design challenges Hannah Fletcher All set to hunt down those elusive charts and products, Hannah’s here to find shopping answers that you need CONTENTS 32 IN THE SPOTLIGHT Heather Nugent explains how to back your stitches 33 WISHES GRANTED Jenny’s perfectly captured Rachel’s beloved teddy bear 34 FRIENDLY ADVICE Fellow stitchers share tips for adding embellishments…

Back your stitch Q What can you use to back your cross stitch? I read about an iron-on fabric but will the glue harm the stitching? Linda Paterson, via Facebook A Heather: Backing finished stitches is a great idea as it helps to protect the stitch as well as lessen show through from a coloured fabric or card behind. It’s safe to do but always remember to follow the manufacturer instructions for best results. I use iron-on interfacing (sometimes known as fusible interfacing) for a lot of my own projects and find it the most time saving option, as opposed to sew-in interfacing. Use a cool iron, and it’s always best to place a piece of cotton fabric between the interfacing and your iron to prevent burning or sticking. Be…

Q What’s the best way to store threads for a large project, or leftovers from other projects? Louise Ling, via Facebook A Hannah F: Check out the comprehensive range from DMC*, who supply versatile storage options. You can visit their website for the full list, but individual bobbins can be handy space savers that can be topped up as needed. Store them in the specially designed bobbin boxes for the perfect fit. The organiser ring is great too. This neat device allows you to store the threads you’re using for a particular project on there to keep them convenient in amongst your stash.…

Make the most of cosy winter stitches while you can with Sue Hill’s ‘Winter Robins’ collection from Heritage Crafts*. There are three designs to choose from that all feature sweet robin redbreasts happily perched in frosty scenes. ‘Hiding’, ‘Watching’ and ‘Garden Friend’ all come with Zweigart fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted on to numbered cards, a needle along with clear charts with instructions, and we’re thrilled to offer The World of Cross Stitching readers an exclusive 20% discount using the code WOXS316 online at www.hcrafts.com.…

PRIZES worth £1,097! PRIZES WORTH £229 Let’s be friends Here at WOXS we’re big Bebunni fans and love to hear of their cute antics so we think this sweet design would make the perfect gift for a stitchy pal. The ‘Friend’ kit from Bothy Threads* includes 14-count white Zweigart aida, pre-sorted stranded cottons, a needle, stitch diagram and instructions. The pattern uses lazy daisy stitch to create the petals on the pretty pink flowers, so it’s is a great project if you’ve never tried this stitch before. With occasional fractionals as well, the kit is suitable for advanced beginners and we’re delighted to give away 20 kits to lucky readers. TO ENTER Visit our website www.gathered.how/woxs PRIZES WORTH £339 Bright spring blooms Nothing signals the arrival of spring quite like…

× ABIT STITCHES www.abitstiches.etsy.com × ARTS AND DESIGNS www.artsanddesigns.com ☎ 0207 100 3509 × BOTHY THREADS www.bothythreads.com ☎ 01900 828844 × CATERPILLAR CROSS STITCH www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com ☎ 01676 530000 × CROSS STITCH OBSESSION OBSESSION www.crossstitchobsession.etsy.com × DMC www.dmc.com ☎ 01924 371501 × ECCENTRIC AVENUE www.eccentricavenue.etsy.com × GOLDLEAF NEEDLEWORK www.goldleafneedlework.co.uk ☎ 01482 571120 × HERITAGE CRAFTS www.hcrafts.com ☎ 01889 575256 × HOBBYCRAFT www.hobbycraft.co.uk ☎ 0330 026 1400 × IMAGINATING www.imaginating.com × LAKESIDE NEEDLECRAFT www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk ☎ 0161 505 1910 × LASELVA DESIGN www.laselvadesign.etsy.com × LOVECRAFTS www.lovecrafts.com ☎ 01409 404 010 × MARIES CROSS STITCH www.mariescrossstitch.co.uk ☎ 01376 777017 × MILL HILL Available from Lakeside Needlecraft, as listed × PANNA® www.panna-stitch.com × PAST IMPRESSIONS www.past-impressions.co.uk ☎ 020 8335 3930 × PUNTAGOPETITEPATTERN www.puntagopetitepattern.etsy.com × RIVERDRIFT NEEDLEWORK www.riverdriftneedlework.com ☎ 07890 607611 × SMART CROSS STITCH www.smartcrosstitch.com…

Britan’s No.1 ISSUE 317 ON SALE 20 JAN RETRO TOYS Add a pop of colour to playrooms with a vibrant sampler-style cushion make SPRING CELEBRATIONS Stitchy cards for holidays worldwide including Passover and Cinco de Mayo REGENCY STYLE Bridgerton fans will love this elegant design set in a classic country manor CHECK MEOWT Lesley Teare’s cute character is sure to be a hit with cat lovers EXCLUSIVE Say thanks a bunch Show Mum just how special she is this Mother’s Day with a dear Forever FriendsTM bear holding a blooming bouquet BOOKS ARE MY BAG Stash essentials in a tote-ally awesome stitchy shopper BOHO BEAUTY Introduce fashionable bohemian décor at home with a dreamcatcher hanging PLUS MUCH MORE Partone of this year’s seasonal cross stitch series Celebratemoms, mums and mams…

Afghan – a woollen blanket with areas inset for cross stitching, often used for baby designs Aida band – a narrow strip of aida, available in varying widths, & finished with a decorative edge Aperture – a hole through which a design is seen in cards & frames Backstitch – used to add detail & definition. See how to stitch it in our diagram above! Beading needle – a longer, finer needle than a tapestry needle, used for adding seed beads to a design Counted stitches – embroidery stitches worked on counted, or evenly woven, fabrics like aida & evenweave. Cross stitch is the most basic counted stitch Floss – USA term for stranded cotton Fractional stitches – made from either a quarter or three-quarters of a cross stitch, these…

Yasmin Elahi is an office assistant from Brisbane, Australia How did you start stitching? I found a small teacup kit at a garage sale when I was about 10 and my grandmother showed me how to complete it. From then on, I’ve been hooked. Current project? I’ve just about finished an abstract rainbow cat portrait for my mum. After that, I’m looking forward to starting on the 3D Christmas Village SAL from issue 312 (November 2021). Hopefully I’ll be able to get it finished in time for Christmas! What has been your worst stitching disaster? I once trimmed my aida too small to be able to frame the design. Framing projects has really never been a strength for me. Fave WOXS design? The ‘Black Cats’ design from issue 311 (October…

I purchased issue 303 (February 2021) and saw Nia Rhind’s ‘Welcome Little One’ design that appeared in the Designer Spotlight feature. I knew right away that this would be perfect for my son and daughter-in-law, Joe and Helen, who were expecting their first child and have three rabbits! I sent away for the design, which arrived on the day of Clara Grace’s birth and quickly got to work stitching. I completed it today (six days later). I took up cross stitch when I retired. It’s a great hobby and very relaxing. John Ferridge, via email Hannah E: This really is a perfect pressie, John. I bet Helen and Joe were thrilled and I’m sure Clara Grace will treasure this as she grows up. I’m a big fan of Nia Rhind’s signature…

Q How do I keep stitches neat? I try my best to avoid the thread turning on itself and to keep the same thread tension but my stitches are not neat, as much as I would love them to be. I mainly use linen with one cotton thread. Adeline Jérôme, via Facebook A Hannah E: Neatness comes with time, patience and practice, but you could try using a hoop or frame to help to keep fabric tension even as you stitch. Working with a single strand is likely to show uneven stitches a little more obviously than two strands, as coverage will be lighter on the fabric, so it’s extra important to ensure the fabric is appropriately taut. A floor stand might be best, which allows you to keep both…

Q I love the your Wishes Granted feature and wondered if there’s any way you could design a small one for me? I have attached a couple photos of my teddy. I’ve had it since I was born and I’m now 30! Rachel Lewis, via email A Jenny: Thanks for this request, Rachel. I’m a huge ted fan myself and love that you’ve had this one by your side for so long. It’s wonderful to have keepsakes from childhood to pass on to future generations in the family. I hope you’ll cherish this little stitchy version too! Teddy Bear key STITCH COUNT 30 high x 23 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x4cm (2¼x1¾in) This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Please note: Jenny can only fit…

× Claire Kampowski: Mill Hill* seed beads are fantastic – I wouldn’t use anything else, and I recommend a beading needle. But be careful with them because they’re sharp. Try to match the thread you sew with to the bead colour, and remember to sew all your beads in the same direction. × Grace Collier: I have used beads, but when I really want to do something special, I find a way to use DMC Étoile. The sparkle it adds makes whatever I’m stitching more beautiful! × Fiona Christie: I use a beading needle and try to match the thread to either the beads, stitches underneath or the fabric. For example if I’m adding red beads to red stitches, I’ll attach them with red cotton. If the beads are a…

Subversive Valentine’s FOR YOUR TRUE LOATHE Anyone mending their heart after a breakup, proud singles and couples who can’t stand the ick, are going to adore these sweet-inspired stitches! A huge hit here at WOXS HQ, ABIT Stitches’* – best known for their ‘snarcastic’ designs – ‘My Crummy Valentine’ collection look similar to sugary Swizzlers Love Hearts but, instead of sweet nothings, they feature snarky sayings. There are nine fun designs to choose from including ‘Be Gone’, ‘I Can Quit You’, ‘True Loathe’ and ‘I Complete Me’ and each one is available in your choice of blue, pink or green. Download the PDFs from £4.67 or get a complete kit for around £22.31.…

Step aside Picasso and pals, there’s a new master on the scene! Based in Ankara, Turkey, 44-year-old Elçin Özcan has recreated some of the world’s most famous paintings in stitch and we’re delighted she’s taken time to tell us all about it. Elçin explains, “I’ve always been fascinated by paintings, painters and art. Firstly because of my grandfather, and I love to paint too.” She was inspired to create her miniatures when, on the hunt for alternatives to print versions of artworks to display at home, she found a few small cross stitch patterns but felt they didn’t do justice to the originals. “They were a bit flat,” she tells us. “I wanted more detail, so I started to design my own.” NEW HORIZONS Taught by her mother to cross…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY ☎03330 162 137 × Issue 315 January You’ll love Maria Diaz’s chic 1930s couple! Capture majestic migrating geese, enjoy Jenny Van De Wiele’s ski village sampler and stitch a snow-kissed classic rose by Jenny Barton. There are lots of quick-stitch projects too from handy thank you greetings and mini Scandi Arctic creatures to a set of thoughtful sympathy cards. Plus, find expert stitchy advice, prizes to win and more! EXCLUSIVE GIFT: Pretty Peter RabbitTM card kit × Issue 314, Xmas 3D Christmas elf dec kit, Wallace & GromitTM, winter sampler, festive wall hangings, mosiac tree decs, Poinsettia table runner and traditional holiday cards × Issue 313, Dec Forever FriendsTM calendar, Santa and his little helpers, dalmatian cards, bicycle greetings, Kids’ Nativity, festive fairy, retro baubles, snowpal…