Innholdsfortegnelse for December 2023 i The World of Cross Stitching

Don’t miss it! Stitch yourself a very happy Christmas with 215 festive cards, gifts and decorations. Get-ahead with all your holiday stitching, with quick-to-finish greetings and must-make presents – your countdown starts right here… Get stitching: ❃ Create a special Durene Jones advent calendar ❃ Make a penguin stocking ❃ 43 cards you’ll love ❃ 25 decorations for your home ❃ 36 ABC and numbers charts Plus, over 151 one nighters and all your seasonal favourites, from teddy bears and dalmatians to snowmen and Santa. Deck the halls with a beautiful tree hanging, and much, much more. ON SALE 30 AUGUST 2023 – ORDER YOUR COPY TODAY! ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/FavouritesXmas23 CALL 03330 162 138+ and quote ‘Favourites Christmas 2023 Print 1’ +UK calls will cost the same…

Maureen Urquhart is a retired bank manager from Perthshire What are you stitching right now? I’m working on a golden wedding sampler for friends who live by the beach. Its main feature is two pairs of flip flops with details of their happy day added to the design. Who’s your favourite cross stitch designer and why? I’d have to say Lucie Heaton. I think all her designs are so cute. I love the Furry Tales charts in every issue – Flossie is my favourite. Fave WOXS design? That would be the ‘Summer Vibes’ Design Library from issue 333 (June 2023). All those sunny motifs gave me lots of inspiration for the Golden Wedding sampler I’m stitching for my friends. What do you love about cross stitching? I love the portability…

We have the Victorian era to thank for many of our winter traditions – the introduction of sending season’s greetings in the form of cards being among the most popular. Taking inspiration from this period, designer Maria Diaz has brought this young woman wrapped up in her winter finery to life, and off to join in with a festive celebration. Stitched on pewter grey aida to complement the frosty hues of this beauty’s pretty ensemble, you’ll work with metallic thread to decorate the edge of her opulent cape and add a flourish to her traditional Victorian hand muff. Maria’s also used fractional stitches to replicate the lady’s delicate facial features, but there are so few, we wouldn’t let it put you off such a stunning design. We’ve chosen to mount…

I‘ve really enjoyed your Christmas decoration gifts. I wanted to send you a picture of my Santa cone by Durene Jones from issue 211 (Jan 2016) of your old sister magazine Cross Stitch Crazy. I used Fuzzy Stuff thread to give him a fluffy hat and moustache. I then stitched your elf from issue 314 (Special 2021) but changed the colours slightly. I finished the reindeer from issue 325 (Nov 2022) for this year ready to go on the tree in time for Christmas. I think they look great and I hope you do too. Thank you for such fantastic patterns! Nathalie Hardy, Gosport Hannah F : You’ve certainly been getting creative with our gift kits – and the best bit is that you can hang the finished results on your…

I was so excited when I spotted the owls in issue 327 (Special 2022). I thought I would show you my version. This picture took about 24 hours to stitch and put a string of 10 lights round the inside of the box frame with the thin battery pack taped to the back of the frame. I have made this for my best friends for a Christmas present. I loved doing the heart and the beading. Gill Campbell, via email Sue: What an inspired idea to back this pretty sampler by Gail Bussi with fairy lights, Gill. It gives it such a festive look and I’m sure your friends loved it. Owls are a firm favourite for team WOXS too and you’ll find another festive owl design from issue 274 on…

What do gingerbread houses, decorating a tree and writing an important letter to the North Pole all have in common? Yes, you’re right, they’re all must-do activities in the run-up to the big day. Now you can make sure you include them all in your busy schedule by dipping into a pile of these stitched cards, as each one has a different fun and family-friendly activity to enjoy. Perhaps you can’t wait to show off your Christmas jumper collection, or dash outside to build a snowman after the first flake. Whatever your favourite festive activity, designer Emma Congdon (aka Stitchrovia) has got you covered with a selection of 12 sweet designs to stitch. Simply pick and choose which ones to include in your own set. They’re easy to make up…

Q I hope you can help. I’ve got a LUCA-S kit and it’s nice, but I’d like to stitch it on 16-count iridescent white aida for a friend’s 80th birthday. I’ve looked online, but can’t seem to find it. Do you know of anywhere that sells it? Anna Baynton, via email A Heather: Zweigart* produce an iridescent pearl/opal flecked 16-count aida, which has metallic threads woven through it, rather than the whole surface being sparkly (fabric code 3251/11). Or order plain white aida and add ‘Silver Sparkles’ from the drop down menu when selecting the fabric size at Sew-it-All*. This sparkly effect is printed as a layer on top of the fabric, rather than woven in, and is a little more subtle than the Zweigart option suggested.…

Q What cute Christmas Furry Tales designs have there been? I like the individual mice but also the larger scenes most of all. Lisamarisxs1976, via Instagram A Hannah F: With a brand new Furry Tales design every month since issue 190 (June 2012), designer Lucie Heaton has featured quite a number of festive characters over the years. These most recent ones include Flossie carol singing in issue 327 (Special 2022) and Charlie all dressed up and taking his decorated wheelchair out for a spin in issue 326 (Dec 2022). You’ll also find a super ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’ design way back in issue 104 (Dec 2005), featuring cute snoozing mice. While the newer issues are all still available to download on our app, editions weren’t digitised until 2013, making the older…

I was a big fan of your ‘Cupcake of the Month’ series but can’t remember seeing any Christmas ones. Could you do some more to include these? Rosanna Hyde, via Facebook Hannah F : This fun series, designed by Durene Jones, ran from issue 189 (May 2012) to 223 (Special 2014), and included more than 30 different delightful cupcakes. There were actually quite a few Christmas and festive themed ones among the series in our winter month issues, including this cheerful ‘Ho Ho’ Santa cake in issue 209 (December 2013). Can I photocopy and enlarge charts from the magazine? I am struggling to see some of the smaller symbols. My son has offered to help, but I wanted to check it was allowed first. Olive Hamilton, New York Fiona: Yes, this is fine…

WINTER GODDESS This breathtaking new portrait by Joan Elliott is awash with detail – from the extravagant headdress to the ribbons blowing in the breeze, and not forgetting the adorable snow-white pup! We love the palette of rich jewel-inspired tones for the lady’s ethereal wintry ensemble embellished with gold and green Kreinik metallic thread and a sprinkling of sparkly Mill Hill seed beads to create a real showstopper. ‘Winter’s Gift’ is available as a black and white or colour chart from Polstitches Designs* or as a kit for £89.99, with 28-, 32- or 14-count hand-dyed Tanzanite Lugana fabric to add that perfect atmospheric background.…

Our friends at LoveCrafts* are offering you lovely lot a 20% discount on full-priced cross stitch kits. You’ll find a range of kits from your favourite brands such as Bothy Threads, Dimensions, Riverdrift House and more. We particularly love this Wrendale Designs ‘Highland Christmas’ and the Dimensions ‘Santa Express’ kit, pictured. The offer runs until 15 November, so head over to www.lovecrafts.com and start adding to your shopping basket now – use code WOXS339 at checkout to claim your 20% discount.…

With many eagerly anticipating the arrival of winter’s first snowflakes, it’s easy to get swept up in these wonderfully vintage village scenes. With so many fun details throughout, they make a picture-perfect set to stitch for all kinds of seasonal events, not just the upcoming festivities! The church is great to save for an anniversary or even a winter wedding, or maybe you know someone moving home who would love to receive a welcoming cottage card. The bakery could even make a tasteful birthday card too. Fear not if you’ve never used perforated paper before – it’s just as easy as stitching on aida, but you just need to extra take care not to tear the fragile holes. Before you start stitching however, see our guide on reading the charts…

Welcome to the 12th and final instalment of my ‘Sweet Treats’ Stitch-A-Long – we made it! No sweet-themed sampler would be complete without a showstopping wedding cake, so here it is in all its rose-topped, celebratory glory – a perfect finale to all these months of stitching. Find all the information you need to stitch part 12 on these pages. Follow our guide below on how to stitch and refer to the plan on the next page to double check the placement of this part. If you missed parts 1-11, turn to page 88 to find out how you can order the back issues. We’re so close to the end now, stitchers! Don’t forget to share your progress on The World of Cross Stitching social pages. Sweet Treats SAL key…

CHARTS Made up of coloured squares containing symbols that represent squares to be stitched on the fabric. A tiny symbol denotes a fractional stitch in the corner of the square in which it’s to be worked. The centres of our charts are marked with arrows on the edge of each side. To find the corresponding centre of your fabric, fold it in half horizontally and then vertically – the point where the creases cross marks the centre. Start stitching here to ensure the design is positioned in the middle of the fabric. SHOPPING LIST Contains type and size of fabric, recommended needle, and details of other products to frame or finish your project in the same way we have. Using another fabric with different HPI will alter the finished size…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 03330 162 137† ✖ Issue 338, November 2023 Meet The Smurfs in this issue – it’s their first time ever in cross stitch! Get set for the festive season with our 3D gingerbread cottages, stylish Santa cushion, Nutcracker ABC, ‘All Things Mice’ Christmas cards and sparkly Design Library motifs. You’ll also love our prairie-style harvest sampler, stunning winter wreath, part 11 of Durene Jones’ Sweet Treats SAL and more! Your three-gift pack: card, tags and bookmark! ✖ Issue 337, Oct Card and bauble kit, Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, cat cushion, teen cards, mushroom ABC, Diwali greetings, Halloween ornaments, Tatreez sampler ✖ Issue 336, Sept Red panda card kit, Sweet Margaret Sherry cat, mandala badger, floral ABC and numbers, family tree sampler, sunny windmill scene and inspiring…

TOP TIP The keys are grouped together in pairs so if you’re stitching just one design, check the chart symbols for the threads needed for that particular one TOP TIP Add the backstitch to the design after you’ve completed all of the cross stitches, keeping the thread lengths short to prevent fuzzing Buy the fabric We suggest stitching these patterns on 14-count brown speckled-print aida, sized 38x38cm (15¾x15¾in) which is available from Bothy Threads. To purchase the fabric, telephone 01900 828844, email info@bothythreads.com or buy online at www.bothythreads.com TOP TIP Make sure you start stitching your design in the centre of the aida so that you don’t run out of fabric How to… keep the back of your work neat With densely stitched designs like these, it’s easy for the back…

A very warm welcome to our December issue! This month’s collection of patterns is just perfect to cosy up with as the evenings are drawing in. If you love decorating your home for the festive season, then you’re in for a treat with Faby Reilly’s sparkly 3D star to top your tree (p70) and Heather Nugent’s quick-stitch snowglobe hoops (p20). Christmas is all about bringing family together and with that in mind Emma Congdon has designed a set of Activity cards (p26) that will give you inspiration for fun things to do in the countdown to the big day. Enjoy working together with little ones to create Jenny Barton’s Christmas Eve set (p78). Kids can have a go at stitching the personalised door hanger on plastic canvas and then progress…

Star Letter TOGETHER FOREVER A few years back I visited Antarctica, saw these beautiful animals and fell instantly in love with them. They were so playful and unique. My partner proposed to me when we were all surrounded with them, which was a surprise. The penguins were our special audience who were witness to the beautiful love commitment. They stole our hearts forever. It was wonderful. So, when I saw the ‘Mandala Penguin’ in issue 327 (Special 2022) from designer Megan Caines, I had to stitch it. I used mostly DMC Étoile thread to make the penguin extra sparkly and I changed the bottom of his belly to reflect the clear blue waters surrounding the continent. Keep the special designs on coming, for so much pleasure stitching. Helen Woudenberg, the…

Thank you as always for a great magazine. In issue 312 (November 2021) I fell in love with the ‘Advent Tree’ project and I just knew I had to make it for my daughter. It was a challenge as I had never used metallic threads before. I started it straight away, but by the end of November, I had only completed the black numbers. I made the decision to enjoy sewing it and get it finished in my own time. I am so pleased with it. I managed OK with the metallic threads following advice from other stitchers’ helpful letters in the magazine. The amount of backstitch was a challenge but so worth the patience. I also used iron-on interfacing for the first time too. Hope you like it. I…

I thought you might like my finished Christmas cross stitch. I started it four years ago, but unfortunately my health put the brakes on me finishing it then. I had a gall stone operation followed by bowel cancer removal, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Then Covid came along and I had cancer removed from my left lung. I’m having chemotherapy at the moment, but cross stitch has helped me recuperate and take my mind off of everything. When I get this framed, I will send a picture of the finished project. Keep up the good work, my friends! Dave Cowie, via email Hannah F: This is a stunning piece of work, Dave, thank you so much for sharing it and your story. We’re glad to hear that cross stitching has helped you through…

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 multi-crafter – 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…

✖ Jen Brennan: I make a working copy of the pattern which I fold and attach to my fabric with needle minders and I mark off the stitches as I go. It’s handy having the original pattern next to me so I can refer back to that too. I also tend to have more than one needle on the go and will keep needles threaded for the most common colours used. ✖ Jade Lawley: I often highlight what I’ve done on the chart if it’s a large, detailed pattern. ✖ Geraldine Galvin: Once you’ve mastered whole stitches and small designs for cards, you’re probably ready to try something bigger and more challenging with fractional or confetti stitches – which really hone your loop start and tidy finish skills! ✖ Helen…

XMAS DEC INSPO THE LIGHT OF THE CHRISTMAS STAR This design from YasminBMadewithLove* was inspired by Polish folk art, says its designer, who hails from Poland herself. Whole stitches plus a few backstitches for the angel’s features keep the finish simple. For a subtle colour-change effect, parts of the design are worked in three hand-dyed shades from Gentle Art Floss, as well as six DMC solid shades. Mount on a painted piece of wood to create a beautiful decoration. Stitch count: 85 high x 60 wide, 14x9.5cm (5½x3¾in) on 32-count vintage country mocha Belfast linen FESTIVE HEIRLOOM PEACE ANGEL Spread joy and peace with this lovely kit. Traditional colours and charming details make it a perfect heirloom project. Designed by Letistitch* as part of their ‘Vintage collection’, it’s aimed at more…

Amanda Loverseed’s brand-new design for Bothy Threads* sums up all our favourite festive traditions. Complete with an alphabet, ‘Christmas is Here’ makes the perfect gift for your own brood or another family you hold dear. The sampler (above) is worked entirely in whole stitches with a fair amount of backstitch and some French knots to add detail, so it’s suited to every level of stitcher. We all know a festive design isn’t complete without metallic thread, so you’ll be pleased to hear the kit includes a sparkly gold shade that’s used throughout.…

This little rabbit is eagerly waiting to place the star on top of the Christmas tree, and you’ll feel just as keen once you’ve stitched up this 5in mini hoop for your own tree. With cross stitch, backstitch, French knots, straight stitch and star stitch to work, ‘Rabbit’s Bright Winter Night Ornament’ design from Counting Puddles* will allow you to stretch your stitching skills but as it only measures 62x58 stitches, you’ll find it quickly comes together. Pre-order the chart now and you’ll get it delivered straight to your inbox when it’s released on 24 November in time for Christmas gifting.…

If you’re looking to add some real pizazz to your Christmas décor this year, look no further. This sparkly star is sure to dazzle and delight. Made using pretty pearl flecked linen and toy stuffing to make it 3D, you’ll learn two new stitch types – whipped backstitch and round eyelet stitch. You’ll also get the chance to perfect your beading technique. While this design is best suited to experienced stitchers, everyone can have a go at these new stitches and look to skill up by following our tutorials on page 73 and 75. Adorned with shiny mother-of-pearl coloured sequins and pretty pastel thread shades, this double-sided design will proudly crown your tree. Or you could easily make it into a large hanging decoration if you prefer. To do this,…

OLD SAINT NICK Enjoy a vintage-style Father Christmas with holly crown and fur-trimmed robe O HOLY NIGHT Send seasonal greetings to loved ones, designed by Jenny van de Wiele WINTER WONDERLAND Countdown to the big day with Fiona Baker’s stylish advent calendar FESTIVE TREATS You’ll want to have Cameron Nunn’s pun-tastic kitchen accessories ready for all your Christmas baking EXCLUSIVE Forever Friends exclusive! Melt someone’s heart with this special design featuring two adorable pals in a ‘beary’ sweet winter scene TRIM THE TREE Try using seed beads to make Durene Jones’ stunning decorations MADE FOR MEMORIES Choose from two designs to make a trinket box to keep mementos safe PLUS MUCH MORE ✖ Fall in love with Rhona Norrie’s cute Scottie dog ABC ✖ Wrap up with Lisa Reakes’…

KATIE CRUMPTON Add sparkle to your festive stitching with Katie’s bewitching design. Use seed beads, metallic threads, and gold-flecked aida for a magical scene (p36). CHERYL MCKINNON Make fun festive jewellery with Cheryl’s modern mini motifs in this month’s Design Library (p47). They’ll make unique gifts for your friends and family. MEG EVERSHED Follow our guide to stitching Meg’s village scenes on perforated paper and then turning them into pop-up cards to surprise the recipients (p56).…

SIX CHARTS TO STITCH! You’ll love these six cute designs featuring the hugely popular Wrendale Designs animal characters PLANNING AHEAD There’s space to fill in all of your important occasions and we've included the magazine on sale dates, too – you'll never miss an event again! YOUR BONUS CHART PLUS… Your special bonus fold-out chart is this heartfelt ‘Peace & Joy’ sampler in rich festive colours…

My hubby bought me DMC* ‘Tiger Pool’ a couple of years ago and wanted me to stitch it for him. After 16 months and lots of other projects in-between, I’m really happy to say he’s done and framed and gifted to my hubby for our 14th wedding anniversary. He absolutely loves it. Danielle Rowan, Hull Lynne: Frankly, we’re impressed you got this stunning design finished in just 16 months with all those other projects in-between – it looks pretty complex with all the detail! His golden eyes certainly follow you around the room and the frame sets the stitching off perfectly. We’re so glad your husband loves it too!…

These miniature hoop designs are guaranteed to make you smile as you stitch. They’re packed with cute detail and the whimsical finishing idea is one that anyone can try – why not get the kids involved? After you’ve picked your favourite from this set of five wintry snow globe designs, it’s oh-snow-easy to make up the scenes using the template provided on page 22 for your base. We found a wood-effect patterned card, but you can use any patterns you like. Think snowflakes or jingle bells for added sparkle – get those colourful sequins out! Whether you’re keeping these all for yourself or gifting to friends, Heather Nugent’s versatile designs could be made into last minute greetings cards too. Simply display in a circle aperture and stick your cut out…

Q Bit of a strange request, but can you suggest where to find dinosaur cross stitch patterns? I don’t mind patterns or a kit. They’re for my grandson who is obsessed with them. Evie Cannon, via Facebook A Emily: How about this roar-some set of four cute Christmas dinos (DJXS2462), designed by Durene Jones*, and available in their Etsy shop as a PDF instant download for £4.80. With a maximum design area of approx. 10x7cm (4x3in) when stitched on 14 or 28-count fabric, the patterns include just whole stitches and backstitch, making them beginner friendly. The key includes DMC stranded cotton threads and has a full-colour chart with symbols, along with a version without backstitch too.…

Q I will stitch anything with robins on at Christmas – I think they are adorable and sum up the festive season for me. I love the idea of a design with a robin perched on top of a retro American mailbox. Could you create it for me? Ann Murton, Sittingbourne, Kent A Jenny: Robins are such a cheerful symbol of Christmas, aren’t they? I’ve designed this mailbox with the door open to show all the festive cards inside – and the robin is keeping them safe! Winter Mailbox key STITCH COUNT 31 high x 31 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 5.5x5.5cm (2¼x2¼in) Please note: Jenny can only fit in fairly small designs and for copyright reasons she is unable to chart logos, or characters from films and TV.…

Who said witches are only suited to Halloween stitches? This sweet sorceress is using her magic wand to bring joy and create a glittering festive display. Featuring whole stitches and delicate backstitch for definition, plus fractionals to add detail on the witch’s hat, boots and basket, as well as half stitches for the shadows on the floor and seed beads, this design is best suited to stitchers with a little experience. The traditional colour palette really stands out on the gold flecked aida, with metallic thread for the stars and candle flames and a sprinkle of seed beads for the star points and the baubles to add a wonderfully festive finishing touch. We first welcomed Katie Crumpton’s witch character in issue 310 (September 2021) where she cast a spell on…

Stitchy stash Open Caterpillar Cross Stitch’s* ‘Advent Calendar Box 2023’ for charts, accessories and treats. Double the fun The Historical Sampler Company’s* four-part ‘Jingle Bells’ Stitch-A-Long has 24 stitchy surprises to unwrap! Helping hand Buy Stitchfinity’s* ‘Advent Calendar 2023’ and they’ll donate to the international WellChild charity. Handy storage Inside Yiota’s* Cross Stitch Advent Calendar Box are nine charts, threads, fabrics and accessories.…

Here at The World ofCross Stitching, we’re passionate about celebrating our differences and what makes us unique, so we were thrilled to get our hands on Customize Your Cross Stitch: Friends and Family by Lizzie Dabczynski-Bean and Stitch People. With top tips for personalising hairstyles, clothing, skin colour, pets and more, this book will be your go-to style guide for creating mini-mes of your family, pals and furry friends. Get your copy from Waterstones* or your nearest book store. *For stockists see page 90…

PATTERNED PAPERS A decorative background can offer an alternative look to your card finish. The pattern or theme could even match your stitched design, although don’t let it distract from the star of the show. A full coverage repeat style pattern generally works best, such as these delicate snowflake papers – they add a fun festive look when layered with the cute dressed-up characters, designed by Durene Jones. Or opt for a plain-coloured paper that contrasts with your card blank instead. Try out combinations to see the effect. SHAPE IT UP Play around with the shape and style of your cards, to see what works best with your stitched design. Patching fabric onto single-fold cards is a great quick-finish, and it’s easy to make these yourself at home using plain…

Most of us don’t embark on an epic stitching project lightly, but for David Brewin he wouldn’t have had it any other way. David tells us, “My wife, Shirley, was browsing through a craft magazine and spotted the Artecy cross stitch ‘Sunny Autumn Path’ kit. She mentioned she liked it but said it was too dear.” At the time she was suffering from cancer and, encouraged by knowing that Shirley would be able to admire something so splendid David ordered it in secret and took on all 67,800 stitches over a 22-month period. “Given the size and complexity of the project, it would have been impossible to stitch it secretly, so she did see it gradually develop into the finished piece. It was the most complex piece I have ever…

The night before Christmas is almost as magical as the big day itself, as children sit eagerly at the window counting down the hours until bedtime, so they can wake up and discover all those gifts Santa has left under the tree. Jenny Barton has created this Christmas Eve set to help build the suspense and delight with a door sign to let Santa know he’s welcome, a patch for a present sack, and a sign to leave out with treats to let Rudolph know he’s not been forgotten. Start younger stitchers with the ‘Stop Here’ door sign, as the sturdy plastic canvas makes it easier for them to pass the needle back and forth through the holes. Depending on their age, they may need some help adding the backstitch…

ON SALE NOW! JUST £9.99* inc free UK P&P What’s inside! ✖ 132 pages of cross stitch inspiration ✖ Decorations, cards, cushions and more! ✖ 22 projects by all your favourite designers Order your copy today! ORDER ONLINE www.buysubscriptions.com/GoldChristmas23 Or CALL 03330 162 138+ and quote‘Cross Stitch Gold Christmas 2023 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 tariff). 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.…