Innholdsfortegnelse for January 2024 i The World of Cross Stitching

A shiny new job is a thrill – all that time that goes into applications and interviews and it’s so rewarding when the work pays off. It can be daunting too, if you’re leaving behind a lovely team, pivoting in a new direction, or taking on more responsibility. So, let your loved ones know how proud of them you are for making bold moves with a thoughtful hand-stitched card. This set of six colourful designs by Jenny Barton comes complete with an ABC so you can customise your stitch, and it features a range of greetings and motifs suitable for wishing an admired colleague good luck or saying well done to friends and family. Using whole cross stitches with some backstitch and the odd fractional for added detail, each card…

Cross stitch Each coloured square on the chart represents a whole cross stitch. Bring the needle up at the bottom left corner of a square and down at the top right corner. Then, bring the needle up at the bottom right corner and down at the top left to complete a stitch (starting corner positions can be reversed if preferred). Half cross stitch Half cross stitch is identified with a different symbol on the chart and key to the cross stitches, and consists of one arm of the stitch only. Work each half cross stitch in the same direction as you would the top arm of your full cross stitches for a neat and consistent look to your project. Fractional stitches To make a quarter stitch, bring the needle up…

Getting started ANCHOR www.lovecrafts.com For Anchor threads www.blacksheepwools.com ☎ 01925 764231 For Anchor cross stitch kits DMC www.dmc.com ☎ 01924 371501 For kits, fabrics, threads & more JOHN JAMES NEEDLES www.jjneedles.com ☎ 01527 830941 For needles & sewing essentials Where to buy your start-up kit – turn to page 78 to see exactly what you’ll need LAKESIDE NEEDLECRAFT www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk ☎ 0161 505 1910 For kits, accessories, cards & more MADEIRA www.barnyarns.co.uk ☎ 01765 690069 For fabrics, threads & accessories MARIES CROSS STITCH www.mariescrossstitch.co.uk ☎ 01376 777017 For kits, fabrics, threads & accessories Ready, set, shop! SEW-IT-ALL www.sewitall.com ☎ 01280 821777 For a range of unique fabrics & accessories – home of Fabric Flair THE WORLD OF CROSS STITCHING SUBSCRIPTIONS www.buysubscriptions.com/world ☎ 0333 016 2137 ZWEIGART www.zweigart.de For fabrics, buy in the…

“I hope you’ll enjoy stitching this set as much as I’ve loved designing it. I’ve used a limited selection of thread shades in whole cross stitch only to try to bring the comic book-style typography to life with phrases that are apt for birthdays and more. ”DESIGNER EMMA CONGDON Uplifting Messages key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 50 high x 50 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9x9cm (3½x3½in) STITCHED BY Angela Ottewell These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton “I can see myself stitching this entire set for friends. It’ll take no time at all to whip one of these up and they make great good luck and just-because cards, or you could make a mini canvas for someone who needs a boost.”FIONA, SENIOR TECHNICAL EDITOR TOP TIP…

Congratulations Cards key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 49 high x 53 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9x9.5cm (3½x3¾in) STITCHED BY Debbie Harding These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton “I don’t think anything melts the heart quite like a cute animal. I’ve designed these congratulations cards to have the extra “awwww” factor for those big moments, when it means the world to receive support and recognition.”DESIGNER RHONA NORRIE “Each of these cuties has such personality. I especially love the bunny with a briefcase – those floppy ears! The owl couple will be perfect for some friends that have just bought their first house together.”HANNAH, CHARTING ASSISTANT TOP TIP Practise your French knots on a scrap piece of fabric first – they’re easier than you think…

“With our fave hobby in mind, I wanted to create cards and tags in soft spring shades that you would want to stitch over and over. The scissors would make a fab Valentine’s card or the buttons could be for a new baby.”DESIGNER SUSAN BATES Stitchy Greetings key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 38 high x 48 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7x8.5cm (2¾x3½in) STITCHED BY Debbie Harding These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton…

The most wondrous of all mythical creatures is undoubtedly the unicorn. With a snow-white coat, flowing silvery mane and enchanted spiral horn, they’re a firm favourite with adults and children alike. Worked on a deep black fabric, and surrounded by Celtic-style knotwork, this enchanting design by legendary fantasy illustrator, Anne Stokes is so striking displayed in a 12in hoop that’s painted silver. Whilst it may appear a little daunting, we recommend you tackle this chart in bite-size sections and you’ll soon fly through it. You’ll also find it especially helpful to grid the black fabric in 10x10 squares to help count your stitches and, with so many similar thread colours, we suggest pre-sorting them before you begin too. Turn to page 16 for expert advice from Fiona Baker on the…

MAKE FOR YOUR HOME How to… display in a magnetic hanger 1 Iron and trim your stitching, leaving a 2cm (1in) border all around the outside edges. 2 Cut a piece of medium-weight iron-on interfacing the same size as your stitching, and iron onto the back. 3 Fold back the borders along the side edges of the stitching, using the row of holes as a guide. Use pins to hold in place. 4 Iron along the creases – the stiff interfacing helps it stay in position, creating a neat edge. 5 For extra hold in the magnetic hanging frame, you could put a strip of acid-free double-sided tape along the edge of one part of each hanger. 6 Line the hangers up with the top and bottom edges of your stitching…

Before you buy something new this season, why not have a go at a planet-friendly solution that’ll breathe new life into something you already own and adorn them with colourful blooms? The talented Perry Abdel-Hadi has designed 15 intricate motifs ideal for updating hats, scarfs, gloves, coats, jumpers or even socks. Worked on soluble canvas, which creates the grid pattern for you to cross stitch through and simply washes away with water when you’re finished, there’s a range of charts to choose from, and they’re easy to stitch too. If you’re new to this kind of make, turn to page 30 to read our helpful tutorial before you begin. The delicate designs make use of 22 well-chosen thread shades, but if you want to earn extra green credentials you could…

There’s nothing like wrapping yourself up warm and going for a brisk stroll along the dramatic Cornish coastline. Add in a majestic sunset, and you’ve got yourself a romantic evening that’s extra special. This is exactly the moment designer Emma Horan, of Emma Louise Art Stitch, has captured in her view of rolling dunes covered with snow – you just can’t help but gaze at the beauty of it, right out to the horizon with the setting sun. Can you feel that whip of the wind on your face as the sea grasses and reeds blow in the breeze? You’ll want to keep your eye on the key as you work an assortment of stitches including half cross stitch for the spectacular sky, as well as backstitch in both one…

STITCH BRIGHT GIFTS FOR KIDS TOP TIP Easily switch the shades of the letters to a favourite colour or to better coordinate with adjacent letters, like we have done TOP TIP Go to www.lovecrafts.com to find a handy chart to convert Paintbox Thread shades to both DMC and Anchor stranded cotton 3D ABC key MAX STITCH COUNT 25 high x 26 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4.5x4.5cm (1¾x1¾in) STITCHED BY Stephanie D’Este These designs were stitched using Paintbox Crafts stranded cotton Shopping list × Zweigart* 14-count white aida measuring 35x27cm (14x11in) (or 10x10cm (4x4in) for individual letters) × Paintbox Crafts stranded cotton as listed in the key from LoveCrafts* × Size 24 tapestry needle × Medium-weight iron-on interfacing, tassel, wooden dowel rod & ribbon for hanging of…

The UK’s No.1 ISSUE 342 ON SALE 27 DEC THE SMURFS Stitch up a Smurftastic gift for your one true love this Valentine’s Day PLUS MUCH MORE × Get part two of Durene Jones’ ‘Stitcher’s Paradise’ SAL × Herald spring with Amanda Butler’s snowdrop ABC × Design Library packed with 40 Fiona Baker blackwork motifs × Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts × Your stories, inspiration and letters…plus so much more MARGARET SHERRY HEDGEHOG CARD YOUR EXCLUSIVE GIFT Show someone how much they mean to you with an adorable stitched character card that comes sealed with a kiss. Your card kit includes: • White 14-count aida • 17 lengths of stranded cotton • Pretty card and envelope TO SUBSCRIBE 03330 162 147 CAN’T WAIT FOR NEXT ISSUE? Contents subject…

Party Set key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 68 high x 65 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 12.5x12cm (4¾x4½in) STITCHED BY Debbie Harding These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton on 28-count evenweave over two threads of the fabric “From cake and candles to presents and balloons, these animals know how to party. My cards are fun to stitch and perfect for little ones. Though I’m pretty sure most grownups I know would be thrilled to receive one too.”DESIGNER LUCIE HEATON “These elephants are such lovable characters with their rosy cheeks. It’s a fab set to say happy birthday or you could make the elephant with the balloons and the bunting to welcome a new arrival.”CLAIRE, CREATIVE DESIGN LEAD TOP TIP If you’re new to stitching and not…

Highland Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 38 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7cm (2¾x2¾in) Missed a chart? ISSUE 340 Mischievous Monty got himself all tangled up in the Christmas lights. ISSUE 339 Flossie honours the Jewish festival of Hanukkah as she lights her menorah. ISSUE 338 Grandad’s all dressed up in his military uniform to take part in Remembrance Day. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Monty mouse heads to the Highlands to celebrate the bright new year, and all the possibilities that it brings along with it, with a verse or two of Auld Lang Syne on the bagpipes. A lovely memento to stitch and wish loved ones a happy Hogmanay don’t you think?…

PART ONE Welcome to my new Stitch-A-Long, filled with all the crafty inspiration you need for the stitchy year ahead. With 12 parts in total – each featuring stash essentials in pretty pastel hues – you’ll collect a new section of the pattern every month and work at your own pace to create a stunning sampler to pay homage to your favourite hobby. I’m excited to see your work so please share photos of WIPs on our socials! Stitcher’s Paradise SAL key STITCH COUNT (FULL) 218 high x 157 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 39.5x28.5cm (15½x11¼in) STITCHED BY Karen Purnell This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton Guide to stitching your Stitch-A-Long (SAL) • To start stitching your SAL, make the top left stitch on the…

35 FAIR ISLE IDEAS Get cosy as you stitch up a storm with a collection of winter warmers designed by Maria Diaz × 35 quick-and-easy motifs × Maria Diaz’s design inspiration × Stitches for every skill level × Helpful tips and advice × Unique present ideas for your special someone HOME COMFORTS Tell someone how brrr-illiant you think they are with a personalised pressie. Stitch this adorable trio of penguins (24) on aida band to adorn a plain trinket box. WARM AND FUZZY FEELS We predict your hot chocs will taste so much better served in a cute custom-made mug hug. Select a motif to stitch in repeat (we picked 21) and patch onto felt. SNOW PLACE LIKE IT Everyone adores to receive thoughtful homemade cards. Fray the edges of…

MAKE TO CELEBRATE 2024 Whether you’ll see in the New Year with cross stitch or champagne (or both!), the endless possibility of a brand-new start certainly calls for celebration and our friends at Historical Sampler Company have created just the design. It’s bright, bold, and features an uplifting message that absolutely captures that most joyous feeling. Bursting with zesty lime and pretty pastels the design uses just whole stitches, making it the perfect project for beginners looking for a satisfying finish or more advanced stitchers who want a quick in between project. The typographical design is suitable for so many occasions too – the sampler would make a fitting gift for a new home or a new arrival to your tribe. The stylish design perfectly complements contemporary home interiors and…

Solve the clues then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell the name of a winter sport (7) ACROSS 1 Green vegetable (8) 5 Hot liquid rock that comes out of a volcano (4) 8 Metal loop hanging from a horse’s saddle (7) 9 Large group of fish (5) 11 Close (4) 12 Bubbly white wine (9) 15 Person who studies the environment and the natural world (9) 16 Hard round Dutch cheese (4) 19 Sound made by a pig (5) 21 Small wash cloth (7) 22 Connection (4) 23 On the outside (8) DOWN 1 Type of guitar (4) 2 Storage box for bedding (7) 3 Fall down (8) 4 Jot (4) 6 Concur (5) 7 Obvious (8) 10 Shining with a soft, warm light (5) 12…

“This collection has something for all the family – a showstopper cake, a classic car, glasses of fizz, and a potting shed for those green-fingered relatives. I chose a pastel palette but you could customise any of these designs to your taste.”DESIGNER DURENE JONES Birthday Wishes key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 59 high x 60 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 10.5x11cm (4¼x4¼in) STITCHED BY Debbie Hart These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton on 28-count even weave over two threads of the fabric How to… mount in an aperture card 1 Measure your card aperture, then cut out your stitching slightly larger than the aperture, with a minimum 1cm (½in) border. 2 Stick strips of double-sided tape around the aperture on the reverse side of the card, as…

“Bees are the most marvellous insects and are the inspiration for this sunny set. I wanted to create something vibrant and summery that’s versatile to suit a range of uses and celebrates all the hard work these busy creatures do. I hope they make you smile.”DESIGNER CHERYL MCKINNON Bee Collection key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 49 high x 49 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9x9cm (3½x3½in) STITCHED BY Ruth Murphy This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton How to… make a tag 1 Once you’ve finished stitching your design, cut out the fabric, leaving a two-block border all the way around the outer edge. 2 Carefully fray one block of the aida all around, using tweezers, to make the fringe. 3 Using acid-free double-sided tape, layer your design…