Innholdsfortegnelse for February 2024 i The World of Cross Stitching

TOP TIP To make, trim stitching, leaving atwo-square border, and fray the outer block of aida with tweezers. Back with white paper and use doublesided tape to patch onto the card Hedgehog key STITCH COUNT 44 high x 39 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 8x7cm (3¼x2¾in) ILLUSTRATION CONVERTED BY Fiona Baker STITCHED BY Laura Boyter This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit Gifts available with print edition only. Overseas gift may vary. Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread White x2 Light peach x2 Dark red x2 Peach x2 Grey x2 Dark grey x2 Light grey x3 Red x2 Total: 17 lengths Practice your backstitch Factbox × Stitching Time Approx. 8 hours × Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch,…

CHOOSE YOUR ESSENTIALS… Start with these must-have items FABRICS Most stitchers start off using aida – a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares by a grid of holes, making it an ideal fabric for beginners. Each cross stitch is worked over one square. Or you may prefer evenweave, which is also woven in a grid but in a finer count. Each cross stitch is usually worked over two threads of the fabric (shown below), making it the equivalent size to stitching on aida (eg. 28-count evenweave would produce the same size finish as 14-count aida). Fractional stitches are easier to work on evenweave, as there’s a central hole spare so you don’t need to split a block as you do for aida. THREADS You’ll need stranded cotton – this…

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…

Put down your needle and pick up a pen to complete our crossword and sudoku puzzles Solve the clues then rearrange the letters in the shaded squares to spell the name of a dog breed (7) ACROSS 1 Root vegetable (6) 5 Shy (5) 8 Wealthy (4) 9 Prize cup (6) 10 Force (5) 11 Travel document (4) 12 Golden anniversary (8) 13 Erase (6) 15 Gesture (6) 18 In recent times (8) 20 Choose (4) 21 Accurate (5) 22 Layered cream cake (6) 23 Speed contest (4) 24 Flavour (5) 25 Tune (6) DOWN 2 Plane company (7) 3 Find a substitute for (7) 4 Attempt (3) 5 Wild plant with purple flowers (7) 6 Syrup made from tree sap (5) 7 Sea mammal (7) 12 Enemy (3) 13…

Since first appearing in comic books, The Smurfs have got up to all sorts of mischief and escapades – and is there a greater adventure than love? The whimsical charm of the little blue characters certainly makes a wonderful gift to stitch. Whether you’re presenting your finish to a romantic partner or best friend that means the world, or perhaps you simply wish to keep it all for yourself, this design is perfect for a feel-good boost, no matter what the occasion. Fans of the original The Smurfs TV series will enjoy recreating the sketchy effect of the drawings you know and love. The solid colours make this an easy stitch, but with black backstitch lines in both one and two strands, make sure that you remember to refer to…

Most likely you’ve heard the phrase ‘ladies who lunch’ – and it certainly looks like this is what’s occurring in this scene. It’s a picture that could have fallen straight out of the pages of a historical novel, or even seen in a modern period drama! All dressed up in their finery with colourful flowing skirts and detailed bodices, these ladies are sure to be catching up on all the latest society news. We can’t help but try to listen in as the tea is served – in the finest bone china, of course. Bring the scene to life in your own home using 28 different colours in gloriously vintage shades, along with a dash of metallic thread. The golden shimmer adds a touch of sophistication to proceedings on the…

With their striking long horns, shaggy coat and fluffy fringe, it’s easy to see why Highland cows hold a special place in many of our hearts. This issue, the gentle creature is the latest animal to receive a very special Meloca Designs makeover. Worked entirely in simple whole stitches and made up of Megan’s effective repeat patterns that we know and love, you’ll find your mind becomes so absorbed in the process of stitching, you’ll switch off from all your everyday worries, one stitch at a time. The graphical pattern is brought to life in 20 hues, but in fact, this is the perfect design to use up any leftover threads you may have lingering in your stash to create a stitch that is completely unique to you. What better…

The British Isles has a lot to offer. From stunning scenery and architectural feats to lush countryside and bustling cities, and, of course, the diverse people calling it home. Now you can shout about your own love of the country in this eye-catching map design by Jennifer Kimmitt, who’s making her debut in The World of Cross Stitching! Using just four thread shades, Jennifer has managed to creatively represent our well-known shores and dotted the surrounding seas with an assortment of French knots. Fear not if you’re yet to master them – this is your perfect opportunity to practise your skills. To help hide any threads trailing across the back of the fabric, we suggest backing the fabric with iron-on interfacing before you begin stitching. This also adds an extra…

Whether you’re keeping your fingers crossed for a surprise romantic rendezvous to Paris this Valentine’s Day or perhaps a visit to that little French restaurant in town, these ornate love letters will certainly get you in the mood for love. With popular romantic French phrases on each of the designs and a striking colour scheme inspired by the native flag, these cards are the perfect way to let someone special know how you feel. And don’t stop at stitching just the one, you can spread love all around this Valentine’s Day, celebrating those special gal pals that really are the crème de la crème! Faby’s designs are aimed at advanced stitchers looking for a challenge as you’ll need to work couching stitch. Don’t worry if you haven’t worked this stitch…

Babies grow and develop at an amazing speed during their first year – from a small bundle in your arms to a little person that can smile, crawl, chatter and more. In an age where our phones are never far from our side, we’re lucky enough to be able to record many of these special moments to look back on and treasure forever. Now new parents can add a crafty touch to these special photos with Durene Jones’ sweet stitched postcards to mark nine of the most important events in baby’s first year – from their first holiday to their first Eid, Easter, Christmas and more. Worked in whole stitches only with some backstitch in one and two strands for definition, you’ll find it won’t take you long to whip…

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 UK…

Lunar New Year Mouse key STITCH COUNT 40 high x 37 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 7.5x7cm (2¾x2½in) Missed a chart? ISSUE 341 Monty the Highland mouse is having a jolly good time playing the bagpipes! ISSUE 340 Mischievous Monty gets himself all tangled up in the Christmas lights. ISSUE 339 Flossie honours the Jewish festival of Hanukkah as she lights her menorah. For back issues, call ☎ 03330 162 137 or visit http://bit.ly/1NwX3Rv Lunar New Year falls on 10 February this year and Flossie for one can’t wait to see what the Year of the Dragon has in store for her. With her traditional outfit and lantern in red (the colour of luck), who will you stitch her for to bring happiness for the year ahead?…

Lakeside Needlecraft is a family run, UK-based business, selling all the fundamentals of stitching including thread ranges, patterns & charts, fabrics, hoops, cross stitch kits, embellishments and much more! We also now stock the full range of Heritage Crafts and Dimensions charts. Why not start your collection of DMC stranded thread by joining our DMC 500 thread club. You can collect the full set over either 18 or 25 months making it so easy to gather an amazing range of colours. You get a stitchy gift every 3 months too! We have a monthly Fabric Club, offering plain and sparkly versions of our exclusive fabric in 6 counts and 3 sizes. At Lakeside Needlecraft we are all crafters so we can assist you with any queries, take orders over phone,…

These gorgeous mini hangings are simply bursting at the seams with happiness and love, and they’re sew easy to make, too! They are the perfect present for someone in need of a pick-me-up – you could even pack them with lavender or add a few of drops of essential oil to the stuffing to make a sweet-smelling decoration or drawer freshener. Choose from six thoughtful messages stitched onto delicate linen fabric, each taking just a few hours from start to finish. The patterns use 13 different colours in muted shades, but they’re simple to exchange for threads of your choice – perhaps opt for your recipient’s favourite, to show just how much you care. When you’ve completed your stitching, use the template and our handy tutorial on page 26 to…

40 BLACKWORK IDEAS Try your hand at this classic technique with our stylish mini gifts and cards designed by Fiona Baker × 40 quick-and-easy motifs × Fiona Baker’s design inspiration × Stitches for every skill level × Helpful tips and advice × Unique present ideas for your special someone GROWN WITH LOVE This March brings both International Women’s Day and Mother’s Day, so use this leaf pattern (8) to wrap around plant pots to gift to all the special ladies you hold dear. SIMPLY BEE-UTIFUL Stitch this bee and honeycomb motif (18) to make a hexagon padded hanging filled with dried lavender – it’s bees’ favourite plant after all. SIMPLY PURR-FECT Give stitching on perforated paper a go with this frame design (4) for your fave photo. Attach ribbon on…

Tell us about yourself… I have lived in various places around the UK, but I was born in, and now live in, beautiful Whitley Bay in North East England with my husband Jonnie, dog Morris and cat Delilah. I adore being able to see the sea from our bedroom window, spend the morning on the beach with the dog, and the odd North Sea swim in summer with friends. How did you begin stitching? My love for crafting comes from my gran and nana. When I would stay at their houses, knitting and stitching were our go-to activity. As a teen, crafting fell by the wayside a bit, but I developed trichotillomania (a condition that causes me to impulsively pull my hair out) which led to a lot of self-consciousness…

Pocket Hug key STITCH COUNT 26 high x 26 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4.5x4.5cm (1¾x1¾in) STITCHED BY Lisa Draycott This design was stitched using DMC stranded cotton TOP TIP If you enjoy stitching using a hoop, this 2in hoop is likely to be too fiddly to stitch with. Use a slightly larger one, then trim the fabric down Easy-make gift Factbox × Stitching Time Approx. 3 hours × Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch × Ease of Stitching Beginner Meet Jenny Barton JB Cross Stitch “My little pocket hug is a perfect quick stitch to gift to a family member or friend. I’m going to stitch one for each of my daughters and change the background on one to blue which is my eldest daughter’s favourite colour.” www.jbcrossstitch.com…

MAKE MATCHING CARD AND TAG SETS TOP TIP Look online for coasters, trinket boxes, pocket mirrors or keyrings with spaces to insert your stitching for heartfelt gift ideas Snowdrop ABC key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 22 high x 25 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 4x4.5cm (1½x1¾in) STITCHED BY Stephanie D’Este These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton Shopping list × DMC* 14-count metallic flecked blue (800) aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design × Stranded cotton as listed in the key × Size 24 tapestry needle × Aperture card, single-fold card, tag, ribbon and acid-free double-sided tape of your choice from local stores *For stockists see page 82 So fast to finish Factbox × Stitching Time Approx. 3-4 hours each × Type of Stitches Cross stitch, backstitch…