Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2025 i The World of Cross Stitching

Do you have a cuppa at the ready? Then cosy up and have a gentle browse of this issue. There’s so much to enjoy, from the fabulous charts (of course!) to the beautiful photography and readable bits (see what other stitchers have been up to on our Letters pages or find a special reader story on page 32, about stitching through tough times). Then, it’s time to decide what to stitch! For upcoming occasions, the sweet Forever Friends bears will be perfect for birthdays, anniversaries and Mother’s Day. We have International Women’s Day (8 March) covered with a full set of motifs that celebrate women and friendships – perfect for cards, badges and more. We knew our dozing doggy pillow from last issue would be a popular one and before…

Erin Brown is a journalist from East Lothian, Scotland Latest WOXS you’re working on? My current project, which I’m absolutely obsessed with, is Hannah Dale’s ‘Sledging Foxes’ from issue 352 (Dec 2024). I always love her patterns; the cute animals are my favourite to stitch! Favourite thing about cross stitch? My other hobbies are physical and demanding – I run marathons and have danced since the age of three, so cross stitching is great opportunity to switch off, sit down and relax! I usually watch a film or listen to an audiobook in the background. What was the last gift you stitched? I stitched a vase of roses in a pretty watercolour style for my grandparents’ 60th wedding anniversary and it’s now framed and hanging on their wall. It’s not…

Combining classic with cuteness, the Forever Friends bears are always a sight sure to raise smiles, especially with their cheeky antics. However, this one is surrounded by an array of blossoming buds in pretty pastel colours and we can only imagine how delicate it would look in your home as the season begins to turn over. As you’re working on this project, you will find that there are 25 colours used, so consistently check the key to ensure you’re using the correct shade. There are French knots used for some of the flowers’ centres and if you’re unfamiliar with how to do French knots, or would appreciate some tips and tricks, then turn to our Beginner’s Guide on page 78. We recommend practising on a scrap piece of fabric, but…

Ohh la la! We have now been transported Paris during the spring, or printemps as they say across the channel. The second part of Emma Congdon’s snow globe collection will have you envisioning yourself walking along the cherry blossom coated avenues, visiting landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe and eating fresh French pâtisserie. Although large in size, this is a great place for beginners to start developing their stitching skills. We suggest approaching the pattern in sections and completing the blocks of colour. There is minimal backstitch used for details on the building and figures, but take your time when working on these. The sky blue aida paints a picturesque sky across Paris, complemented by the fresh springtime colour scheme. Find ‘London Snow Globe’ in issue…

Curled up cosily on the sofa, this sweetly sleeping ginger tabby should not be disturbed. Cat owners are sure to appreciate this resting kitty – it will remind them of their feline friend, but at least a cushion can’t get up to any mischief! Heather Nugent’s latest design follows on from our dozing doggy in the previous issue, so it’s time to give that little puppy a new companion having a catnap. The cushion is stitched on 11-count aida using three stands for fuller coverage on the larger fabric weave. Something to be mindful of is your needle size – 11-count requires a size 22 tapestry needle. With the abundance of gingery threads, there are a lot of shades to keep track of, so consistently refer to the key to…

GET IN TOUCH FOR STITCHING HELP Don’t forget to send all your stitchy questions and design requests in to us! Email us at: theworldofxstitching@ourmedia.co.uk Send in queries via Facebook too: @The World of Cross Stitching Write to: Ask the Experts, The World of Cross Stitching, Our Media Ltd, Eagle House, Bristol BS1 4ST Raising money for charity Q Could you tell me where I can find hedgehog designs for cards please? I’m raising money for a hedgehog rescue charity and want to sell some at a local craft market. Penny Lloyd, via Facebook A Hannah: We love these adorable ‘Mr. Hedgehog’ designs by Durene Jones*. The four card-sized designs are available from her Etsy shop to download for £5.00. Each one measures 10x10cm (4x4in) when worked on 14- or 28-count fabric, and…

PRIZES worth £1,032 PRIZES WORTH £260 Childhood adventures 7 UP FOR GRABS! The brand-new selection of kits from Luca-S* includes this beautifully nostalgic design, ‘The Adventure of the Little Ones’ (RRP £37.13). Aimed at intermediate to advanced stitchers, this delightful pattern will bring you hour upon hour of joy as you gradually build up a sweet, vintage-style scene of two children in a little cart, surrounded by flowers and adorable spring animals. Each kit includes everything you need to stitch, including 100% cotton 16-count aida, 54 thread shades, printed colour chart and needles. We have seven to giveaway, courtesy of Luca-S. You can see the full range of their fabulous new designs for 2025 at www.luca-s.com. TO ENTER Visit our website www.gathered.how/woxs PRIZES WORTH £250 Pockets of fun 25 UP…

EMMA CONGDON Who doesn’t love a snow globe? Hot on the heels of her Christmassy London design, Emma has hopped to Paris for a springtime shower of pink blossom (p28). AMANDA BUTLER Amanda‘s coastal sunset (p20), with a puffin and lighthouse beams bursting from the frame, will be a labour of love! Find more of her charts on our Etsy store, too. MOLLIE JOHANSON When you’re after something cute and cheerful, Mollie’s fun kawaii designs are just the thing. This issue she has created a fun cupcake sampler (p71).…

Safe spaces PICK OF THE MONTH YOUR LITTLE HIDEAWAY We all have that one place in our home that we call ours – whether it’s a designated craft space, our makeshift library or the kitchen where we can cook our troubles away, why not honour it with stitches? FuzzyFoxDesigns* on Etsy has created three deceivingly simple designs suited for intermediate stitchers with half stitches, French knots and moderate backstitch. Each chart arrives as a PDF pattern ready for you to get stuck in straight away to decorate the door, the shelf, the wall, the placement possibilities are endless! Be sure to visit Rachel’s Etsy shop for more bright, minimalistic designs to inspire you on your next colourful make. SAFE THIS SPRING Tired of constantly cycling through new needles because you…

ISSUE 357 ON SALE 19 FEB Gonks are for Easter fun too! Stitch a colourful hanging, based on an illustration by Helz Cuppleditch PLUS MUCH MORE ✘ Easter bonnet Design Library – over 30 fab motifs! ✘ Stitch a rainy day scene for a colourful tote bag ✘ The next segment of our ‘A Year of Joy’ SAL ✘ Your cross stitching queries answered by our experts ✘ Your stories, inspiration & letters… plus much more PUFFIN BOOKMARK STITCH KIT We’ve fallen in love with these iconic and friendly birds and we just know you’ll love stitching this beautiful coastal scene, made up of whole and half stitches with backstitch detail. The perfect companion for your latest read, or make him into a card for a friend! Your bookmark gift…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 03330 162 137† ✘ Issue 355, February 2025 Revel in the first part of Margaret Sherry’s seasonal cat SAL and transport yourself back in time to the Regency era with a dashing couple. Turn on the kettle and get cosy with a ‘Time for Tea’ quilt hoop design and delight loved ones with adorable red panda cards by Maria Diaz. Celebrate the arrival of the newest addition with a nursery hanging and doze off with a little pup. Your gift: Balloon heart card by Angela Poole ✘ Issue 354, Jan Floral rose pouch, Entwined dragons in a heart, frosty winter sampler, tasty cheeseboard ABC, stunning asymmetrical hoop and a cosy caravan ✘ Issue 353, Spec 3D gnome decoration, Elmer out in the snow, East Asian-inspired triptych, snowy London…

We are The World of Cross Stitching and we want our magazine to reflect the world we live in. We’re committed to creating content that is inclusive and celebrates the diversity of the cross stitch community. Stitching is for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, faith, culture, age, disability, sexual orientation or gender identity. We have begun work on a plan to drive meaningful change, but we know it’s a work in progress. We want to listen to you, our readers. If you have any questions or thoughts, get in touch at theworldofxstitching@ourmedia.co.uk…

Gifts available with print edition only. Overseas gift may vary. How to… make a tassel 1 Create a tassel using the remaining blue thread. When you’ve finished stitching, take your six unused blue lengths and wind them around a 4.5cm (1¾) wide piece of cardboard, starting with the strand ends lined up at one edge of the card. 2 Snip off a short length from the remaining length of blue thread and use it to tie a double knot through the top of the wound lengths. 3 Remove the threads from the cardboard, then wrap the rest of the spare thread length around the bundle towards the top end. 4 Tie off the wrapped thread tightly, then use a needle to hide the ends into the tassel. 5 Snip through the loops…

Transport yourself to a breathtaking coastline at sunset with this illustrative piece of art made entirely with cross stitch. Amanda Butler’s latest design is of a puffin taking flight and soaring straight out of the frame for an immersive quality, with a towering lighthouse shining its bright light to guide passing ships safely home. As this is a densely worked pattern that extends around the edges of the canvas, it is best suited for experienced stitchers. However, don’t shy away from the difficulty of the design, as those looking to stretch their skills are more than capable of taking on this large project – remember to take breaks to rest your eyes and work on smaller projects for a sense of completion. Prop the finished design on an easel ready…

ON SALE NOW! JUST £9.99* inc free UK P&P WHAT’S INSIDE! ✘ 132 pages of cross stitch inspiration ✘ Find wildlife, flowers, scenic views & more ✘ Make cards, pictures, gifts & home décor Order your copy today! ORDER ONLINE www.ourmediashop.com/xstitchnature24 OR CALL 03330 162 138+ and quote ‘Ultimate Cross Stitch Nature 2024’ +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.…

While often unnoticed compared to butterflies, moths can also be turned into pretty portraits for your home, especially this folk art style moth designed by Jenny Barton. Moths symbolise transformation, inspiration and are always drawn to light, which is why the muted colour scheme works well to highlight the beauty of this winged creature. Worked on cream evenweave for a vintage look, there’s a backstitched border using two strands of white thread to complement the details on the wings. While the majority of this design is worked in whole stitch, keep your eyes peeled for the fractionals – this pattern is a good place for stitchers who are interested in learning a new technique. We opted for an earthy green-grey frame to make the soft colours stand out more, but…

Hello all! March has arrived and it means we’ll be seeing a lot of seasonal flowers beginning to bloom, such as the most notable, the daffodil. Symbolising new birth, hope and joy, the daffodil is well recognised for its buttery petals which stand out in budding bouquets. Plus, revel in the birth of young animals such as lambs and chicks, reminding us that spring is truly on its way. Find all the information you need to stitch the third part of the SAL on these pages. Don’t worry if you missed the first two parts and the border, you still have time to join us! You can turn to page 80 for for details on how to order back issues. Happy stitching! Guide to stitching your Stitch-A-Long (SAL) • The…