Innholdsfortegnelse for August 2025 i The World of Cross Stitching

Every issue I wonder if this is my favourite one of the year yet but it’s so hard to choose. In this August issue we’re feeling the summer vibes, even if the weather in your part of the world isn’t quite there yet! There are some absolute stunners to get your needle into, including our fun cover star, a ballerina giraffe, by Durene Jones, a beautiful cottage garden by Carol Thornton, a peaceful beach view by Fiona Baker and a brand-new colourful unicorn from Meloca Designs. You won’t have missed this stunning parrot either – we’ve teamed up with Bothy Threads to bring you their very latest chart, based on an original illustration by Rachel Froud. There are plenty of smaller designs too, including a Design Library packed with luxury…

Most recent fave WOXS design? The ‘Blackwork Dolphin’ from issue 357 (April 2025). I love how there are designs that are not only cross stitch and I love this series with the sea animals. I intend to make all four of them and put them in my hallway. Which three words describe you best? Smart, relaxed and a yoga-addict What is your idea of cross stitch heaven? When it is cold and raining outside, sitting in my regular spot on the couch, good lighting, a nice cup of hot chocolate, a piece of fudge and a challenging cross stitch pattern. What drives you mad about cross stitching? I think everybody relates when you make a mistake and not notice for a while, then having to undo a lot of stitching.…

When a garden is in full bloom, we can only step back and appreciate its beauty, all the while noting what flowers are present in creating such a breathtaking collection of pretty petals. Artist Carol Thornton, who paints her ideas before converting them into a cross stitch chart, has brought a blossoming meadow in a dream cottage’s back garden to life with stitches. Isn’t it picturesque? You’ll be kept on your toes with the confetti-style stitches and multiple colour changes in this large and dense piece. However, don’t let that deter you to take on a challenge. If your heart is set on this as one of your first big patterns, the basic stitch types make it a good project to improve and hone your skills. Finished in a violet…

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…

CAROL THORNTON One of our most established designers, Carol, paints her designs first before turning them into charts. In this issue, escape to a picture perfect cottage garden! MEGAN CAINES Megan from Meloca Designs’ colourful creatures are always popular and this issue we’ve gone mythical with a pretty unicorn pattern you’ll love. CHERYL MCKINNON We sent Cheryl on an imaginary luxury holiday with this issue’s Design Library – you’ll find hot tubs, jetskis and sunshine, so you can dream while you stitch!…

This brand-new, wonderfully bright and bold creation in Meloca Designs’ mesmerising mandala style is sure to stand out from the crowd. The bright patterns and pastel colour palette in this unicorn’s mane will make both the stitching and displaying of this work of art a real delight. The whole piece promises to be an easy-to-follow chart to immerse yourself in, with neat blocks of stitching and simple patterns. While designer Megan Caines’ recognisable style is animal faces, for this project she’s gone with a side view of a majestic unicorn to help the colourful mane and proud horn stand out. It’s a great project to take on for a young fan of magical beasts, as well as a wonderful way to brighten up your own living space. We stitched this…

ON SALE NOW! JUST £9.99* inc free UK P&P WHAT’S INSIDE! 132 pages of cross stitch inspiration Elegant designs to suit every occasion Cushions, clocks and pictures for your home Order your copy today! ORDER ONLINE www.ourmediashop.com/ultimatecrossstitchflowers25 OR CALL 03330 162 138+ and quote ‘‘Ultimate Cross Stitch flowers 25 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 for orders and enquiries. 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. Order today!…

Crafty card making Q I am wondering where I may be able to source notebooks with small apertures in the front cover to insert a small cross stitch? I don’t want to patch a design onto the front cover as they are for people interested in gardening, so want to protect it. Gayle O’Dwyer, via email A Hannah: What a great idea, Gayle! Whilst we can’t find a specific item like you describe, you could always consider making your own by simply cutting an aperture shape in the cover of your notebook of choice. Attach the stitching to the inside of the cover like you would an aperture card, affixing it in place with acid-free double-tape around the aperture edges. You could also make a protective cover over the aperture using…

Under the sea PICK OF THE MONTH BEAUTIFUL CREATURES Let your needle swim with marine life with PuntiniPuntiniStore's* ‘Sea Animal Trio’. Featuring an adorable sea turtle, magnificent blue whale and friendly octopus, this set would bring whimsy and joy to a budding aquatic enthusiast’s bedroom wall.Paola has chosen to stitch the designs on ‘The Beach’ 32-count linen by Mani di Donna, but you are more than welcome to personalise the designs by using your own aida fabric – why not get creative and paint your own! We're sure it'll go swimmingly. This set is available in selected UK and US online cross stitch shops, or you can purchase it on Paola’s Etsy store as a digital download. TIME FOR TEA For anyone who loves a brew, then ‘Strawberry Teapot’ by…

PRIZES worth £669! PRIZES WORTH £284 Simply Gorjuss 8 UP FOR GRABS! There isn’t a more perfect time to start your summer stitching than now, especially with this magical cross stitch design! ‘Ray Of Light’ (£35.49) from the brand-new Bothy Threads* Gorjuss collection by Santoro is already proving to be a fan favourite, especially for the delicate details and the shimmering metallics used in the design and we’re ecstatic to announce that we have kits available for eight lucky winners. Worked on 14-count full colour printed aida, the kit comes with pre-sorted stranded cottons, metallic threads, gold beads, needle, clear stitch diagram and instructions. TO ENTER Visit our website www.gathered.how/woxs PRIZES WORTH £250 Seaside stitches Whether you’re one for swapping out seasonal décor from spring to summer, or enjoy having an…

CALL THE HOTLINE TODAY 03330 162 137† × Issue 360, July 2025 Take a trip to the seaside with an exclusive All Our Yesterdays beach scene and make novelty tennis motifs by Fiona Baker for fun at a garden party. Fly over to vibrant Rio de Janeiro in the next part of the snow globe series, all the while stitching Perry Abdel-Hadi’s fun shoe cards – perfect for all occasions. Wander through a woodland, or get up and hike with our Design Library. Your gift: Friendship sunflower card × Issue 359, Jun Blue bobbin organiser, dynamic doggie by Wrendale Designs, pretty puzzle heart, fruity bookmark corners, rustic garden hanging, and vintage dresses cards × Issue 358, May Double card kit pack, Sweet garden fairy, cute capybaras, delicate bluebell set, vibrant funfair cards,…

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…

Anchor Card key STITCH COUNT 50 high x 43 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 9x8cm (3½x3in) DESIGNED BY Emma Congdon STITCHED BY Fiona Baker This design was stitched using stranded cotton from your coverkit. If you don’t have the kit, you can still stitch this with the threads from your stash! Inside your kit… Here are the colours and number of lengths of thread Blue x3 Light blue x2 Brown x2 Light brown x2 Dark green x2 Green x1 Dark blue x3 Orange x2 Pink x2 Mint green x1 Total: 20 lengths TOP TIP This whole stitch-only pattern is great for kids to try too – let your little one stitch it again on 11-count aida for a fun first project Factbox Stitching Time Approx. 7 hours…

This breathtaking ocean view of blue skies and clear water will transport you through a porthole view to a sandy shore from the comfort of our own home. It’s the ideal scene for a well-needed getaway to relax, unwind and soothe the soul. Fiona Baker’s latest design includes dense detail, all the while fitting perfectly inside a 7in embroidery hoop for display. The repetitive white backstitch creates the flowy net curtains, though make sure to stitch this last so it sits on top of the other stitches. While two strands of backstitch is used for the curtain ties, you could also get creative and make mini tassels instead for a tactile, and fun, 3D effect. Painted in white to create a neutral hoop display for any coloured wall, you could…

Stitching the natural world is a wonderful way to work with a beautiful colour palette as well as feel the peace that only nature can bring. Designed by Bothy Threads, based on artwork by Rachel Froud, this brand-new scarlet macaw design, with its popping red feathers and friendly features is a must-stitch! Artist Rachel Froud’s portfolio visually captures a wide range of creatures in rich colours, both true to life shades and fantastical alternative hues. More of her artwork is available in stunning stitching patterns through Bothy Threads, too. Take note – the first column in our symbols key is usually the brand used to stitch the design, however this pretty parrot is stitched in a mix of thread brands. Have fun experimenting with different shades you might not have…

Hello all, August has now arrived on our calendars! It’s the perfect opportunity for some al fresco stitching, all the while enjoying a delicious cocktail in the final weeks of summer. Do you have a go-to drink while you soak in the sun? I’ve chosen a garnished martini with ice and a slice! This month also makes me think of seaside adventures, watching boats and their brightly coloured sails fluttering in the wind as they voyage over the horizon. Have you been taking progress photos as you’ve been working on the SAL, or waiting for when it’s finished before you share your hard work with loved ones? Let us know via email, or our socials. Happy stitching! Guide to stitching your Stitch-A-Long (SAL) • The key and Shopping List includes…

BOTHY THREADS www.bothythreads.com ☎ 01900 828844 DMC www.dmc.com ☎ 01924 371501 DURENE J CROSS STITCH www.DureneJCrossStitch.etsy.com HERITAGE CRAFTS www.hcrafts.com ☎ 01889 575256 HOBBYCRAFT www.hobbycraft.co.uk ☎ 0330 026 1400 LAKESIDE NEEDLECRAFT www.lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk ☎ 0161 505 1910 LIVINGONTHERAINBOW www.livingontherainbow.etsy.com LUCA-S www.luca-s.com LUCIE HEATON www.lucieheaton.com MAKEBOX & CO. www.makebox.co NURGE www.nurge.net ☎ 01594 546464 PAST IMPRESSIONS www.past-impressions.co.uk ☎ 01752 936201 PIGEONCOOPDESIGNS www.pigeoncoopdesigns.etsy.com PUNTINIPUNTINISTORE www.puntinipuntinistore.etsy.com SEARCH PRESS www.searchpress.com ☎ 01892 510 850 STITCHER www.stitcher.co.uk ☎ 0161 464 7310 STITCHFINITY www.stitchfinity.com STITCHTASTIC www.stitchtastic.com ☎ 0114 3830333 TUVA PUBLISHING Available from Waterstones, as listed WATERSTONES www.waterstones.com ZWEIGART Available from Lakeside Needlecraft, as listed Key: Contact to find your local stockist Purchase direct by phone or online…