Table of contents for Special Cross Stitch Flowers in Cross Stitch Crazy

Come and stroll through the beautiful vistas inside this issue; walk under the scented arbours and through the gardens with their vibrant borders, stopping only to arrange a beautiful display in a vase for the windowsill. We all love to give and receive flowers, they fit almost any occasion and there’s no better way to tell someone you’re thinking of them than to stitch them a beautiful flowers card. From the simple tulip and papery blossom to the ornate lily, all our favourites are here. We get to know and enjoy our seasons by them too, from the poppy in summertime to the show of spring blooms we look forward to each year. They come in all forms here, seen in the Tiffany windows-inspired cards and sketchbook botanicals by Amanda…

Teatime is the most important part of the day. Even if you drink tea all day long, it’s great when a friend pops over unexpectedly and you can take a break from whatever you’re doing to sit down and enjoy a natter over a proper pot for two. A nice tea cosy really adds to the sense of occasion, and folk art design makes a really vibrant look for your tea set. The tea cosy is symmetrical in its design, but not symmetrical in colour, it’s good to mix things up! The entire tea set is abstract in style, with bright, vibrant colours and folk art hearts, flowers and birds too. The motifs are really striking. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24…

Be it savouring the bright sunshine of a glorious spring morning, or just getting away from it all with a relaxing cup of tea, Lesley’s uplifting pattern is a great way to add positivity to your daily routine. Just think – next time you’re rushing around and look up to check the time, you’ll be greeted by a selection of sunny blooms in your favourite stitch, which is surely a poetic prompt to appreciate all those little things we take for granted. With a soft, muted colour palette worked in simple whole cross stitches and backstitch, you can relax and unwind as you bring each pretty flower to life. And, as you work your way round the sweet selection of flora, decorated here and there with contented bumble bees, your…

The magic of the new season is clear to see in this design, from the sunshine shades of freshly picked daffodils to the soft plumage and inquisitive pose of the little blue tit down below. Tied with gingham ribbon, this beautiful bouquet is just waiting for its lucky recipient, but who will it be? You’ll use a bright palette of yellows, greens and purples to work this piece, which sings against a background of crisp white aida, and don’t forget the delicate delft blues for the little bird. Half cross stitch grounds the scene, while backstitch and fractionals help to create the allimportant detail in every petal and feather. What a joy from start to finish – just like spring itself! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in…

It must be said that rabbits are well known for eating their way through tulips, but this one simply looks pleased to be among them. We’re just hoping he’s not hungry yet – we’d hate to spoil the gorgeous display! Most of Lesley’s design is worked in whole cross stitch, with only six fractionals used to make the rabbit’s eye a more realistic shape. It’s a fairly straightforward stitch that intermediate stitchers will enjoy – just make sure you keep track of the various shades of green! We’ve chosen a pine frame but you can choose a mount and a frame that complements the colours in this design, such as light blue, pink or red, if you prefer. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle:…

These adorable characters would make a beautiful set of cards to stitch and hand out to all of your friends and family. They’ll be great for summer birthdays, garden party invitations or thank you cards – in fact, they are perfect for any occasion. Cats, dogs, hedgehogs and mice, surrounded by flowers and butterfly friends, create this essential stitching collection for the months ahead. And, whatever the time of the year, they make fun projects to stitch. Stitch the cat holding a bunch of flowers as a Valentine’s Day card, or the mice enjoying a smooch underneath a daisy for a pair of newlyweds. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida, measuring 20x15cm (7¾x6in) for each design…

Stained glass is such a fantastic medium and you’ll find stitching in this style very uplifting. Seeing the way that real stained glass glows so beautifully inspired designer Ursula to try to capture that same light in cross stitch. This collection of six floral greetings is inspired by the intricacies of Tiffany glass, which was produced by Louis Comfort Tiffany in his studios during the late 1800s. He mastered new processes that gave his glass richer textures and colours than other glass at that time, which is why his glassmaking techniques have survived to this day. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 16-count white aida measuring 20x15cm (8x6in) for each design Extras: Craft Creations oval aperture (AP01U), large oblong…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design Extras: Ribbon and handmade or shop-bought gift tags of your choice Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 2 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Level: Advanced beginner How to make a gift tag 1 Once you’ve finished stitching your design, cut it out, leaving two or three squares of aida all the way around the edge. 2 Carefully fray one block of the aida all the way around, using tweezers, to make the fringe. 3 Using double-sided tape, layer your design onto a piece of white paper slightly smaller than the aida. This stops show-through of the coloured card. Then…

With over 40 floral motifs to delight gardeners and flower-loving pals alike there are charts here to please all stitchers from beginners to pros. With plenty of easy gift ideas to choose from, you’ll soon be stitching the perfect pressie you know will make that special someone smile. The entire collection has the feel of a classic English country garden. There are familiar blooms that we see in our back gardens through spring and summer and there are exotic florals as well – just imagine that this particular country garden had its own tropical greenhouse! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs Extras: All items handmade or available from local craft…

Tip Have a few needles already threaded with different colours to make the shading easier You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 14 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 20x20cm (8x8in) for each design Extras: Mill Hill seed beads Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 15 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots, beads Level: Intermediate Iris for January Thought to represent faith, hope and wisdom, stitch this beauty for someone whom you admire for their courage, which is another quality given to the iris flower. Heart wreath for February We all know roses symbolise love and perfection, and are the popular choice for Valentine’s, but did you know that tulips stand for perfect love, and carnations mean…

Quarter The chart shows which corner the fractional stitch occupies. Bring the needle up in that corner and take it down in the centre of the square, halfway across the diagonal (diagram 1). Three-quarters Following on from the quarter stitch, make a half stitch across the other diagonal of the square, from corner to corner (diagram 2). Take care because three-quarter stitches can face in any direction. Two symbols When two symbols share a square, work a fractional in each colour – a three-quarter stitch in the main colour and a quarter stitch in the background colour (diagram 3). Back-to-back If you want to draw a strong outline, work a three-quarter stitch in each colour and stitch them back-to-back. Make sure that the two half stitches lie neatly parallel to…

Intended to reflect a designer’s sketchbook, these country blooms have the style of pencil drawings and watercolours painted in a sketchbook. Designed by Amanda, she says this picture closely resembles her own sketchbook, which is always close at hand in summer, a time when she is at her most creative. Three different kinds of roses are captured in stitches, as well as beautiful foxgloves and daisies for extra interest. With lots of delicate detail to retain your interest, this will be a therapeutic stitch as you while away the evenings immersed in your design and reflecting on the beauty of our countryside. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave, measuring 53x41cm (21x16in) Extras: Canvas, measuring 33x25cm (13x10in)…

The story of the dreamcatcher begins with the ancient legend of a tribe who believed that these magical webs, woven onto willow hoops, would filter out bad dreams and allow only good thoughts to enter our minds while we sleep. What better way to weave one of these enchanted talisman than with a needle and thread? Our design is worked on 28-count antique white evenweave to give it a delightfully delicate finish, and to make all those little fractionals a breeze! In soft pastel shades, this pretty hanging is a lovely addition to any bedroom – simple to finish with a no-sew backing of iron-on interfacing so it fits in with any style, making it perfect for young and old. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the…

Whether it’s a field in full bloom, or just a single red flower on a grassy verge, the splendour of the poppy never fails to turn heads. With its delicate yet striking scarlet petals, this pretty blossom has long inspired artists to capture its likeness, and now you can too, in stitches. Worked in the style of a fine china plate, Durene’s circular stitch frames a scene of poppies with the most beautiful border, accented with subtle white daisies to set it off. This is a great project for beginners looking to take on a larger design for the first time, as you’ll quickly build up blocks of bold colour with whole Cross Stitch Crazystitches, and then have the satisfaction of watching each section come to life as you add…

Delightfully dainty and adorned with shimmering sequins, this colourful set of Chinese lanterns is the perfect way to decorate any girly space in a home. The soft pastels are ideal for adding some colour to a wall, and who could resist such subtle shading and detail? This project is guaranteed to bring a breath of fresh air to your pile of wintry WIPs, and also allows you to show off your stitching repertoire! You’ll work whole cross stitches, fractionals, backstitch and French knots onto a delicate blush pink aida, then finish the piece with a selection of pink and white sequins for a textured twinkling effect. We’re sure you’ll agree, the sparkling final result is worth it! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size…

Tip When stitching a lot of small motifs, use one bigger piece of aida and trim to size afterwards, as this uses less fabric overall You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs. 14-count white aida band with white trim, 5cm (2in) wide, cut to desired length. Extras: Deckle-edge card (DEC7U) in pale green and scalloped-edge card (SCF06U) in white, from www.craftcreations.com. 3in wire hanger available from www.craftdepartment.com. Gift bag and backing paper of your choice. Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 2-10 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Level: Advanced beginner “These designs were so much fun to create, I hope I’ve done them…

You can say anything with flowers, ‘I love you’, ‘I’m sorry’ – and everything in between. Faby’s collection of all-occasion cards feature a pretty floral border, worked in whole stitches and embellished with crystal and golden seed beads. She’s also used eyelet stitches here and there, for which you’ll find instructions over the page. And there’s space on each chart for you to add your own sentiment, using the alphabet and number charts provided over on page 102, so you really can say whatever you need to. Each greeting has been framed with golden stitches. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic thread, as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle, beading needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring 25x20 (9½x8in) for each design Extras: Mill Hill beads,…

If you’ve been busy with holidays, Christmas or the back-to-school rush, why not ease yourself back into your stitching routine with a small, sweet design that won’t take too long? This gorgeous collection of vintage flowers uses beautiful shades of rosy pink, soft lilac and sage green to capture the romance of a bygone era, and bring a touch of style to all your new-season gifts. Or, you could even stitch a little treat for yourself! Choose an elegant floral border to decorate a bag or pillowcase, or mount your favourite motif in a silvery handbag mirror to complete the vintage look. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs Extras: Single…

Roses are considered to be one of the most beautiful flowers in the garden, and now you can bring that beauty to life in stitches, with Lucie’s gorgeous set of floral designs. If, like us, you’re already looking forward to the warmer months ahead, then here’s the perfect place to start off your spring and summer stitching. These pretty petals are ideal for special occasions such as Mother’s Day or birthdays, and nothing says you care quite like a beautifully stitched card. Decorate a make-up bag, jewellery box and handbag mirror to create a beautiful bedroom set, or patch your favourite floral design onto a pair of gardening gloves. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring…

The study of flora and fauna has produced some of the most stunning illustrations we’ve seen and for hundreds of years, artists have been painting and sketching perfect replicas of nature’s splendour. So, what better way to carry on this tradition than recreating a botanical study in stitches? Amanda has captured the detail and delight of some of our favourite blooms in this charming set of postcard-style charts. Plus the garden insects and shabby chic style ephemera – like the pocket watch and postmarks – are a fun touch. Use a gorgeous colour palette to create the vintage feel, as each card is densely stitched in whole stitches, fractionals and backstitch. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count cream…

Poppies are a welcome reminder of summer and their scarlet papery leaves and intense dotty centres are easy to spot in the long meadow grass. This flower makes a wonderful subject for cross stitch, as Carol’s cushion demonstrates. The flowers are so eye-catching, with their vivid red petals set atop elegant stems, especially against a summer sky-blue background as provided by the evenweave fabric. Carol’s design is densely stitched and uses lots of fractionals to give the flowers a realistic shape, so the first part of your stitching will be quite time-consuming. However, the backstitch is minimal, so will be finished in a jiffy. Your completed cushion will look at home in any room, and bring the summer inside. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key…

There’s nothing like a cheery springtime project to put you in a happy mood. This season is a time of renewal and optimism, and has inspired many a poem or work of art. This lively springtime hanging is just the way to lift your mood and give your home a new lease of life. Durene has chosen canvas of sky blue linen, which provides an instant background. It’s also easier to work neat fractionals on evenweave, and these stitches are found on the bird and butterflies. The rest of the design is worked in whole cross stitches, half cross stitch, backstitch and French knots, so there’s plenty to keep your needle busy and you stitch happy. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 26…

We all love the summer, as the days are longer and brighter, which makes stitching even more of a joy! This charming scene sums up the perfect day for us. In it, the windows have been thrown open to let in plenty of warm, summer air. On the windowsill a vase is filled with fragrant flowers, freshly picked from the garden that morning. Beyond the open window is a well-tended garden with the prettiest plants all in full bloom. And waiting on the table, a cup of tea and open novel, for when we need a break from our stitching. Susan’s design is stitched on 28-count evenweave, which makes working the fractionals, which give the honeysuckle blooms their fine shaping, much easier. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed…

Nothing beats that feeling of the warm sun against your face while sitting out in the garden with your stitching or reading your favourite book, and maybe even a cheeky glass of wine! We love the way Durene’s sweet scene captures that happy-golucky feel of summer, with pretty colourful flowers gently blowing in the breeze while busy bees buzz in and out of them. Stitched in soft, subtle shades but with funky styling, this project has a contemporary feel that would make a great gift for a friend, or an equally perfect present for a teenager. With plenty of detail worked in whole cross stitches, fractionals and backstitch, this is packed full of interest. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and DMC Color Variations, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Extras: Craft Creations square aperture cards (AP53U) in pale yellow, marine blue, pink and pale green from www.craftcreations.com Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 10-12 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Level: Advanced beginner “DMC Color Variations add texture and shade to the leaves without you having to swap thread colours. For a more dramatic contrast, work the stitches in rows”Joan Elliott, designer Stitching close-up French knots are used to bring these lilies to life, and they are worked here in dark green, grey and yellow. You’ll notice they are quite large, that is because they…

With Mother’s Day coming up soon, many of us will be getting our needles and threads ready to stitch a heartfelt thank you, be it for your mum, your grandma or even an extra-special auntie. So, we’ve brought you these four gorgeous charts inspired by the stunning magnolia bloom. Whether you’re looking for a classic card design, a quick-stitch present or a sweet gift set, there’s something for every kind of mum. With their soft pastel shades, these feminine flowers work beautifully in cross stitch. And, they’re perfect for stitchers of all abilities. Using just a few pinks and greens you’ll create real depth, giving each piece a lifelike feel your recipient will love. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle…

What better way to treat a deserving friend or celebrate a special birthday than with one of these beautiful gift ideas? You’ll recognise the flowing curves and botanical imagery as typical of the Art Nouveau style, and Lesley draws on her love of nature to add a signature touch to this collection. From floral motifs to an abc, these decorative designs are so versatile you’ll find yourself stitching them over and over again, whatever the occasion. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring a maximum of 10x10cm (4x4in) for most designs. 16-count white aida measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for button. 14-count white aida band with white trim, 5cm (2in) wide, cut to the desired length for a…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton, as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: Charles Craft Bright Ideas 14-count aida in Grasshopper and Polar Ice, measuring 36x20cm (14x8in) for each design, from www.sewandso.co.uk Extras: Buttons of your choice Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 15 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, backstitch Level: Intermediate How to stitch and make a purse or bag 1 Use these charts as repeating patterns to create bags and purses in your choice of sizes. Our blue purse is made with four stacked repeats, and the green purse is made of three stacked repeats. To make a larger bag, with more stacked repeats, just remember to lengthen the amount of aida you need. 2 Back your finished stitched piece with lightweight iron-on…

Quick-start cross stitch Choose your project… Make sure you choose the right level for you – you’ll find this information in the Factbox on each of our projects. Absolute beginners should choose a design without fractional stitches. Buy your materials… The You Will Need list on each project will tell you what size and type of fabric you need, and also which needle to use (see the table below for more information on needle sizes). You’ll find details of the threads you need in the key. Get ready… We recommend always starting from the middle of the design. Follow the two heavy ‘0’ gridlines on the chart and find a symbol near the centre. Look for this symbol on the key for the colour of thread you need, plus the…