Tabla de contenidos para Special Ultimate Cross Stitch Home en Cross Stitch Crazy

You may be moving house, or want to make a card or gift for a friend or relative who is on the move, or you may want to spruce up a tired corner or celebrate a new kitchen – and with the hundreds of designs to choose from in this issue of Ultimate Cross Stitch, you can. The charts are themed into handy sections: pretty gifts and cards to stitch; motifs and pictures for the kitchen; fabulous florals, plus designs that celebrate afternoon tea! As well as beautifying your home, these makes are practical too: there’s a spring bulbs draught excluder, a fruity recipe box, a fun laundry-themed alphabet and heaps of brilliant ideas in our cooking and baking sections. Stitchers of all levels will find plenty here for them,…

Herbs are an amazing way to pack a dish full of flavour. Be it a sprinkling of rosemary on your roast potatoes, or a pinch of thyme in your tomato sauce, they’re always handy to have to hand, which is why we’ve brought you these four designs. Use them as markers on pots or plant tubs, patch them onto a packet of seeds, or just frame them as a pretty set of pictures to hang on your kitchen wall. Simple to stitch, with each realistic motif worked in relatively few thread shades, you’ll have a beautiful bunch of herbs in no time, or pick a favourite from our fragrant and tasty collection. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count…

Cherry pie is one of the tastiest things to come out of the kitchen, and this particular slice certainly looks good enough to eat. Four different backstitch colours bring the cherries and lettering into sharp focus while the shading, in baby pinks and cherry reds, creates the all-important shine on those succulent fruits. We think you’ll agree that this project makes a delightful gift for a keen cook at Christmas, but do make sure you’ve eaten before you sit down to work on this fruit pie – otherwise the golden pastry, juicy cherries and wicked dollop of cream will soon have your tummy rumbling. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 23.5x31.5cm (9½x12½in) Extras: Ready-made apron,…

Tip Add a small bag of rice inside the wadding to make a chicken paperweight Come Easter time you’ll be looking for quick gifts to stitch and these little chick humbugs are ideal. Happily these sweet chicks are a treat that won’t ruin your waistline but you could give them as a gift along with a single, small egg or just keep them as delightful decorations for the kitchen. Featuring patterns of spots, feathers, flowers and hearts, Fiona’s simple designs are worked on rustic oatmeal aida for a homespun twist. Once you’ve finished the panels, follow the steps over the page to transform these designs into cute chickens with heaps of personality. Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count oatmeal aida measuring…

Across the world, it’s traditional to keep ornaments of chickens in the kitchen for good luck. Now you can make your own luck by stitching these sweet hens to bring good fortune to your roost! This trio is perfect for the kitchen. They’re designed in a trendy homespun folk art style and they’re given a contemporary twist with a super mix of colours including strong pink and turquoise. Together with their bold, contrasting patterns these arty chicks will make a bold style statement in your home. Patch your stitching onto a gingham apron or brighten up a plain kitchen blind. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 30x30cm (12x12in) for the placemat; 15x15cm (6x6in) for blackboard…

With its pretty pastel blue, pink and yellow colour scheme and gingham pattern this laundry-themed alphabet is as bright and fresh as a newly washed pile of clothes. Each letter sets the scene for washday, and has long grass and flowers, washing pegged out on the line and there’s even a little blue bird to help. You’ll find stitching each letter an easy task, there are no fractional stitches and just a smattering of French knots and backstitch outline each letter and bring detail to the washing line, flowers and bird. Each squeaky clean letter will take just a few hours to complete. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 16-count 8cm (3in) wide white aida band with white trim,…

There’s always an occasion to stitch for, be it a birthday, a new baby or a special anniversary, so fitting in a project you’ve had your eye on isn’t always an option. That’s why we want you to promise that you’ll take time out from that hectic stitching schedule to make this beautiful bunting, just for you. With a mix of pretty roses and cross stitch inspired motifs, it’s a great way to add a vintage-style feel to your home, while showing off your passion for stitching. Worked in just a few soft shades, each triangle is easy to finish using only simple stitches – no French knots here! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring…

Tip Stitched names make a lovely personal touch – just space the letters evenly and measure fabric carefully before cutting Fabulous florals are what stitchers turn to most often for stitching success. For a beautiful card, fast-finish gift tag or treat to give, then flower-themed designs like these will always impress, and of course be a joy to stitch too. These rambling roses alphabet charts are designed in timeless colours and styles that’ll become a tempting go-to for you in the evenings. This versatile alphabet is perfect for monograms and personal gifts; from napkins and makeup bags to door plaques these pretty pink roses make delicate yet stylish decorations. From little girls to lovely mums and great grans, these motifs are the right choice to stitch for the ladies in…

Home can be wherever you choose but it should always be a place where you feel happy and safe. Having beautiful things around you can help create that cosy feeling and this gorgeous needlework sampler will give you a sense of wellbeing whenever you look at it. It’s stitched on dark cream linen, instead of white, which gives a subtle background colour and shabby chic feel. It makes the perfect background for the lacy stitch details and pearly seed beads, embellishments that make a pretty finishing touch. The birds amid the flowers and hearts bring the scene to life. Stitch this picture to welcome you home. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count dark cream linen measuring 30x25cm (12x10in)…

Have you ever dreamt of designing your own house, but haven’t known where to begin? Well, let us do that for you, and you can get on with the enjoyable part – stitching it! Shannon has created a picturesque row of family homes, full of fabulous features you’ll love to bring to life. From the white picket fences to the sweet little shutters at the windows, this street is des-res. Look closer, and you’ll notice that each window box, plant pot and hanging basket is in full bloom, bursting with seed bead flowers that add depth and texture to the stitching – little touches that really make this project. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle; beading needle Fabric: Sparklies 28-count…

Those first flowers signalling the start of a new season are a sight to behold, after a dark and dreary winter. From snowdrops to crocuses and primroses, their burst of colour adds joy to a garden and they’ve certainly inspired Amanda Gregory to create this beautiful display in cross stitch. This subtle spring design is worked in soft greens, blues and purples, with a touch of yellow to add a fresh feel. And this draught excluder is a great way to show off your stitching while keeping your home looking stylish whatever the season. For how to make the draught excluder, turn the page. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: Zweigart 14-count rustico aida in oatmeal measuring 61x81cm (24x32in)…

One of the fantastic things about summer is the abundance of seasonal veg available, either fresh from the garden, or courtesy of your local greengrocer. We’ve picked four of our favourites to capture in stitches and, just like the vegetables themselves, the ways you can use them are endless. Patch a design onto the front of a seed box or veg basket, decorate an apron or attach to the front of a recipe book to make a great gift. You could even stitch all four and frame for the kitchen to make a truly mouthwatering display of yummy sweetcorn, tomatoes and carrots. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 20x15cm (8x6in) for each design Extras: A…

Whether you stitch all four of these delightful floral arrangements, or just one, you’re guaranteed to enjoy every minute of bringing the blooms to life. We love how these pretty watering cans holding fresh blooms are also decorated with flowers and how delicate backstitch outlines each of the watering cans and the flower stems. Start stitching this pretty set today to add a floral flourish to your home. Or, if your walls are already full, why not stitch one of these scenes as a gorgeous get well gift? There’s nothing better than flowers to brighten someone’s day. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 20x20cm (8x8in) for each design Extras: Frames of your choice with…

Tip Use soluble or waste canvas to stitch your designs straight onto a piece of felt There’s no better way to keep your boiled eggs warm than with these adorable chick and bunny cosies. Diane Machin has designed four very cute characters especially for spring, each one with its own personality. Worked in whole stitches and backstitch only, these fun designs are a great way to get kids involved in stitching. Or, why not make a set yourself, come Easter time, as a gift for your family, then surprise them by hiding a chocolate egg underneath. It’s easy to turn your finished designs into cosies, just follow our handy guide over the page. Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida…

With The Great British Bake Off, MasterChef and a whole host of other mouthwatering programmes on our TV screens, we Brits just can’t get enough of cooking and baking. Budding Marry Berrys and Michel Rouxs will relish these foodie-themed gifts, as there’s a veritable smorgasbord to choose from. Add an extra-special touch to homemade preserves, personalise pots and jars by decorating with patched-on designs, or even whip up a pinny as a perfect present. You’ll find plenty of quick-stitch ideas here, and in a variety of sizes. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24/26 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 25x15cm (10x6in) for larger designs and 13x8cm (5x3in) for smaller items except aida band. 16-count 5cm (2in) wide white aida band with…

A combination of different patterned fabrics put together to make stitched patchwork designs is fun as it gives you a variety of styles and themes to stitch. In this beautiful cushion design, Lesley has treated each floral, fruit and patterned square as a different element, but kept to the same colour palette of threads so that the designs co-ordinate well. The mosaic-like patchwork sets off the organic floral and fruit forms beautifully, and lend a fresh, neat feel, while a plain border of extra white evenweave frames the stitching, making a welcome contrast. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave, measuring 38x38cm (15x15in) Extras: Backing fabric of your choice; cushion pad to fit Stitching Factbox Stitching time:…

After birthdays and celebrations, it’s always nice to send thank you cards to all the people who have helped to make it such a special, joyful occasion. We all love to receive cards in the post, as well as to stitch and send them. These four greetings help us look forward to the new season of blooms awaiting us, so they’re perfect for sending out in spring and summer. Who could resist the bright colours and delicate petals? Each bouquet is framed with a gingham border in a matching shade – this traditional pattern gives a country-style look, and it’s fun to stitch the repeated squares in bright shades. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida, measuring…

Comfy, homely and pretty are the words that spring to mind when we look at this lovely cushion. The roses have a wonderful shabby chic feel to them, and the spotty linen brings the piece to life. If you don’t want to opt for patterned fabric, complete the whole chart, including the dots, using coloured linen instead. Just picture the finished cushion in a country cottage, resting against an old armchair or a classic wicker seat like the one in the picture. If you like simple projects then you’ll love this easy design, which has a very modest palette and uses just whole stitches throughout. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count evenweave or 32-count Belfast linen in natural…

Tip Keep the back of your stitching neat to prevent the threads from getting tangled It’s hard to imagine daily life without tea. How else would we wake ourselves up in the morning? And what other excuse would there be for a leisurely sit-down and chinwag with friends? This circular cushion is a wonderful celebration of the UK’s favourite beverage, with its vintage-style china teapot, and cups and saucers, adorned with pretty flowers, polka dots and checks. Even the steam rising up from the tea looks beautiful, worked in delicate lines of raspberry backstitch and forming heart shapes in places. Not only is this design eye-catching, we love its circular shape. Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count pastel pink cashel linen,…

Your materials With just a few essentials, you’ll be set to stitch straightaway… Fabrics You’ll need either aida or evenweave for your design: Aida Great for: Beginners, as it has regular woven blocks and obvious holes. Aida is stiffer than evenweave so keeps its shape better. 14-count is the most common. Bad for: Fractional stitches. If you stitch a design with fractional stitches on aida, you’ll have to make an extra hole in the fabric, using a sharp needle. Evenweave Great for: Fractional stitches and a neat finish. This fabric is softer than aida, with a finer weave and more threads per inch – 28-count is the most common. On evenweave, you work a cross stitch over two threads of the fabric, so you have a central hole spare for…

There’s a lovely homespun, handmade feel to this charming set, which is worked on evenweave in pretty pinks and purples to give this collection a real heritage feel. If you’ve never stitched on this fabric before, these three projects are a great place to start, as they’re brought to life using whole stitches only. Begin with the pretty hanging, then work your way up to the largest design. From the smallest to the biggest, these cosy items will make gorgeous gifts to give to someone who has just moved into their new home. For step-by-step details of how to make the doorstop, turn the page. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: Zweigart 28-count cream evenweave measuring 35x43cm (14x17in) for…

Apples and blackberries are a classic combination, and with Jane’s scrummy charts, you can enjoy these fruits in stitches too! Use the smaller design of sliced apples and blackberries and make it into a jar label to personalise homemade jam. The recipes motif is perfect to patch onto a plain notebook for all your cooking ideas, and frame and keep the tasty crumble method on display all year round – it might even inspire someone else in the household to get baking. Each of these yummy items will make great gifts for a friend who loves cooking to hang in their new kitchen. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 36x28cm (14x11in) for the recipe, 15x18cm…

Tasting the first strawberry of the season is always a delight, whether it’s smothered in cream, or served with a freshly baked scone as part of a cream tea, we’re sure you’ll agree that these delicious fruits deserve to be preserved in stitches and enjoyed all year round. This delicious design will be great whatever the style of your home, and the 28-count evenweave adds a rustic feel. A scattering of seed beads is the perfect finish, and though more experienced stitchers will love getting to grips with this project, even if you’re new to beads, you’ll soon get the hang of them, just follow our guide on p43. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring…

The world’s still mad for cupcakes, and Lesley Teare is embracing the trend with this collection of retro-style treats. With spotty and stripy paper cups, cherries and strawberries, sugarcraft flowers, and lashings of piped, pastel icing, they top our list as the must-have cakes for birthdays. In fact, there isn’t a single occasion that doesn’t deserve one of these delicious offerings. And if you don’t have a celebration coming up? Stitch them anyway and mount them in candy-coloured frames to make a set of pictures for your kitchen. Or patch them onto an apron, tea towel and oven glove set. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count antique white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Extras: Square aperture…

Tip If you’re finding it diffcult to see the holes in white aida as you work, cover your lap with a black cloth We all know eating plenty of fruit and veg every day is key to a healthy lifestyle so why not tempt your tastebuds by keeping these fun pincushions to hand? Every time you park your needle, you won’t be able to resist reaching into the fruit bowl. And if you know a stitcher who’s super-healthy, why not make one of these sweet treats to give them a giggle? Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Extras: Wadding from high street stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: 3-4 hours (each side) Type of…

Nothing makes your mouth water quite like the aroma of a freshly baked cake, and Diane’s assortment of delicious designs has just the same effect! From cute cupcakes to the perfect slice of pie, each motif is guaranteed to leave you licking your lips. This yummy collection also includes baking accessories that are perfect for the domestic goddess in your life, while cute kitchen motifs will make great housewarming gifts. From labels saying ‘eat me’ to attach to foodie jars, cake bands decorated with cupcakes and tempting cards, there’s something here for everyone. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count clear plastic canvas 10x10cm (4x4in) for cake poke; 5cm (2in) wide scalloped edge white aida band for cake band…

Whether you’re lucky enough to own a patchwork quilt that’s been handed down through the generations, or you’ve decided to start the trend with your own handmade quilt, we think you’ll love getting your needle out for these super squares. Each of the 26 designs can be mixed and matched to your heart’s content, and made into all manner of delightful pieces, from purses to notebooks to stool covers. This pretty patchwork set is a great opportunity to use up any leftover threads you may have in your stitching stash, which will make your pieces completely unique. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring minimum 10x10cm (4x4in) for each square Extras: Backing fabric of your choice,…

Tip Stitch the bookmark on aida band with a purple trim or patch onto coloured felt for a pretty finish The sight of a flowerbed in full bloom will always brighten up your day, so why not recreate this stunning natural scene in stitches? Plus, with Durene’s set, you’re guaranteed to get perfect pansies and irresistible irises, whatever the weather. The realistic design shows the spring flowers in close up and the detail and different shades used make gorgeous cross stitch pieces. The contrasting purples, greens, blues and pinks stand out beautifully from the white background and are just the shades you want to be stitching with in winter. Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 28x23cm (11x9in) for…

Tip If you’re not a fan of French knots, use seed beads for the butterfly’s antenna Most of us carry a compact mirror for those moments when you want to check your reflection, so make sure you look amazing by showing off one of these gorgeous butterfly motifs. Each letter differs in design as, just like in nature, no two butterflies’ wings are exactly the same. We love the idea of making up our initials into these pretty mirrors, but you could also mount your stitching in a white wooden frame or make a chic hanging for an elegant finish. Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: Zweigart 14-count white aida measuring 13x13cm (5x5in) Extras: Handbag mirrors (HBM2) available from Framecraft. To buy…

We tend to feel happiest when we have a cup of tea in our hands or a pot on the side, brewing. And we’re even happier when that tea is served in pretty china cups, it tastes so good we could drink it all day long. This sampler is the perfect way to satisfy our cravings in between tea breaks. Featuring four of the prettiest porcelain teacups on top of an ornate blue painted shelf, it’s perfect to display in your office, kitchen or wherever you like to curl up cradling a brew. Frame it, make it into a cushion, or turn it into a charming hanging as we have done. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton and metallic thread as listed in the key Needle: Size 26 tapestry needle…

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…