Table of contents for Summer 2022 in CrossStitcher

Download your exclusive printable card blank from our CrossStitcher Digital Downloads group on Facebook at bit.ly/3HTh6ZJ Stitch count: 44 high x 44 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (31¼x31¼in) Stitch time: 10 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… card Step 1 WORK the design, following the chart and key, in the centre of an 11x11cm (4½x4½in) piece of white 14 count aida. Step 2 DOWNLOAD and print out your card blank (see tip). Trim the stitched fabric to fit your card front, then fray the fabric edges, removing one square of fabric all around. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the back of the stitching, then place it on the card front – press it down well to attach to the card. *See ‘The Key’ on…

Hullo! There’s something about sparklers that can light up even the dourest of people. Maybe it’s the dancing sparks, the trails of light they create as you wave them around, or that familiar noise. It always transports me to my childhood, where sparklers were the best thing on special occasions, and I had such certainty in myself and my capacity. The confidence of children isn’t arrogance, it’s self-belief. But as we try things and maybe don’t do so well, or as people around us put us down, we can lose that innate confidence in ourselves. It’s never good to be arrogant, but there’s a big difference between arrogance and knowing where you excel. I used to downplay my skills and strengths because I didn’t want to come off as egotistical…

Summer Summer brings the warmth of the sun, the smell of fresh foliage and flowers and the sight of swifts swooping across the sky. Woodlands are at their best with lush green hedges and trees creating shady pathways, dappled by the sun - the perfect respite on a hot summer’s day. The summer is such a special time for us - school’s out, so let the holidays begin! Materials • Zweigart Antique White 28 count Cashel, ref: 3281/0101; 20x20cm (8x8in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 26 tapestry needle Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Why not create your own nature diary, decorating the pages with cross stitch and items found on your walks? Use pressed flowers, dried leaves, feathers, photographs and drawings and other specimens from the…

Max. stitch count: 47 high x 48 wide Max. design size: 9x9cm (3½x3½in) Stitch time: 5½ hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials For each card • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 15x11cm (6x4¼in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Card blank, with a 10x8cm (4x3¼in) rectangular aperture Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch. Take care not to track across the back of your fabric as you work the backstitch. Step 2 TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card, with the design centrally placed behind the card’s aperture. Step 3 ATTACH double-sided tape to the…

Max. stitch count: 82 high x 33 wide (each) Max. design size: 14.5x5.5cm(5¾x2¾in) Stitch time: 10 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. For a firmer bookmark you could add a layer of felt to the back if you wish Make a… bookmark Step 1 STITCH the bookmark design onto aida, using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then place the stitching right-sides together with the cotton fabric. Pin the layers together then stitch around three sides of the design, three aida squares outside the outer row of cross stitch, and leaving the bottom edge open. As the petals and leaves are the widest part of the design, it is these stitches you…

Stitch count: 56 high x 45 wide (each) Design size: 10x9cm (4x3½in) Stitch time: 12 hours (each) These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Make a… house sachet Step 1 STITCH a house front on aida, using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch. Step 2 COMPLETE the stitching, then make a template from the diagram provided. Using the house section only, place the template centrally onto the back of the aida. Holding it up to a window, mark the outlines on the fabric, adding on 1.25cm (½in) on all sides for turnings. Step 3 USING the complete template, cut a house and roof, and a roof only from cotton fabric adding 1.25cm (½in) to all edges. Using the house and…

Make a… flower button cover Step 1 STITCH the flower, then use sharp scissors to cut around the flower shape, leaving one blank square of plastic aida all around the stitching. Step 2 CUT out the centre of the flower, removing the middle three plastic aida squares, but leaving one blank square around the stitching (see chart). To make the centre slightly larger, cut small slits in the corners on the unstitched plastic aida, working towards the stitching – this will make it easier to slip the flower over the button. Step 3 CHANGE a button on your cardigan to a button that will fit through the flower, and once the cardigan is done up, slip the flower button cover over the button. Why not use some but to decorate…

Welcome to this month’s challenge! We’re celebrating summer so that means stitching some bright, fresh accessories to jazz up a summery outfit. We asked our three designers to come up with a pair of earrings – with a different design for each ear, but linked by a summer theme. They had to stick to only the seven aida shades we stipulated and work on plastic aida. Take a look at their stylish results below – we’ve provided a chart for each so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for August – we’ve listed everything you need to take part. THE CHALLENGE • 14 count white plastic aida• Seven shades of…

Stitch count: 50 high x 50 wide Design size: 9.5x9.5cm (3.x3.in) Stitch time: 12 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. We have greyed out the border which appeared in the March issue. The grid lines are correct for the complete design, but the centre marks indicate the centre of just this motif. THE CHART EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design and your fabric. The centre of our charts are indicated by arrows at the designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s centre, fold it in half and into quarters. THE KEY ALL THE symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread codes beside them. The key also tells you…

WELCOME TO our very special supplement for our Summer issue. Choosing the theme of the designs for this collection proved to be simple – as what says summer more than a trip to the seaside? Here we’ve commissioned six coastal designs from around the world – from balmy Miami to the breezy UK – so whatever your preferred destination, you’ll find a favourite here! All the designs are the same size, so there’s nothing stopping you from stitching them together as one big seaside collage if you are looking for a challenge! Or pick out one to stitch this month and keep the others on hand, ready for when you need your next seaside stitch-fix! As always, we can’t wait to see your stitching – so do drop us a…

Stitch count: 85 high x 65 wide Design size: 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) Stitch time: 27 hours max. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS • Sampedro White 14 count aida, 26x20cm (10x8in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle All materials for this project are available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… stitch your coastal design Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the half cross stitch in two strands, and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 YOU can use pinking shears to finish the edges as we have done and then patch it onto a fabric padded frame, or if you prefer frame each design or stitch all six designs together as one picture, leaving one or two aida…

Stitch count: 85 high x 65 wide Design size: 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) Stitch time: 27 hours max. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS • Sampedro White 14 count aida, 26x20cm (10x8in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle All materials for this project are available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… stitch your coastal design Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the half cross stitch in two strands, and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 YOU can use pinking shears to finish the edges as we have done and then patch it onto a fabric padded frame, or if you prefer, frame each design or stitch all six designs together as one picture, leaving one or two aida…

Stitch count: 85 high x 65 wide Design size: 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) Stitch time: 27 hours max. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS • Sampedro White 14 count aida, 26x20cm (10x8in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle All materials for this project are available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… stitch your coastal design Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the half cross stitch in two strands, and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 YOU can use pinking shears to finish the edges as we have done and then patch it onto a fabric padded frame, or if you prefer, frame each design or stitch all six designs together as one picture, leaving one or two aida…

Stitch count: 85 high x 65 wide Design size: 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) Stitch time: 27 hours max. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS • Sampedro White 14 count aida, 26x20cm (10x8in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle All materials for this project are available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… stitch your coastal design Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the half cross stitch in two strands, and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 YOU can use pinking shears to finish the edges as we have done and then patch it onto a fabric padded frame, or if you prefer, frame each design or stitch all six designs together as one picture, leaving one or two aida…

CROSS STITCH FOR THE HEART EMMA CONGDON [David & Charles] Emma Congdon has collated 20 designs that celebrate love in all its forms, for you to ‘heal your heart, one stitch at a time’. Sentiments include, ‘Together is my favourite place to be’, ‘Be the reason someone smiles today’ and ‘In a world where you can be anything, be kind’. All are worked in Emma’s distinctive modern style, which has a retro twist. Emma also shares her thoughts and inspirations for each design that’s included here. SEASONAL FLOWER EMBROIDERY KAZUKO AOKI [Roost Books] This book asks you to stitch your way through the seasons. Textile artist Kazuko Aoki welcomes you to Gente Flower Shop in Tokyo, with over 25 motifs, including meadow flowers, garden baskets, berries, a violet-covered armchair and…

Cross Stitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Under The Stars, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • Zweigart 14 count aida in Light Blue • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 PLEASE NOTE: The chart, backing fabric and cushion pad are not included in this pack. How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £24, plus P&P. Stitch count: 140 high x 140 wide Design size: 26x26cm (10¼x10¼in) Stitch time: 50 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida…

Cross Stitcher PROJECT PACK If you would like to stitch Height Of Fun, we have a materials pack with everything you need to get you stitching right away, and have it delivered straight to your door! Your materials pack contains: • DMC 14 count iridescent aida in White • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26 How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £33, plus P&P. Stitch count: 178 high x 116 wide Design size: 33x22.5cm (13x6in) Stitch time: 73 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Change the colours of the circles in the background to match your nursery’s decor…

We all love cake, so I wanted to create a cake band design that could be used for the Queen's Jubilee, but was easy to adapt for other special occasions, such as wedding anniversaries. This pretty floral cake band, with the central numbers surrounded by silver cross stitches, is very easy to adapt using numbers from the chart provided, and by changing the aida band edge colour and the colour of the rose, it will transform a plain cake into something unique and very personal. You could use our chart to stitch '70' on your bunting using waste canvas! The aida, Anchor silver thread (for aida band), and coffee stirrers we used are all available from www.willowfabrics.com Make your own… aida band Step 1 CUT a strip of aida to…

Your materials pack contains: • Sampedro 14 count aida in White • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Two gold plated tapestry needles; size 24 & size 26 How to order: Head to www.willowfabrics.com or phone Willow customer services on 01237 237171 to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £53, plus P&P.…

Stitchers start here! Caterpillar Cross Stitch founder and designer Sally Wilson has branched out into craft writing with her very first book, Jump Into Cross Stitch: For Beginners; 6 Happy Projects; From First Stitch To Finishing. Cross stitch newbies will learn everything they need to know to get started, then dive into six fun projects to practise their new skills. Sally Wilson has compiled a host of must-stitch creative motifs with ideas for handmade gifts you’ll want to display everywhere around the house. The perfect gift for a friend you’d love to get hooked on stitching! Jump Into Cross Stitch is published by C&T Publishing on 31 July 2022. MY CRAFT ROOM: VICTORIA MATTHEWSON We get to see a glimpse of a designer’s own craft space… “In 2015 I bought…

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We caught up with Ange Ireland, who has used her obsession with childhood pop culture to inform her bold, bright cross stitch designs… Hi Ange, what initially attracted you to cross stitching? It was a big craft for my mum in the 1980s. She would cross stitch gifts for us growing up and I wanted to do it too. I got my first cross stitch kit as a Christmas present as a kid. My mum has moved on to other crafts and I am now the one cross stitching gifts for the family! How did you come to start designing your own patterns? Back in 2012 I really wanted to get back into cross stitching as a hobby, but wanted to expand out from the traditional kits offered at the…

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK As well as stitched buttons, this design includes real buttons so you can hang your sign in place Stitch count: 95 high x 95 wide (main sign); 22 high x 56 wide (‘In’ and ‘Out’) Design size: 17x17cm (6¾x6¾in) Stitch time: 17 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 33x33cm (13x13in) • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 9x14cm (3¾x5½in) x 2 pieces • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 20 x20cm (8x8in) aperture • Mount board to fit frame • Cardboard; 4.5x9cm (1¾x3½in) x 2 pieces • Buttons – selection • Baker’s twine Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com An old cereal packet can provide the cardboard you need…

Sometimes being a youngster can be a bit of a learning curve. As our little girl reflects on the actions that led her to have to take a ‘time out’ for a few minutes, it’s sweet that she’s surrounded by her faithful dog and all her favourite toys. This nostalgic scene includes French knots, blended threads and half stitching – three cross stitch techniques you can enjoy practising as you bring it to life. Stitch count: 180 high x 120 wide Design size: 33x22cm (13x8⅝in) Stitch time: 56 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 50x40cm (19½x15¾in) • Stranded cotton as listed in the key • Size 24 tapestry needle • Frame with a 34x24cm (13⅓x 9.in) aperture • Mount…

Stitch count: 85 high x 65 wide Design size: 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) Stitch time: 27 hours max. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS • Sampedro White 14 count aida, 26x20cm (10x8in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle All materials for this project are available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… stitch your coastal design Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the half cross stitch in two strands, and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 YOU can use pinking shears to finish the edges as we have done and then patch it onto a fabric padded frame, or if you prefer, frame each design or stitch all six designs together as one picture, leaving one or two aida…

Stitch count: 85 high x 65 wide Design size: 16x12cm (6¼x4¾in) Stitch time: 27 hours max. This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. MATERIALS • Sampedro White 14 count aida, 26x20cm (10x8in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle All materials for this project are available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… stitch your coastal design Step 1 WORK the cross stitch in two strands of stranded cotton, the half cross stitch in two strands, and the backstitch in one strand. Step 2 YOU can use pinking shears to finish the edges as we have done and then patch it onto a fabric padded frame, or if you prefer frame each design or stitch all six designs together as one picture, leaving one or two aida…