CrossStitcher Issue 404 January 2024

Bright ideas for
75
BRAND-NEW
DESIGNS
Christmas & New Year
Year!!
Make an… envelope
Step 1
STITCH the designs in the centre of your
aida fabric following the chart, and using
two strands for the cross stitch and one
for the backstitch and French knots. Use
the alphabet provided to personalise
your envelope. Depending on the letters
you are using, add joining stitches to
Make a little one’s Christmas by
make them into a script alphabet.
stitching up a customised envelope for
their letter to Santa this year… Step 2
TURN over the top edge of the aida twice
onto the inside by 6mm (1⁄4in). Machine or
catch stitch the seam in place.
Step 3
Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 31 high x 53 wide WITH the right-sides together, place the
Design size: .7x9.7cm (2¼x37⁄8in) Stitch time: 4 hours red gingham fabric on the aida, leaving
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. three blank aida squares below the
stitching. Pin and then sew across the
seam. The gingham fabric will now be
attached to the bottom of the aida.
DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira
Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand Step 4
WITH right-sides facing, fold the
310 403 black 738 361 2013 gingham fabric to the back of the aida
border
666 0
0466 2100 forming an envelope, and leaving 2cm
3766 167 1111 (3⁄4in) of gingham below the aida (please
700
00 2288 1304
30 snowflakes refer to the picture). Sew up the side
703
03 238
38 1307
30 French knots in one strand seams. You will have excess gingham
738 361 2013 fabric at the top of the envelope which
310 403 black will form the top flap. Fold the edge over
3716 025 606 eyes
twice onto the wrong side, and then
3766
3 66 167
6 1111 666 046 210 stitch the seam in place.
dots
B5200
5 00 00
001 whitete Step 5
Backstitch in one strand B5200 001 white
hat TAKE a length of stranded cotton and tie
knots at both ends. Sew to the centre of
310 403 black
words the length to the top gingham flap, then
repeat, adding another to the top of the
aida so that when tied together in a bow,
they will close the envelope.
10 20 30 40 50
t
10
t
20
30
t
Susan Penny
2 www.crossstitchermag.com
Why not make an envelope
t aida; 12.5 x11c
m (5x41⁄4in) for every child or
• White 14 coun
• Red gingham
cotton fabric;
1⁄2x61⁄2in)
grandchild in your family?
13.5x16.5cm (5 e key
n as listed in th
• Stranded cotto
ry needle
• Size 24 tapest llow fabrics.com
le from www.wi
Materials availab
NEXT MONTH
ISSUE 405
THANK YOU FRIEND FEBRUARY 2024
CARD PROJECT!
Perfect for saying thank you
for gifts, we’ll show you
On sale
show to stitch up our 28 December
friendly fox, complete
with printable card blank.
www.crossstitchermag.com 3
ISSUE 404
JANUARY 2024
Bright ideas for

75
Take our BRAND-NEW
DESIGNS
Christmas & New Yearr!!
cross
BEAUTIFUL WINTER
KNOT GARDEN
JANUARY 2024
PRINTED IN THE UK
£5.99
stitching AWAY IN A MANGER
Stitch a mini Nativity
scene in a tin!
quiz! ADORABLE ANIMAL

THANK YOU CARDS
POTS OF FUN
Spruce up your
Christmas tree!
XST404.p1.cover_reg.indd 1
Would you like to develop your Would you like to enjoy a unique and
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our imaginative tutorials? Yes No
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Welcome
Festive memories, old and new…
SOMETIMES, YOU HAVE TO
take a breath and stop trying to plan
the perfect Christmas for everyone.
There is such a thing as trying too
hard. We learned this to our cost
recently when an expedition to find
the perfect boughs of holly for our
festive photo shoot ended with Martin
lying in a ditch with a broken ankle.
Thankfully, the break isn’t quite as
bad as first feared and your intrepid
Editor is now on the mend.
You may well find that all the inspiration you need
is already to hand – and we don’t only mean in the
pages of Cross Stitcher! We have a box of lovely glass
baubles and a rather wonky silver tinsel star inherited
from Susan’s parents. This proved the perfect
inspiration for our cover project this issue (page 20).
A special frame holds individual stitched baubles to
Our family decorations
provided perfect inspiration! look just as they would be stored in sectioned boxes in
the attic. When we decorate with our children, there is
a real magic when the precious old baubles are
added to the tree. We hope we have recreated that
excitement of rediscovering decorations each
year and want to share it with you.
Happy Christmas stitching!
SUSAN & MARTIN PENNY Put a tag

EDITORS on it!
P.S. Send your stitching letters and photos to
crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk
FOR ALL SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES

Telephone: UK +44 (0)1778 392080
Stacks of fun Email: subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk
Follow us online!
Stitch our cute cosy shelves
facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag
picture in our February issue, twitter.com/XStitchmagazine
on sale 28 December 2023.
www.crossstitchermag.com
Write to the editorial department at: CrossStitcher Magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
Issue 404 January 2024 25
YOUR CHARTS
editor’s
pick!
20 16 Seasonal Houses SAL Our Canterbury house
18 2024 Calendar SAL A new design for every month
20 Joy To All Printer’s tray with baubles design
25 The Paw-fect Thank You Animal thank you cards
30 Clipped To Perfection Topiary garden picture
35 Spruce Up Your Christmas Festive tree pot cover
40 Bags of Style Fashionable tote bag
45 Letter Library Owls
54 Gift Wrap Collection 12 festive tags and a present box
62 Away In A Manger Make a mini Nativity scene
65 Create A Classic: Christmas Town part 3
72 Ready, Steady, Stitch Designer challenge
82 Take A Tea Break Quick chart for breaktime!
EXTRAS
14 Reader Offer Exclusive reader bargains
76 Puzzles Prize crossword
77 CrossStitcher SAL Our new Mandala Stitch-A-Long
EVERY ISSUE
ON THE COVER 9 Out there The latest products
O Brightideas page20
O Allwrappedup page54
12 Stitching with Julian
O Winter knot garden page30 28 Letters Show off what you’ve stitched
O Away in a manger page62
O Animal thank you cards page25 38 We interview Jeannine McGowan
O Pots of fun page35
61 In my hoop Kayleigh’s mindful stitching
83 Next month in CrossStitcher
40 35 62
30 54
45 65
43 SIGN UP
04 Would you like a
super 50% off saving? 08 20% off just for you... To our FREE
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ISSUE 404
JANUARY 2024
Bright ideas for

75
BRAND-NEW
DESIGNS
Christmas & New Year!
Year!
88
BEAUTIFUL WINTER
KNOT GARDEN FESTIVE
DESIGNS
JANUARY 2024
Get set
for your
PRINTED IN THE UK
best ev
£5.99
Christmer
AWAY IN A MANGER
Stitch a mini Nativity
scene in a tin!
as!
ADORABLE ANIMAL
THANK YOU CARDS
CREATE A CLASSIC: bit.ly/CROSSIGNUP
Christmas Town
BOOK OF
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Beginners & experts can learn how to love P
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As you stitch, you gradually see
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IURPZKDWLVDYDLODEOHHOVHZKHUH6KHXVHV
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Every month we showcase the latest high street trends, new ideas
and inspiring personalities for today’s stylish cross stitcher
Cosy
Comforts
With winter in full swing, what
could be more comforting than a
slice of toast with jam and a steaming
cuppa? Well, these are just some of
the treats to be enjoyed in Cotton
Clara’s range of mini cross-stitch
kits. Super-quick to stitch as a gift or
a fun weekend project! Choose from
Teacup, Chocolate Spread, Peanut
Butter, Jam, Oat Milk and more. Each
kit contains an 11cm embroidery
hoop, coloured aida, needle, thread,
wadding, instructions and backing
disc so you can mount your work
for display in your hoop when
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more at cottonclara.com.
FIRM FAVOURITES: SALLY WILSON
Designers share with us their
top stitching essentials
Below are my five favourite
items I keep to hand when
creating or stitching designs for
www.caterpillarcrosstitch.com
SPRITZ BOTTLE
(I believe designed for watering
plants!) – these cost around £1 and you
can get them from any supermarket
or online. I fill mine with normal
tap water and give my final project a
little spritz before ironing. It doesn’t
matter how wet it gets because the
heat dries it. I find this spritz (if you’re
not washing the project) helps remove
creases and just helps press the fabric
and make stitches look uniform before
finishing. I do the front and back. It
removes marks from using a frame,
hoop or scrunching in your hand!
NEEDLE MINDER CARD THREAD HOLDERS

My favourites at the moment have to We recently started selling packs of
be Christmas-themed (shown below). these after many requests. Having
I think the Christmas tree looks used various methods for winding
so cute and festive on my seasonal and storing threads over the past
projects. These ones are made from
hard enamel and super smooth and
8 years, I designed something that
would fit all uses! You can wind the
FESTIVE JOY
glossy to the touch – they feel like little thread around the main section, and IN THE new embroidery book No. 182 Christmas Joy from
collectables or jewellery! Sometimes tuck the end in. Put spare strands Rico Design you get 14 Christmas designs with Christmas
I put mine on my left sleeve while I’m or pieces you've cut off through the roses, traditional nativity scenes and romantic, wintry houses
working. I can pop my needle there or hoops. The ends get tucked into the
to get you in the mood for a time of reflection over the
pins if I’m finishing off a project onto additional slots so they won’t unwind
Christmas period and New Year’s holidays. Nativity figures
foam board. The magnets are so strong and fray. You can cut off as much or as
it’s comforting to know my needle is little as you'd like to work with. and dala horses have not been featured by Rico before, so
safe and secure! these themes are a fresh seasonal take for them, with plenty
CLIP-ON LIGHT of new motifs to use for your festive decorations, homestyle
(Or magnifying light) I often cross makes and more! www.rico-design.de/en
stitch in the car while waiting for
my children while they’re at clubs
and classes. At this time of year, I’ve
found it tricky to stitch as the natural
light goes so much earlier. A clip-on
light means that you can stitch at
any time of day until your heart
is content! They’re also useful for
travelling, reading or doing make-up
away from home!
SEE-THROUGH PROJECT BAG

This takes crafty storage to the next
level! I use the front, smaller zip
pocket to store my needle minder,
scissors, needles and pen (if needed) SHADES OF WINTER
so that they’re all separate from my
THESE FOUR new aida colours now available at
fabric. My larger main compartment
houses the pattern sheet, fabric and
Stitchtastic are perfect for your winter stitching! Three
threads. I have so many projects half new 18 count aida colours have joined the Zweigart
done, the thick clear backing makes range – a delicate Vintage Marble Grey (7729),
it so quick and easy to see which a Dark Pewter (7107), and a Sand/Light Mocha (309).
is which at a glance and the size is Plus, the Sand/Light Mocha colour is also new in
perfect for keeping all of my supplies 14 count aida! Take a look at www.stitchtastic.com
clean and organised!
for more details and to place an order.
TREND SPOTTING
STOCKING OWLS
FILLERS IF YOU liked our owl alphabet in this
issue, we’re pretty sure you’ll find these
SHARE YOUR love of cross stitch with friends needlecraft-inspired items a real hoot!
and family with this cute kit you can pop in
their stockings. The Make Your Own Christmas
Bauble Let It Snow Kit features five designs
packed in a tiny matchbox. Choose the snow
pattern, snowman, snowflake, Christmas tree
or just the five stitches to make a ‘shine’ on
your ‘bauble’ – all the designs will fit exactly
into the mini hoop provided. inamatchbox.com
Quirky
& Crafty WHO
IF DOING more crafting is your Abigail Edwards is the creator of this beautiful
New Year’s resolution, why not Owls of the British Isles linen fabric featuring
make a start with This Cut Thru’ 10 different owls: the barn owl, eagle owl,
hawk owl, snowy owl, Tengmalm’s owl, scops
Craft Home kit? It’s worked on owl, little owl, short-eared owl, long-eared owl
Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida and tawny owl. www.abigailedwards.com
with pre-sorted stranded cottons;
and uses cross stitch, backstitch
and French knots. The kit also
includes a needle, a clear stitch
diagram and instructions and a
number line for personalisation
of your finished design. Quirky
and crafty, it’s based on an original
artwork by Amanda Loverseed.
www.bothythreads.com
WHAT
C
FABRHI E
An adorable woodland owl cross stitch kit, this
In each issue of CrossStitcher is a relatively small-scale design, so would be
we’ll feature a special fine for beginners through to experienced
OF T TH
crafters. This kit comes with a decorative 5in
‘Fabric of the Month’... embroidery hoop and a wooden back.
MON FOR JANUARY our fabric is called

Away With The Fairies. The background
www.notonthehighstreet.com/stitchkits
is a sky of gentle clouds, moving in

colour from pastel pink to baby blue.
Available as a FQ in both 14 count aida
and 28 count evenweave, with each
measuring 50x45cm (19x18in), this
fabric is perfect when you need a soft
sky for seascapes or meadow views.
SUBSCRIBER DISCOUNT evenweave. If you’re a CrossStitcher

We’re giving CrossStitcher subscribers the subscriber, then sign up today to receive
chance to buy an FQ of this fabric at a emails and you will be sent a discount code
discount price. Subscribers who sign up to by email, and the chance to buy other great HOW
receive CrossStitcher emails will be sent a offers in the future including more ‘Fabrics of Keep your needles safe with the wisest
discount code that they can then use at the Month’. Use the link below to get your woodland creature around – this enamel owl will
www.willowfabrics.com to get this fab fabric discount code and receive more great offers. be the perfect stitching companion this winter.
for just £9.60 for the aida and £10.40 for the https://bit.ly/CROSREGISTER www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com
CROSS STITCH CONNECTIONS
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RULQOLIHDQGDVNVXVWRDYRLGSHUIHFWLRQLVPDQGWRFHOHEUDWHRXUWUXHVHOYHVŦ
H
ullo! New year, new you! Well, better than if I’d actually done nothing. spot so that where you’re feeling low,
that’s how the saying goes, even Boom! Winning. it will catch your eye and remind you
though the current you is We all have days where we feel a bit what a wonderful person you are,
brilliant just as you are. The rubbish. In those times, it can really exactly as you are! Perfection isn’t
beginning of the year is a classic time help to have someone or something attainable, but wonderful is your
to re-evaluate where you’ve been and that reminds us that we’re legitimately birthright. Create it for yourself, create
where you’d like to go. But I’ve always awesome. Putting aside any negative it for a friend, change up the colours so
found that the best use for a new year things you might feel about yourself, that they bring you joy, and carry on
has been to reconnect with how I think you have so many attributes that prove being your wonderful self!
about myself and solidify the positive you’re a success. I designed this quick Stitch boldly!
way I talk to and about myself. A pattern for you to hang in a prominent Julian
positive perception of yourself and
life can make all the difference
during difficult times.
Most of us have voices inside our 10 20 30
heads that tear us down. They pop up t
without warning – sometimes CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCC CCCCCCCC
without us noticing – adding shadow o o oooo o o
to how we see ourselves. If we don’t xxxxxxxx o o o o o o xxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxx o o o o o o xxxxxxxx
notice those little voices, they can oo o o o o
SSSSSSSS oo o o o o SSSSSSSS
damage our self-esteem and cause us SSSSSSSS oo oooo oooo SSSSSSSS
to miss opportunities for fun and 10 tttttttt oooo ooooo oooooo tttttttt
growth. Thoughts such as ‘other tttttttt o o o o o o tttttttt
o o o o o
people do this better than me, so why TTTTTTTT oooooo ooooo oooo TTTTTTTT
TTTTTTTT o o o o o o TTTTTTTT
bother’ or ‘I am only just starting o o o o oooooo
now, the goal is so far away!’ don’t DDDDDDDD DDDDDDDD
DDDDDDDD o o oooo o o DDDDDDDD
help create positive change. o o o o oo o
hhhhhhhh o oo o o o o o o hhhhhhhh
t
t
We don’t need to implement big 20 hhhhhhhh o oo o o o o o o hhhhhhhh

o oo o o o o oo
changes; it’s so often the small things DDDDDDDD o o oooo o o DDDDDDDD
that make the biggest difference and DDDDDDDD DDDDDDDD
ooooo oooooo ooooo
give us courage. My biggest small TTTTTTTT o o o o o o TTTTTTTT
TTTTTTTT o o o o o TTTTTTTT
change that I’ve been working on o o oooo ooooo
tttttttt o o o o o o tttttttt
lately is the idea that doing tttttttt ooooo oooooo o o tttttttt
something is better than doing 30
SSSSSSSS oooooo o o o SSSSSSSS
nothing – it doesn’t have to be 100% or SSSSSSSS o o o o o SSSSSSSS
o o o o
perfect. For example, if my craft xxxxxxxx oooo o o o xxxxxxxx
supplies are a mess and I don’t feel xxxxxxxx o o o o o xxxxxxxx
o oooo oooooo
I can manage to tidy it all, instead of CCCCCCCC CCCCCCCC
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
getting overwhelmed by the whole t
task I pick one thing and tackle that.
Even if it’s only tidying up my fabric Julian Odessa
stash and leaving everything else, it’s
CRAFTY BOOKSHELF
You ARE bloomin' lovely!
CRAFTY BOOKSHELF
5HDGRQWRƮQGRXWRXUIDYRXULWH
QHZERRNVIRUVWLWFKHUVWKLVPRQWK
PUNCH NEEDLE TATTOO DESIGNS
AMY BUCHANAN [Landauer]
This book includes 50 beginner-
friendly punch needle designs
inspired by Tattoo Art with 17 projects
to try. Projects range from wall décor
and ornaments to coasters, cushion
covers, book bags, and more and both
traditional and more modern designs
are featured. Bold colours are the
order of the day and don’t worry if
you’re new to punch needle – all the
basics you need to know are covered
in the opening sections.
BEAD EMBROIDERY: CHINESE STYLE

YU HAN [Shanghai Press]
Popular among the aristocrats in
Dogs always think China’s imperial courts, bead
we're wonderful embroidery is still used today to
embellish modern haute couture,
wedding dresses, and other
accessories. This book shares 25
embroidery designs to try, with
Cross stitch in two strands traditional Chinese design elements,
including landscape paintings, bird
09 09 803 and flower motifs, and famous poems
310 403 black featured throughout. You’ll learn the
basics and over a dozen stitches such
335 038 506 as single-bead, multi-bead, free
444 297 106 stitches, layered stitches and more.
0 56 308
827 160 1014 ELEVATE YOUR SCRAP
900 333 208 SEWING PROJECTS
9 0 36 0 SALLIEANN HARRISON [Landauer]
Backstitch in one strand This is the perfect book for anyone
looking for ways to use up their fabric
209 109 803 stash, ready for some new year
335 038 506 purchases! Both hand and machine
techniques are used to make 15
9 06 projects. Select from 20 techniques to
0 56 308 try, including basket weaving, angled
pleats, patchwork piecing, hand
827 160 1014
embroidery and tiny appliqué. Make
970 316 204 items such as bags, cushions, soft
toys, quilts, plus other projects that
would make perfect gifts.
READER OFFER
FABULOUS NEW YEAR OFFERS!

Great seasonal deals for CrossStitcher readers... Overseas
readers please email enquiries@willowfabrics.com to LIMI
TIME OTFED
order. Take advantage of our exclusive offers today... This
FER!
off
This month we are bringing you a great 27 Deecr, ends
selection of Dimensions cross stitch kits earlier if or
at reduced prices. Each kit has all you runs ousttock
need to stitch the project, including aida, !
stranded cotton, needle, and a chart and full
instructions. Some kits like the Christmas
Village, Holiday Family Truck, Cardinal
Joy and Santa’s Truck Stocking have the
extras needed to make the stitching into a
treasured Christmas decoration.
Christmas Village by Dimensions (DM01) –
Holiday Family Truck
set of 6 decorations. 18 count aida. Finished
size 13cm; £37.45 £29.95
Christmas Morning Pets by Dimensions
(DM02)– 18 count aida. Finished size
15.2x15.2cm; £18.75 £15
Toy Shoppe by Dimensions (DM03) –
18 count aida, Finished size 15x15cm;
£20.30 £16.25
Holiday Family Truck by Dimensions
(DM04) – 14 count aida and fabric cover
hoop. Finished size 15.2cm; £20.85 £16.65
Cardinal Joy Christmas Village Santa’s Truck Stocking
Cardinal Joy by Dimensions (DM05) –
14 count aida wire hanger & bells. Finished
size 13 x 25cm. £12.10 £9.65
Santa’s Truck Stocking by Dimensions
(DM06) – 14 count aida, backing fabric
and wool for hanging. Finished size:
41cm long. £40 £32
Garden Shed Snowman by Dimensions
(DM07) - 14 count aida. Finished size
30x36cm; £34.35 £27.40
Christmas Morning Pets Garden Shed Snowman Toy Shoppe
Please mark your coupon with the number and price of the kit or kits you would like to receive.
MORE OFFERS FOR YOU! As we have limited numbers of these kits, please order early to avoid disappointment.
We are once again sending overseas, so please email your order to enquiries@willowfabrics.com.
BOXES & BROOCHES CHRISTMAS COLOURS CARD PACK MOUSELOFT STITCHLET KITS STARRY STITCHABLE TAGS
Attach these mini frames (4x4cm) to This pack of cards in traditional colours Choose from 6 Mouseloft kits; 3 new These pretty punched stitchable tags
a necklace, add a brooch back, or a includes 16 quality C6 (152x104mm) designs: Jolly Penguin, Gnellie’s come in cream with metallic stars. Each
magnet or use to display stitching as cards in four shades – Red, Green, Christmas Gift, Poinsettia, and 3 old come in a set of eight with a length of
we have done on page 82. Each pack Blue and Cream – in four aperture favourites: Skating Moose, Festive gold-effect thread and needle. The
contains 3 frames. On page 72, we use shapes – Oval, Round, Rectangular Giraffe and A gift from a Gnome. Please design area is 13x13 stitches. A great
Kraft pillow boxes. Each box measures and Square. Each pack comes with 16 write the name of the kit /kits you’d like way to create pretty handmade tags for
7x9cm and there are 8 boxes in a pack. printed envelopes. Christmas Colours to receive. See our bulk buy offer below. your gifts.
Pack of 3 mini embroidery hoops for Card Pack with Christmas Printed Christmas Stitchlet Kit for £4.48 Stitchable Tags for £4.30,
£1.99, Pack of 8 pillow boxes for £2 Envelopes for £14.70, ref: CCP16 £4.40; buy 3 for £13 and all 6 for £25 ref: STARRYT
READER OFFER
Festive Magic
Gingerbread Lane Santa Street
Snowy Days
20% OFF CROCHET KITS FESTIVE PACKS

These Simply Make crochet kits are real grandchild pleasers! If you have a Your last chance to buy these lovely Christmas boxes full of sparkle.
child that is crafty or you want something to do with them in the build-up to
Christmas, then these kits fit the bill! Each comes in a box with a polystyrene Each of the four boxes available contain: a lovely selection of DMC thread
base for the figures, plus wool, thread, felt, beads and pom-poms, depending and goodies: + 8 DMC Shiny Light Effects + 2 DMC Twinkling Satins
on which kit you chose, plus a crochet hook, needle and instructions. Also + 1 DMC Christmas Coloris + 1 DMC Sparkly Étoile PLUS, each box
great for adults beginning crochet. Please mark your coupon with Elf, Father contains beads, bells or sequins, ribbon and a flexi hoop!
Christmas, Snowman or Nativity. We are offering you 20% off RRP.
Elf, ref: C8, Father Christmas, ref: C7 & Choose from: Santa Street, ref: FBSS1, Snowy Days, ref: FBSD,
Snowman, ref: C9 for £8 £6.40 Festive Magic, ref: FBFM, Gingerbread Lane, ref: FBGL
Nativity, ref: C103 for £19 £15.20 Festive Box for £28.90
FABRIC OF THE MONTH

Our ‘Fabric of the Month’ in the January issue
is a pretty fabric called Away with the Fairies.
The background of this lovely fabric is a sky
of gentle clouds, moving in colour from pastel
pink to baby blue. Available as a FQ in both
14 count aida and 28 count evenweave, and
each measures 50x45cm (19x18in) – this
fabric is perfect when you need a soft sky for For all your cross stitch goodies!
seascapes or meadow views.
Any questions? enquiries@willowfabrics.com.
Please see the special offer for CrossStitcher Place your order online using the discount
subscribers on page 11 to get 20% off. code NEWYEAR24 to get the
lower postage cost that comes with
Fabric of the Month FQ for £12 aida,
this offer or call 01237 237171
ref: FMJA24A and £13 evenweave, for telephone orders.
ref: FMJA24E Offers available to UK readers only.
Post your orders to CrossStitcher/Willow Fabrics Offers,

PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
READER OFFER
DESCRIPTION PRICE QTY TOTAL
Title Initials Surname DIMENSIONS KITS REF:
£
Address BOXES / BROOCHES £2/£1.99
Postcode CHRISTMAS CARD PACK (CCP16) £14.70
Tel Email MOUSELOFT KITS KIT REF:
£
I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to STARRY TAGS (STARRYT) £4.30

Penny Creative Media Ltd with my name and CROCHET KITS REF:
£
address on the back FESTIVE PACKS REF: £28.90
FABRIC OF THE MONTH (FMJA24A/E) £12/£13
Or charge my Visa ☐ Mastercard ☐ Maestro ☐ AWAY IN A MANGER PACK (PPAMT) £2.80
Card No ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ KNOT GARDEN PK (PPCTP) £33.50
Expiry date /☐☐ ☐☐ Card security code ☐☐☐(last 3 digits on signature strip)
JOY TO ALL FULL PACK (PPJTA) £51.50
JOY TO ALL PRINTERS TRAY ONLY (PPJTR) £18.00
Signature Date BAGS OF STYLE PACK (PPBOS) £5.80
Terms and conditions: If ordering online, use NEWYEAR24 at checkout to get the lower postage cost.
CALENDAR SAL PACK (PPCALS) £27.00
Please note the contract for supply of goods is with Willow Fabrics, tel: 01237 237171. These offers close MANDALA SAL PACK (PPMANS) £57.00
on 27 December 2023, or before if stocks run out. All goods dispatched Royal Mail Tracked 48, please
allow 28 days for delivery. Please supply an email address or telephone number in case we need to UK ONLY POSTAGE £3.50 1 £3.50
contact you about your order. For full terms and conditions see page 82.
GRAND TOTAL £
Feel free to photocopy this offer or write your order on paper if you don’t want to cut your magazine
EASONAL HOUSES SAL
S
Sampler chart positions

We have printed the bottom of Castle
Combe from issue 402 so you can
place your house correctly. Our
diagram shows its sampler placement.
Our Canterbury house’s story…

Canterbury has been a European pilgrimage site of major importance for
over 800 years since the assassination of Archbishop Thomas Becket in
1170. Chaucer’s Canterbury Tales have stood the test of more than 600
years and are known throughout the world. The pilgrims in the Canterbury
Tales followed the Pilgrim’s Way to Canterbury, to worship and make
penance at Becket’s tomb. Today it is one of the most beautiful and historic
cities in England. The medieval city centre bustles with famous name stores
and exclusive boutiques while the picturesque side streets are home to
smaller specialist shops, pubs and restaurants. Our house is a Gothic-styled
Victorian detached, constructed from distinctive local bricks. Known as
Canterbury Multi or Blend, these handmade bricks create an attractive
‘variegated’ look that lends the city considerable character.
SEASONAL HOUSES SAL
Take a trip around the UK with us! We’re bringing you 14 classic houses
IURPGLƬHUHQWWRZQVLQ%ULWDLQWRPDNHXSDFRPSOHWHVDPSOHU
110 120 130 140

190 t
• Zweiga
rt Pewter
ref: 3706/7 Grey 14 co
13; 65x55 unt aida,
• Strande cm (251⁄2x
d cotton a 211⁄2in)
• Size 24 s listed in
tapestry n the key
Materials eedle
200 available
from www
.willowfab
rics.com
210
t
t
220 DMC Anchor Madeira
Amanda Butler
Cross stitch in two strands
211 342
3 801
80
307
30 289
89 104
0
230
310
30 403
03 b
black
ac
t 434 310 2009
436 1045 2011
437
3 362
36 2012
0
666 046 210
Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch time: 15 hours
741 304 201
Complete sampler stitch count: 234 high x 148 wide
Complete sampler design size: 42.5x27cm (163⁄4x101⁄2in) 775 1031 1001
Canterbury design size: 8x8cm (31⁄4x 31⁄4in) 890 683 1314
3
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. 3799
3 99 236
36 1713
3
B5200 001 white
Cross stitch blend in one strand of each
HOW TO… JOIN OUR STITCH-A-LONG stitching straight away, and have it delivered 738
38 + 739
39
We’re unveiling a new seasonal straight to your door! Backstitch in one strand
house in Britain from January 2023 Your materials pack contains:
to February 2024, when we will give • Zweigart 14 count aida in Pewter Grey 310 403 black
outlines, details
you details of how to personalise • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
our sampler. • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; 334 977 1003
size 24 and size 26 snow
CROSSSTITCHER PROJECT PACK How to order: B5200 001 white

If you would like to stitch our Seasonal Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your windows, details
Houses of Britain, we have a materials pack project pack at the CrossStitcher reader
with everything you need to get you price of £54.30, plus P&P.
calendar SAL
Welcome to our new Calendar Stitch-A-Long! Make a date with us to
stitch a new month each issue until you have a whole year of designs
Every month we are giving you a FREE

calendar download to print out and
attach your stitching to display in
your home. Head to our CrossStitcher
Facebook Digital Downloads page...
STITCH-A-LONG
Designed by: Emma Congdon 10 20

t 30 40
Stitch count: 46 high x 46 wide
Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (31⁄4x 31⁄4in)
Stitch time: 3 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
10
20
t
DMC Anchor Madeira
209 109 803

30
435 1046 2010
505 228
8 1301
30
Emma Congdon
604 055 614
606 335 209 40
676 891 2208
741 304
30 201
0
973
9 3 290
90 105
05 t
3340 329 301
3846 433 1103
Backstitch in one strand
310 403
words, outlines
black Over the year we • Sampedro W
hite 14 count ai
606 335 209 will be bringing you 14x14cm (51⁄2x5
• Stranded co
1⁄2in)
da;
fireworks
703 238 1307

12 months to make • Size 24 tape
Materials avail
tton as listed in
stry needle
the key
fireworks
a Calendar Year. able from www.willowfa
brics.com
Each month is
filled with motifs
How to… join our appropriate for
Stitch-A-Long
We’re unveiling a new monthly calender
that season
which will run from January to December
24. Over the year we will be bringing you
12 seasonal designs that can be used for
birthday or anniversaries, one for each
Chart Positions
month of the year. They can be stitched To make the complete sampler, stitch
as individual designs as we have done, on a 55x45cm (211⁄2x173⁄4in) piece of
or if you prefer stitch them all together to white 14 count aida, leaving eight
make a fun calendar. blank aida squares between the
MATERIALS PACK borders of each month and on all
If you’d like a pack containing the white sides. The top left corner of January
14 count aida and the skeins of stranded should be stitched 7.5cm (3in) down
cotton needed to work the complete from the top and in from the left side of
sampler, turn to page 15, and order for the aida. Our simulation shows where
£27 plus P&P. each month is due to go in the future.
JOY TO ALL
ON TREND
joy
to all
Spread some Christmas Joy with
our beautiful baubles! Mounted in
a tray they make a colourful
background for displaying
festive ornaments
this season
PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch Joy to All, 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:

• Sampedro 14 count aida in White
• Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
• Two gold-plated tapestry
needles; size 24 and size 26
• Printer’s tray
How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com or turn to page 15

to order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price
of £51.50, plus P&P, or £18 for just the Printer’s Tray.
JOY TO ALL
Designed by: Susan Bates

Max. stitch count:
38 x 38 small; 37 x 80 large
Max. design size: 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in)
small; 7x14.5cm (2¾x5¾in) large
DMC Anchor Madeira

350 011 213

702 239 1306
704 256 1308
726 305 109
747 158
58 1104
0
775
5 1031
03 1001
00
800 159 908
807 1039 1109
809 130 909
818
88 0
0733 50
502
899 052
05 505
910 228 1301
912 209 1213
954
95 203
03 1211
955 206 1210
972 298 107
3078 292 102
3326
33 6 036 50
504
3340
33 0 329
3 9 30
301
3
3766
66 167
6 1111
3824 008 2605
3838 940 2702
726 305 109

pattern, detail
780 309 2214

pattern, detail
816 1005 512

pattern, detail
823 127 1008

pattern, detail
972 298 107

pattern, detail
3808 1068 2507

pattern, detail
3818 211 2704

pattern, detail
ON TREND
Susan Bates
JOY TO ALL
How to… ƮQLVK

\RXUSULQWHUŞVWUD\
Step 1
SPACE your designs on the aida fabric,
leaving 12 blank aida squares between
each individual section. Paint the
printer’s tray with a white match pot,
using a cloth rather than a brush to rub
the colour into the wood.
Step 2
TRIM each design carefully to fit,
making sure the stitching is in the
centre, and removing one row of aida
squares at a time to get the correct fit.
Place each design in the printer’s tray
and then, using double-sided tape,
stick the designs in place.
Each single bauble could

also be stitched individually
to use for Christmas
cards or gift tags!
• Sampedro W
hite 14 count ai
46x46cm (18x1 da;
8in)
• Stranded co
tton as listed in
• Size 24 tape the key
stry needle
• Printer’s tray
Materials avai
lable from ww
w.willowfabrics
.com
THANK YOU CARDS
The Paw-fect Thank You!

For sheer cuteness when it comes to thank yous,
our adorable animal cards are hard to beat!
THE PAW-FECT THANK YOU
10 20
t
Designed by: Jane Prutton
ddddd
Max. stitch count: 47 high x 46 wide ddddddd
ddddddddd
doddddoddi
Max. design size: 8.5x7.5cm (31⁄4x3in) ~dooddoodii
i~doddod~iii
Stitch time: 6 hours each ii~dddd~iiii
iii~~~~iiiii
These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. ~iii~~iiiiii
10 ~iii~~iiiii~ii
~~iii~iiiii~oi
~iiioiiiii~ii
~~i~~iiii~~ii
~~~~~iii~iiit
~~ii~~~iii~tt
tt~~iiiiiii~tt
ttt~~iiiii~~ttt
tttt~~iii~~tttt
tttt ~~ii~~tttt
20 tttth~~~~~htttt
t
tt hh~~~hhtttt
hhhhh tttt
~~~~ tt ttt
~~~~ii ittttt
~x~~xi iitttttt
DMC Anchor Madeira ~~xxxxii iiiittttt
~~xxxxii ii~ ttt
Cross stitch in two strands ~~~~xx~iit ii~
~~i~xx~ittt~~
30 i~~ ~~ii~~iittTTTTTTTTTTTTT
368 214 1310 ii~~~~~iiiiittTTTTTTTTTTTTT
ii~~~~~iii~ittTTTTTTTTTTTTT
ii~~~~~ii~iitTTTTTTTTTTTTT
369 1043 1309 iii~~~~~i~ii~tt~~~~~
ii~~~~~~~i~~~~~~~
ii~~~~~~~~~~~ii~~~~~
747 158 1104 iiiiii~~~i~~~~ii~~~~~~ii
iiii~~~iii~~~iiii~~iiiiii
760 1022 405 i~~~iiii~~ iiiiii~~~iiii
iii~~~ iiiiii ~~~~
40
iiii iiiii
844 1041 1810 t
3713 1021 501
Jane Prutton
3766 167 1111
3782
3 8 899 1911
9
3
3790
90 404
0 1905
905
38
3820 0 306 2509
509 10
t 20 30
3822 295 2511 XXXX

XXXXXX
XXXXXX
3853 1003 311 X~~X
~~
3855 311
3 2013
03 XXX XSSSSXXXX d
XXXX XXdXXXdXXXXdd
XXXXX XdXXXdXXXXXdoo XXX
3865 002 2402 XXXX~~SXXXXXXXXXXo~o
XXXX~~SXXdXXXSSSSooS
XXtt~
XXXt~~~~
10
XX SdXXXXXSXXXXSSSXXXtt~~~~~~
ec
ecru
u 38
387 ec
ecruu SXXXXXSSSXoXXSSSSXttt~~~~~~~
XXXXXSXXXXSXXSXSSSXXXttt~~
Backstitch in one strand XXXXXSXoXXXXSSXDDDD XXXXX
XXXXSSXSXXXXSXDDDDD
dooSSXXXXXSXXDDDDD
do~oSSXXXXXXX~DDDDD
535 1041 1809 dooSSXSSXXXXS~ooDDD
outlines, details d XXSSSXXSSoDDoDDd
20 XXXXSSSSxxoTToTTd
XXtXX xxxooxToTTTd
XXtttX xxxxxxTTTTTdd
XXtt~tX xxxooxTToTTdX
t
t
Xtt~tXX xxoxxoToTTTSXd
~t~~~XX xxoxxxoTTTTSddd
~~~~~X xxoooooooTTSdddd
~~~~XX xxxxxxTTTTTSXdddd
~~~X xxoxxoTToTTSSXXddd
~~~ xxoxxoTToTTSddXXXXX
30 ~ XXXooooo~~~SdddXXXXd
XXXXXX~~~~~SddddXXddd
XXoXXo~~o~~SSddXXXdddd
XXoXXo~~o~~ SSXXddXddd
XXXooooo~~~ dSSdddXddX
XXXXXX~~~~~ ddSSddXXXX
For each card count aida,
XXooooooo~~ ddSSdXXXd
edon Green 14
XXXXXo~~~~~ ddSSXXdd
• Zweigart Cel 4in)
XXooooooo~~
XXXXXX~~~~~
dddSXddd
ddSXddd
15x11cm (6x41⁄
ref: 3706/611; d in the key
40 TTToTTooxxx
TToTTTxxoxx
SSSXdd
SSSSXX
tton as liste TToTTTxxoxx SddSX
• Stranded co TTToooooxxx ddSS
stry needle TTTTTTxxxxx dddS
• Size 24 tape (4x31⁄4in) TTTTTTxxxxx ddS
with a 10x8cm dS
• Card blank, re SS
oval apertu t
rectangular or .com
w.willowfabrics
lable from ww
Materials avai Jane Prutton
26
THANK YOU CARDS
10 20 t 30 40 Make an…
~
D~
~
~~D
Ohh~~DD
==xxxxxTTQQ
==xxxxxTTQQ
aperture card
DD~hhOOhODDD ==xxxxxTTQQ
DD~OhhOOhOOD
DDOOOhOOOOOhhh
==xxxxxTTQQ
==xxxxxTTQQ
Step 1
DDOOOOOODDDOOO iiiiiiiiiii
OOOOOOOODOOO OOOOxxxTThhh WORK using two strands of stranded
OhhOOOOOOOOiiiOOO~~iiiiihhhh
10 hhhOOOOOOO~~~~OOO~iiiiiiOOhhOO cotton for the cross stitch, and one
hOOOOOOOO~~~~hhO~~iiihi~OOhhhOO
OOOOOOOOOOOOhhhhOOOihhi~OOhhhOOO strand for the backstitch.
TTTTTiiiOO~~~~~~~OOOhhhh~~Ohhh~OOOOhh~OO
TTTTTi~~~~~~~~~~~~OOO~~~~~~hhi~OOOOO~~OO
TTTTT~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OO~~~~~~ThOOOOOOOO~~O
QQQQQiiiiiiiiii~~~OOOiii~~~QhOOOOOOOO~O
Step 2
QQQQQiiiiiiiiiiii~OOOOiiii~QhOOOOOOOO~ TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card,
t
t
QQQQQ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~OOO~~~~~Q~hOOOOOOO~
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxOOOOxxxxxxxxOOOOOOO with the design centrally placed behind
20 =====iiiiiiiiiiiiOOOhiiiiiii~~~~=~=Ohh==
=====iiiiiiiiiiiiOOhhiiiiiiiiiii=i==hhh= the card’s aperture.
=====iiiiiiiiiiiihhhhiiiiiiiiiii=i==Oiii
=====~~~~~~~~~~~~hhhh~~~~~~~~~~~=~==OOiii
TTTTTiiiiiiiiiiiihhhhiiiiiiiiiiiTiTTThhOO
TTTTT~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~T~TTThhhhh Step 3
xxxxxiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiixixxxOOOhh
xxxxx~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~xxxOOOOO ATTACH double-sided tape to the
======iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii=i===hhOOO
======iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii=i==iihhhO inside of the card around the edge
30 ======iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii=i=OiiOhhh
======iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii=i=hOiiOO= of the aperture.
======~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~=~hhhOOOO=
======~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~=~hhhhOO==
hhhhhO
hhhh
Step 4
t PLACE the stitching on the table
right-side up, and then place the card on
Jane Prutton
top, pressing down firmly on the tape.
Step 5
CHECK which flap will fold onto the
10 20 t 30 40
back of the stitching, then add strips
TT of double-sided tape and press firmly
TT
= TT QTT down to secure.
xx == TTTQQT TT
xxx=SSXX DHHTQTTTT
xx=SXXXXX DDDDQQQQQQ
xxS=XXXXXXX DHDDQQHHTHQQQ
xxS==XXXXXoSX TTQDHoHHHHHTTHQQ
SS=SXXXhhSXSS TTQQDDDHhhHDHHTDH
10 SXSXXoShttSSiiiiiiiiiTTQTQiiDDtthHoDHHDH
XXXXSSSSttiiiiiiiiiiTTTTTiiiiittHDHHDDDD
XX==XXSSiiiiiiiiiiiiTTTiiiiiiiHDDDQQDD
These make great
==x=XXSiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHDDQQTQ
==xxxXXSiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHDQQTTTQ
=xxx=XXSiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiHDQQTQTQ stash-busting
=xxx=XXSiiiiiixxxiiiiiiiiiiiiiHDQQTTQQQ
cards, as many
t
=xx=x=XSSiiSSxxxxx HHiiHDHQQTTQQ
=x=x=XXSSSSSxxxx HHHiHDDQQQTTTQ
=xx=x=SSSSSSiittttttttt iiHHHHDHHQQQTQ
20
x
=x=x=SSSSiiiiiittttttttttttiiiiiHHHHHQQQQTQ
xx= ===iiiiiitt
ttttttittt
ttt
ttt
tttiiiiiiiQQQ
ttttitttttt
TQTQ
T
of the thread
ttt
tttttttttt
ttttt=====
==xx=
ttt ttttttt
TTQQQtttt
TQQQQ ttt shades could be
=xx==
=xx=
=xx=
=x=
TTQQQ
TTQQ
TTQQ
TTQ
substituted if
30 =xx
x=
x=
=
TTQ
TQ
TQ
T
you wish
t
Jane Prutton
Your stitching,
top tips, online
chat and more!
Birthday
Balloon
star W
hen I saw the balloon alphabet
in issue 396, I knew that it would
letter
make the perfect card for a very
special person who grew up in Bristol.
Some years ago Nick took me there on
the weekend of the Balloon Fiesta, but it
was so windy that
the balloons could
not take off. Now
he has a balloon
drifting over the
Avon Gorge
whatever the
weather! He was
delighted with
his card, which
he said was the
best yet!
Susan Halstead,
Oxford
Season’s Greetings YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

D
ear CrossStitcher, I enjoy adapting patterns from previous Courtesy of Willow Fabrics, our
issues to make gifts for friends and family. Each year I make Star Letter writer will win a materials
Christmas decorations for my family and this year have pack of their choice from those on
adapted the ‘Good Morning Sunshine’ banner from issue 385. I’m offer for the projects in the current
very pleased with the result. issue. Please note that packs for the
Happy Christmas to all cross stitchers! Landmarks and British Houses SALs
Wendy Hall, Solihull, West Midlands are not included in this prize selection.
PLUS! The writers of every letter or tip
featured each month will also receive
a mystery prize!
This is such a clever idea, Wendy! Considering the original design
was very much a summery project, it’s inspiring to see how you’ve
given a festive twist to it. A lot of hard work, but we bet your friends
and family were delighted with their special gifts!
Martin & Susan, CrossStitcher Editors
OVER TO YOU…
Peak Practice We asked our fans on Facebook,
“If you were to give only one
I
was so happy to find this alphabet cabin in cross stitch tip to others, what
issue 390. I live high up in the Rocky Mountains. would it be?”
I couldn’t resist stitching the letters to spell my MICHELLE HASLER Good lighting
name. I used beads for the Christmas lights and and a cuppa, plus make sure you have
I changed the letter ‘H’ cabin into a church by everything you need next to you, so you
don’t have to get up and rummage.
stitching a star onto the door and adding a bell
charm on top. Thank you for publishing Fiona LAURA COFFING Don’t rush to get
Crouch’s beautiful patterns. Sincerely, it done. Take your time and enjoy the
Jenny Minichino, Utah, USA process of creating something beautiful
that you and others will love for years.
SARAH KEARNEY Count everything

twice – saves a lot of unpicking!
SUE BARBER I would say do your own

thing! For example – it’s not a race, go as
slow as you like! Have one project on the
go or 10 – it’s up to you! The main thing
is to enjoy it! And tell everyone you know
what a fab hobby it is!
READER TIP
SAMM BAINES To take your time, there
Try not to carry your threads too far"

is no race. Enjoy every stitch of your
beautiful piece. Also add your own twist
on patterns. Who wants a piece that is
exactly the same as someone else’s?
To avoid any tension issues with your stitching and prevent fabric distortion
AMANDA BURGES My great
or getting caught while stitching, I recommend not to carry your thread too grandmother told me when she taught
far across the back of a stitched area without catching it down through some me to stitch to never put a knot in your
stitches across the back. work. I have lived by that my whole life.
Christine Matthews, Darlington
LIZ DRAPER Back stitch outlines don’t
have to be in black! Use the same colour
to outline or a shade or two darker or
Blanket
lighter for details. If that’s not an option,
go for a deep brown or grey.
Love
NICOLA MAIN Make sure you have
a good light to aid you so you’re not
straining your eyes.
H
ello! Just wanted to BRYANA ATKINS Choose projects that
show off my latest light up your heart when you pick them up
so that you never want to put them down.
stitching. I fell in
love with this chart from the JAIME BLYTHE Housework Whenever,
moment I saw it, I put it in the cross stitch forever!! (Not enough hours
‘to-do’ pile. It was the perfect in the day so spend it doing what makes
opportunity to stitch it when you happy!)
I found out my son’s sister- VICTORIA PHILLIPS Make sure you make
in-law was expecting, so I time for yourself. I have found it hard since
got to work! Really pleased going back to work but quickly realised
with how it turned out, and I’m the only one who can handle my time
off. So now I have one afternoon a week
it’s hard to pick a favourite where I focus on myself and just stitch.
elephant. The charts are from
March, April, May and June JESSIE COVELL It doesn’t have to be
2022. Kind regards, perfect. Chances are, you’re the only one
Sandra Nevins, by email who will see a mistake or two when it’s
over. Gives your piece character.
‘Like’ our page on

crossstitcher@ @XStitchmagazine Facebook; facebook.com/
warnersgroup.co.uk CrossStitcherMag and
join the conversation!
CrossStitcher, PO Box 172, pinterest.com/
Northam, EX39 9DY xstitchmagazine
CLIPPED TO PERFECTION
Clipped to
PERFECTION
A winter knot garden’s beauty
VKLQHVWKURXJKśDVVSULQJưRZHUV
bloom and birds come to visit
PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch Clipped To
Perfection, we have a materials pack with
everything you need to get you stitching right
away, and have it delivered to your door!
• DMC 14 count aida in
Iridescent 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 £33.50, plus P&P.
FOR YOUR HOME
t
110
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10t
t
50
60
90
20
80
40
30
70
10
FOR YOUR HOME
Maria Diaz
t
100
150
120
140
130
160
170
110
90
DMC Anchor Madeira

002 398 1803

004 235
00 35 1801
80
164 240 1209
340 118 902
341 117 901
369 1043 1309 (2)
501 878 1704
712 926 2101
726
6 305 109
09
739 366 2014
747 158
58 1104
0
762 234 1804
827 160 1014
986 246 1404
988 243 1402 Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch count: 176 high x 116 wide
3078
30 8 292
9 102
0 Design size: 32.5x21.5cm (123⁄4x81⁄2in) Stitch time: 53 hours
3746 1030 903
3799
3 99 23636 1713
3
3813 875 1111
3816 876 1702 The Iridescent White
3863 379 1912 aida chosen for this • DMC Wh
ite Iridesce
B5200 001
white
project is designed 50x55cm (1
• Stranded
nt 14 count
91⁄2x211⁄2in) aida;
3799 236 1713 to provide a hint of • Size 24 ta

• Frame w
cotton as lis
pestry nee
d
ted in the ke
le
y
outlines, details
3863 379 1912

frost or snow to ith a 34x24
(131⁄2x91⁄2in
) aperture
cm
tree, vines
(2) indicates more than one skein is required
show the season our • Mount bo
Materia
ard to fit fra
ls available
me
garden is growing in
from www
.willowfabric
s.com
How to… frame a picture

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3
CUT a piece of white mount board PIN around the entire perimeter SECURE the fabric edges with
to fit inside your frame. Place your and check you are happy with the masking tape and remove the pins.
design centrally over the mount positioning of your design, then turn Position your stitching in the frame
board and pin the fabric around the over to the reverse. Use double-sided and back with a second piece of
board to secure, starting at the centre tape to secure the fabric excess mount board. Seal the edges with
of each side and working outwards. around all four sides. more masking tape to finish off.
34
JUST FOR FUN
spruce up your christmas

Branch out with a pretty Christmas tree pot cover this
year – our Merry ‘Mouse-mas’ design is simply irresistible!
SPRUCE UP YOUR CHRISTMAS
Make a… Christmas tree pot cover Try to keep your

Step 1 a 1.25cm (1⁄2in) seam allowance. Slip stitches uniform in size
NOTE that our fabric measurements
given (right) are for a 13cm diameter
the cover over your pot to check the
fit. Still working on the wrong side, and direction, this will
(51⁄4in) pot. You will need to measure
your pot and then adjust the fabric
flatter the fabric so that the seam is
centre back. Stitch along the bottom give your stitching a
size to fit, allowing for a seam
allowance. The bottom of your
seam with a 1.25cm (1⁄2in) seam
allowance. Turn to the right side. more polished finish!
stitching must be 7.5cm (3in) up
from the bottom of the fabric, and Step 3
centrally between the left and SLIP your pot into the cover, and
right-hand sides. Use two strands then fold over the top edge of the pot
for the cross stitch and one strand to the front, turning under the raw • Zweigart Chr
istmas Red 14
for the backstitch and French knots. edge – this will form a cuff at the top ref: 3706/954; count aida,
28x45cm (11x1
of the pot. Pin ric-rac along the cuff’s • Stranded co 73⁄4in)
Step 2 lower edge, and then stitch around
tton as listed in
• DMC Light Eff the key
COMPLETE all the cross stitch, and the ric-rac through all layers. Slip ects as listed in
• Size 24 tape the key
bring the two short sides of your your pot inside and then use it for a stry needle
• Red ric-rac br
fabric together, with the design on mini Christmas tree or a Christmas aid; 42cm (161⁄2
Material in)
the inside. Stitch down the seam with arrangement of fir and holly. s available from
www.willowfa
brics.com
JUST FOR FUN
10 20 30 40 50 60
t
10
20
t
t
30
40
t
Amanda Butler
Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 41 high x 61 wide

Design size: 7x11cm (23⁄4x43⁄8in) Stitch time: 10 hours
DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand
30
304 1006
006 509 700 228 1304 310 403 black
details, outlines
307
30 289
89 104
0 702 239 1306
519 1038 1105
310 403 black 742 303 114 snowflakes
317 400 1714 775 1031 1001 B5200 001 white
433 371 2008 963 023 608 eye
435 1046 2010 3760 169 1012 E3821 Light Effects

greeting, box pattern
437 362 2012 3799 236 1713 French knots in one strand
518 1039 1106 B5200 001 white
Cross stitch blend in one strand of each E3821 Light Effects
519
5 9 1038
038 1105
05 buttons
608 332 206 3760 + 3842
666 046 210
INSPIRING PEOPLE
Historical inspiration
combines with a love of nature.
An interview with...
Jeannine McGowan
Jeannine McGowan of The Blue Flower chats about her art inspirations,
her love of Floss-tubing and how her cross stitch business came to be
Interview by Julian Odessa
B
etween balancing books and – what inspires this style?
creating heirloom-quality I absolutely draw inspiration from
designs, the master of historical designs and styles,
multitasking, Jeannine particularly Art Nouveau and Arts &
McGowan of The Blue Flower, Crafts styles. It’s probably because they
is a busy lady! She took time from her are so driven by nature and that really
job, Flosstube channel, and her own inspires me. I also love taking very
cross stitch pattern business to sit traditional styles and adding a modern
down with us and share how she interpretation. For example, I’m
makes the magic happen! currently working on a design inspired
by the layout of traditional Norfolk
What is the story of your samplers but making it all about
relationship with needlework? pollinators and stylised floral designs.
Like so many in this community, I was
taught to cross stitch as a child. How did cross stitch become such
However, it never held my interest an influential part of your life?
when I was young. As an adult, though, from what I’d done as a child. I’ve never Full credit goes to the wonderful staff
I was fortunate enough to live near a had art training, and I confess I do envy at Acorns & Threads. My first design
wonderful shop in Port Oregon called other designers’ drawing ability. But I was a family sampler, and they were
‘Acorns & Threads’ and from the first hope someday I’ll be able to learn with me every step of the way,
time I walked in it was like discovering about art and design as well. encouraging me to explore ideas and
a whole new world. There were ultimately start designing charts for
amazing designs, fabrics, and threads Your patterns are a delicate mix of sale. I’m not certain I’d have considered
– it was a completely different craft traditional style with a modern twist designing if they hadn’t suggested it. I
INSPIRING PEOPLE
“I draw my inspiration
from my pets, my own
history, and the vast
spectrum of the
natural world.”
Art Nouveau has had a big impact

on Jeannine’s stitching style.
with the design before I’m certain

about the text. That way, I’m not in the
I also love taking very position of having designed an
traditional styles and adding element that I really love, but that
doesn’t match up with the text
a modern interpretation I’ve chosen.
Is cross stitching your full-time job?

think that speaks to the importance of second market; it was such fun to put I work full-time as a bookkeeper for
wonderful needlework shops; they personal motifs from my childhood small family businesses. So, in a typical
give us an immediate community. And into it. weekday, I would get up and do the
now that we have FlossTube, that chores (walk the dogs, water the
community and collaboration are Do you prefer designing for display garden and so on) then start working
accessible to everyone. The way designs or for practical items? right away. I’m fortunate to work at
change over time – because of different I tend to design for display, although home so I can usually finish up my
supplies, but also because of what that’s mostly because I prefer walls regular job and then carve out an hour
we’ve seen from other stitchers – is part covered with interesting things and or so for designing at the end of the day.
of what I love most about cross stitch as flat surfaces relatively clear. Plus, we
an art. It’s an art we all get to create and have a puppy and nothing within her What is coming up next for you that
adjust for ourselves. reach is safe. I’ve seen several people you’re excited about?
incorporating Blue Flower designs into I’m almost completely focused on the
What is your personal favourite practical items, though, and that’s Jingle Ball virtual event at the moment;
pattern you’ve ever made? always a thrill. But my favourite it’s at the beginning of December so
That’s a bit like choosing a favourite practical item to do is a biscornu. I love there is a lot to do. I’m also working on
child! I often feel that my favourite the way a biscornu matches up so well designs for the market next year, which
design is the one that’s just been – just keep going, stitch by stitch, and it is always exciting. It’s strange to be
finished because it’s the first time I get all comes together. I’m not great with designing different seasons at the
to see it ‘alive’ – with thread and fabric hand sewing so I love things that are same time as well. I’m immersed in
instead of symbols on my computer. more straightforward like that. spring one moment and then working
But if I had to pick a favourite, I’d on cosy winter themes the next.
choose two: ‘Night Walked Down’ and Many of your samplers have Someday I’d love to be a full year
‘Huckleberry Farm.’ I can’t narrow it beautiful quotes on them – do you ahead with my designs so that I can
down any further. start with the quote and build your design each season as I’m experiencing
‘Night Walked Down’ was the first pattern around it? it. Alas, I haven’t achieved it so far. I love
design I did before I went to the I tend to have the idea first and then designing for retreats as well, and
Nashville Needlework Market for the immediately go looking for the quote. I have some fun ones coming up
first time. It was unusual so I wasn’t I don’t think I’ve ever started with the next year!
sure whether anyone else would like it quote, although I have several in my
the way I did. Huckleberry Farm was ‘ideas’ list that are waiting for their www.blueflowerstitching.com
similar. I designed that one for my designs. But I don’t like to proceed far Youtube: The Blue Flower Flosstube
BAGS OF STYLE
JUST FOR FUN
Bags of Style
Give an on-trend look to a humble tote bag. Our
stylish design really is fast fashion at its best!
Durene Jones
Durene Jones
t
80
70
60
50
t
t
40
30
20
10
t
50
20
40
30
10
BAGS OF STYLE
Designed by: Durene Jones

bag; 4 wide x length of handle
Design size: 9x15cm (31⁄2x 57⁄8in);
8mm (3⁄8in) x length of handle
This design was stitched on 14 count
aida fabric and aida band.
DMC Anchor Madeira

754 336 305

948
9 8 1011
0 306
3770 1009 978
E677 Light Effects
E3852 Light Effects
Backstitch in two strands
E3852 Light Effects

decoration
310 403 black

outlines, details
You can easily shorten or lengthen the tape

handles to make a shoulder or hand-held bag. • Sampedro
White 14 cou
Turn to page 15 to order your fabric and 67x26.5 cm
• Zweigart W
(261⁄2x101⁄2in
nt aida;
)
handles pack for just £5.80 plus P&P 2.5cm (1in) w
• Stranded co
hite aida ban
ide x 1.3m (5
d;
2in)
tton as listed
• DMC Ligh in the key
t Effects as lis
• Size 24 tap ted in the key
estry needle
How to… stitch How to… make Materials availabl
e from www
.willowfabric
the design the bag s.com
Step 1 Step 1
FOLD your fabric to create a bag shape. TURN over the top edge of the fabric,
From the fold at the bottom of the bag, twice onto the right side with a 1.25cm with a cross in the centre (see picture
count up 25 aida squares, and leave these (1⁄2in) turning each time. Iron then for details), at the top – this will make
rows blank, on the next row start cross machine stitch in place. the bag handles extra strong. Repeat
stitching the bag, which should be centrally for the other side of the bag, but if you
placed between the left and right-hand Step 2 have only stitched the bag on one side
edges of the fabric. FOLD under the ends of the aida band you will need to hold it up to the light to
and place the band on the front of the get the correct position.
Step 2 bag so that the handles fits into the
CUT the aida band to create two handles. indentations in the top of the bag. Pin Step 3
Repeat the design until you fill the length of in place following an aida line up the WITH the wrong side facing, sew up
your aida band. Leave the end of the aida bag to the top edge. Machine stitch the each side seams, then neaten the
band blank for turning under. handle in place, making a box shape seams. Iron the bag flat.
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since 1877
Nordic Iceberg
Geometri ally em roidered this pi ture will make a
reat de ora o espe ially i wi ter me really ZZZJROGOHDIQHHGOHZRUNFRXN
i e e e t is reated whe oth i e er hal es are
em roidered o di ere t shades o lue Get this lo ely
desi or ree at www.zweigart.de/e roidery a d
ollow us o i sta ram or more i spira o
BELFAST BELFAST
PREMIUM NEEDLEWORK FABRICS

% MADE IN GERMANY
www.zweigart.de
For sto kists o ta t:

akeside eedle ra lakeside eedle ra o uk
illow a ri s www willow a ri s om
erita e ra s el
oolwarehouse woolwarehouse o uk
t htas www s t htas om
OWLS
What a hoot! Our wise owl alphabet is perfect for all kinds of
projects, from gifts and cards to homestyle makes!
Each month we
publish a new letter
and number set based
on a theme, designed
for you to cut out
and keep for when
you need it
LETTER LIBRARY
W intertime is the perfect

season for a whole flock
of owl motifs to stitch!
Use our feathered friends
to personalise projects, particularly
gifts. With a woodland effect thanks
Rtt
Rtt
Rtt
Rtt
Rtt
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888H
888888HH
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RRtttRt HHHHHH88HHHHHH
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RRtxxSoSDDxxSoSDD
RRtxxSSSDDDxSSSDD
RRt xxxxDSSDxxDD
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pTTTTTTTTTDxD
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to the tree branch lettering for each Rtt

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owl, you can use up any shades of RtRRRRtRtRttxppppTpppTpTTxD
RtRtttttRtttxpTTTTTTTTTTTxD%
brown leftover in your stash to bring Rttt RRRtxpppppppppppTDD%
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RRtt %g%%ggtt tSSStSStStHH%g Rt g %gDDDDDDD TT
R%%g R gggtt RtStttStttHHg RRR %ggSSSHSSS
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RRRtttt tt RttRRRtRRtRttt ttttttttttttt HHHHHHHHHH
LETTER LIBRARY
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRt x RRRRt
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Our Owls alph

abet letters w
mounted in a ere
card, flexi-hoo
painted embr p and a
oidery hoop.
stitched on w Ea ch was
hite 14 count ai
each letter is da , and
approximatel
30 wide. The y 30 high x
design size fo
letter is approx r each
. 6x6cm (2¼x2
and it took ou ¼in),
r stitcher three
stitch each on hours to
e.
47
LETTER LIBRARY
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% Rt ppSSSK~~~KSSSpp RRtRRt RRt KTTTTTKSSSKK
Rt ppSoSTK~KTSoSpT RRttRRRRRtt ~~SSSKTKKKKKT
Rt ppSSSpTKTpSSSTT RRRRtRRRRtt ~~SoSKSSKKKTT
RRt TppTTTSTTppTT RRtRttRRtt ~~SSSKSSTTTpTT
RRt TTTDSSSDTTT RttRt RRt ~~~~KKTTSTTppT
RRRt ~KxxxDSDDDD~K RRRRt Rt KKKTpTTpTTTT
RRRt~KxxxxxDDxxDD~K RRRtt Rt TTTTpTTTTKKKK
RRRtKKxxxxxxxxxDD~~K Rtt tR KppTTTTHH~K~KK
RRttKKxxxxxxxDDDD~~K RRt tRR ~KpTTHHHH~~K~~K
RRtKKxxxxxxxxxxxDD~K RRt RRt KKKHHH8HHKKKK~K
RRtKKxxxxxxxxxDDDD~K RRt RRRt KK888888HHH~K~K
% RtKKxxxxxxxxxxxDD~K RRt RRRt ~K8888888H~~KKK
%%tR RtKKxxxxxxxxxDDDD~K RRt Rt ~~KH888888HK~~~K
R%%%tR RtKKxxxxxxxxxxxDD~K RRt RRt ~KKH888888HKK~KK
Rt%%% R RtKKDxxxxxxxDDDDDKK RRt Rt KKH88888HHHKK
RRt R R Rt KKDxxxxxxxxDDKK RRt Rt ~KKHH888888HHH%
Rt Rt Rt KKDxxxxxDDDDDKK RRt Rt KKK HH8888HHH%g
Rt RRt KKDDDDDDDDDKK RRt RRt HHHHHHHHgg
RRt RRtt tttSSDDDDDSStt RRt RRR tSSSSSStg
RRR RRRt tttSSStttSSStRR RRtt RRR RtSSSSSS %g
RRRRRRRttt ttSSStttttSSSRR RRRRt ttRRRtt %g
tttttt ttSSStttttSSStR RRRRtt ttt g
R RRRt R
RRRR xxxxDDDDD RRRRt Rt SSSx
RRRRRR%%% xxxxxxxxxxDDD RRRt RRt SoSDD
tRRt gggg xxxxxxxxxxxDD RRRRt RRt xSSSSS
Rtt xxx88HDxxx88HDD RRtRt RRRt xxSSSoS
Rt xxx888HDx8888DD RRtRt RRRt pDxDDSSS
Rt xx8SSS8H88SSSHD RRt Rt RRRtppTDDDDD
Rt xx8SoS8H88SoSHD RRt Rt RtRttTTHHDpD
Rt x8SSS8H88SSSHD RRt Rt RtRRtTH8HHpp
Rt x8888HHH888HHD RRt Rt RttRtTH88HTpp
Rt x88HHSSH8HHD RRt Rt Rtt RtH888HTTT
Rt xHHHHSSHHHHD RRt Rt Rt RttH88H TT
RRt KxDDDDDKKK Rtt Rt Rt RRtH8HH T
RRt KxxxxDKK~KK Rt Rt Rt RRtHHH
RRt KKxxxDDKK~~K RRt Rt Rt RttSSS
RRt KxxxxDKK~~~KK RRt Rt Rt RRRRtt
RRRRt ~KxxxxDKK~~~~K RRRRt Rt Rt RRRt
RRtRt ~KDxxxDKKK~~~KK RRRRt Rt Rt Rt
RtRRt ~KDxxxDKKK~~~~KK RRRRRt Rt Rt Rt
RtRRt ~KDxxDDDK~~~~~KK RRtRRt Rt Rt Rt
RRttt ~KDDxxDDKKK~~~KK RRtttt Rt Rt Rt
RRt ~KKDDxxDDKK~~K%K RtRRt RRt Rt Rt
RRt %%% KKDDDDDDKKK%g Rttt RRt Rt Rt
RRt %g S S %%g RRt ~~ Rt RRt Rt
RRt %g S S %g Rtt ~K RRtRtt % Rt
RRt R S S g Rt ~~pT~K RRRt %% Rt %
RRt RRRRR RRRtSSSSSSt %%g RRt ~KTTKK RRt %%g Rtt %
RRRRRRRRRRRRRt SSSSSS gg RRt ~~~K ttt %g RRt g%
RRRRRttttRRRtt gg RRttgKKKK% tRgg%gRRRttgg%
Rttttt ttttt RRRRttgg%%g% gggRRtRttgg%
LETTER LIBRARY
R RR RRRRRR
Rt RRRRRR ~~~K RRRRtttRRt
RRt RRRR ~~~~~KK RRRttt RRRt pp TT
RRRt RRt pK~~~~K RRtt RRRt 8ppppppppTTH
RRt RR SSSK~KKKK RRtt RRt HppppppTTH
RRRt RR pSoSTKSSST RRt Rt 8HTpppTTHH
RtRt R pSSSSSSoST RRt RRt 88HTpTTH8H
RttRt R DTTTSSSSST RRt Rt8888HTTH888H
RRttRt R xDDDSDTTTT RRRRt Rt88SSSHHSSS8H
RRt Rt Rt xxxDxDDD RRttt Rt88SoSHHSoS8H
RRt Rt Rt pDxxxDDD RtRtt t88SSSHHSSS8H
RRt RRt Rt %%K~pDxxDDTK RtRtt tH888HHH8888H
RRt Rt Rt %gK~KpDxDp~~ Rtttt ttH8HHSSH88HK
RRt RRt Rt %gKKKTDxDpT~K RRtt ttTHHKSSKHHKKK
RRt Rt Rt gK~KTDxxDpp~K RRtt tpTTK~KKKTT~KK
RRt RRt Rt R~~KTDxxDpp~K RRt tpT~~~~KpT~~~KK
RRRtt RRt RRR KKKTDxDpp~~K RRt %tpT~~~~KpT~~~KK
RRtRt Rt RRt ppTTDxDppKKK RRt %gtpT~~~~KpT~~~KK
RRtRt RRt Rt pTpTxxxDDppK RRt %%% %%gtpT~~~~KKpT~~KK
RttRt RRt Rt pTDxxxDppT RRt g%g%g ttTK~~~~KpTK~KK
tttt Rt Rt TTDDxDDTTT RRt ggg RtTK~~~~KpTKKKT
RRt RRt Rt HSSDDDDS RRt R RttpTK~~KKKpTTTT
RRt RRRtRt HHSSHSSH RRRt R Rt KKKKKKpppp
Rtt % RRRRt HHHHH8HHHH RRt RRRt tSSKKKStp
Rtt %g RRRt H8HHHHH8HH RRt RRt RRSSStSSStRT
Rtt %g %% RRRt HHHH8HHHHH RRt RRtt tRRtStRtStRtT
RRt g%g RRt HHHHHHH RRt RRRRt tttRRRRRRtttT
RRt ggg RRtt 88 RRRRRRRRRRtt ttttttttttttT
RRRttt RRttt 88 % RRRRRRRttt tttttttttttt
RRRRttt RRRRttt g8888ggg% tttttt tttttttttttttt
R RRRRRt RRRRR p T
RRRRRRRRRRtt RRRRRRRt ppp ppT
RRRRtttRRRRt RRRttttRRt TpppppppTT
RRRtt RRRRt RRRtt RRRt pxxDppxxDT
RRRt RRRt xxDD RRRtt RRRt pSSSDxSSST
RRtt RRt xxxxxDDD RRtt RRt pxSoSDxSoSDT
R%% RRt xxxxDD~K RRRt RRRt pxSSSDxSSSDT
R%g Rt x~~DDD~~~K RRtt RRt ppDDDSSDDDTT
R%g Rt ~~~~K~SSSKK RRt RRt pppppSSTTTTT
R%g %%g Rt~~SSSK~SoSKK RRRt Rt DTTTTTTTTD
Rgg%%gg Rt~~SoSKKSSSKD RRRt RRtxxDDHHHHDDDD
RRtg%gg Rt~~SSSKSKKKKD RRtt RRtxxxDHH88xxxD
RRttgg Rt~~~KKSSSDxDD RRt RtxxxxDH8xxxxD
RRtt Rt xKKxDSDxxD RRt RtxxxDDH8xxxxD
RRtRR Rtt 8xxxxxDxDDDK RRt RtxxxDH888xxxD
RRRttRRRRRtt 8~KDDDDDDHKKK RRt RtxxxxDH8xxxxD
RRt tttttt 888~KHHHHxxxxDD RRt % RtxxxDDH8xxxxD
RRt 888~KHHHxxxxxxDD RRt %% RtxxxDH888xxDD
RRt 88~8~~KHxSSSxxSSSD RRt %g RRt xxDH888xxD
RRt 88~8~~KHxSoSxxSoSD RRt gg Rtt xxDDH8xxDD
RRt 88~8~~KHxSSSSSSSSD RRt Rt DDDH8DDD %
RRt 88~8~~KHHxxxSSDDD RRt RR Rt HHHHHHHH%g
RRt 8~88~~KHH~KDDDDKK RRt RRRRt SSSHSSSggg
RRt 8888~KKH~~~KHH~~KK RRt RRRRRRRRRSSStSSSg
RRt % 88~~KHHH~~~KH8~~~K RRt RRRR HHHHHH %g
RRt %88~~KHHH~~~KH8~~~K RRR RRRt 888888HH g%
RRt % ~KKKHHH~~~KH8~~~K RRRR RRtRt 8888888H g
RRtt %gKKHHHHH~~KH888K~K RRRRRRRRttRt H88HHH
RtRRtt %%g%ggHSSSHKH88888K ttRRRttt RRt HHHH
RtRRRtt %ggggg%SSSHHSSSSSS tttt RRRt
RRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRt
RRRttttttRRt
RRtt RRRt
RRt RRt
RRtRt RRt
RtRtt RRtKK ~~~~~K ~~K
Rtttt RtK~~~~~~~~~~K
RRttt RtK~pTKK~~pTKK
RRt RtKpppTKKpppTKK
Rt RtpppTTTppTTpTK
RRt RttppppTTppTTpTK
RRt RRtKpppTTTpppTpTK
RRt RRttKppTTTTpTTTTTK
RRt RRtt K~TTKSSKTTKK
RRRR RRRtt ~~~~KKKKKK
RRRRRRRRtt TTKKKKKKTT
RRRttttRt xxpTDxDDTTxD
RRtt RRt xxxDTDxxDpxxxD
RRt Rt xxxDTDxxDpxxxD
RRt RRt xxDpTDxxDppxDD
RRt Rt xxDTTDxxDppD%D
RRt RRt xxDTDDxxDDpD%%%%
RRt RRt xDDTDxxxxDpxD%gg
RRt RRtDDpTDxxxxDppDggg
RRt RRRtTTTDxxxxDpTTR
RRt RRRtDDDxxxxDDDR
RRRt RRRtDxxxxDDDRt
RtRtt RRRttDDDDDRtg%%
RtRRt RRRRRRRRt gg%
LETTER LIBRARY
RRRRRt RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRttttRtt RRtttRRRRttttttt R
Rttt RRt pppTTT Rt tRRtt
RRt RRt pppppppTT g RRt %% xx
Rt Rt %% pp~~Tp~KTT %g%% RRt xx %ggDD
Rt % R %g pp~~~~~~~KK %gg%% RRt xxxxx%ggDDH
Rt %% %g p~~~~~~~~~K gg g%% RRt 8HDDxggDDH8
Rt %g % p~SSS~~SSSK RRt 88HHDDDDSSSH
Rt g %g p~SoS~~SoSK RRt 88SSSHDDHSoSH
Rt ggg p~SSSSSSSSK RRRRt 88SoSHHH8SSSH
RRt R g pp~~~SSK~K RRRRt 88SSSHSSHHHHD
RRRRRt pp~~~KK~KK RRRRt 888HHSSDHHDDD
tttRt pp~~~KKKT RtRRt xHHxxDDDDDDDD
RRt ppppTKKTT Rtttt xxxxDxxDDDDKK
RRRt 8HpppTTpTH Rtt ~xxxDDDDDKKKKK
RRRt 888HpppppTTH RRt ~KxHHHHH~~~~KK
RRt 888HHHTpppTH RRt ~KK8888H~~K~~KK
% Rt 8888HHTpppTTH RRt ~~K88888H~~KK~KK
%g RRt 8888HHTpppTTH RRt ~~K88888HH~~K~KK
%gg Rt 8888HHTpppTTH RRt ~K888888H~~K~~K
gg Rt 888HHHTpppTTH RRt ~~K888888HK~~~~K
RRt%g Rt 888HHTppppTTH RRt ~~KH88888HHK~~KK
Rt g% Rt 888HHTppppTT RRt ~KKH888H8HKKKK
Rt g% RRt888HHHTppppTH RRt % ~~KHHHHHHHHHKK
Rt Rtt888HHTppppTTH RRt %g KHHHHHHHHH
Rt RRt888HHHTpppTTH RRtt %g RRSSSRSSSR
RRt RRttHHHHTTpppTTHH RRRRt g RRRSSSRSSSRR
RRRRR RRtt TTTTTppTTT RtRRt ttRRRRRRRRtt
RRRRRRRRRtttTTTTSSSTTTSS RRtRRtt tttttttttttttt
tttttttt TT SSS SSS RRttRRRtt ttttttttttttttt
RR RRR %%% %%g RR %%

RRRR Rt %gggg% R %gggg R %g
RtRR t %g R R Rt %g
R tt Rt %g R R R p p
RRt Rt g Rtt R Rppp ppT
RRt Rt Rt RRt pppppppT
Rtt Rt Rt Rt DDTTpTTTD
Rt Rt RRt Rt xxDDTTDDDD
RRt Rt Rt Rt xSSSxDDxxxD
Rtt RRt xDDDD Rtt Rt xSoSxDxSSSD
Rt RRt xxxxxDpTD RRt Rt xSSSDDxSoSD
Rt RRRt xxxxxSSSTT Rt % Rt pTxxDSSxSSST
Rt RttRtxppTDpSoSTT Rt %g Rt ~TTTTSSTDDDT
Rt RtRRtxSSSTpSSSTT RRt %gg ttx~KTppTTTTTK
Rt % RttRtpSoSTpppTTD Rt gg ttxx~KTpppppT~K
Rt %g RtttpSSSTSSTTDD RRt txxxx~KTpTTT~~~D
Rt %%g RRt pppTTDSDD888 RRRt txxxx~KTpT~~~xxD
RRt %g Rt DTTDDDD888H RRRt Rtxx~~KKTpT~~xxxD
RRt g Rt 8xDDxxxD888H RRRt Rtxxx~KTpT~~~xxxD
RRt R%% xxD RRt HxxxxxDD888H RRt RtDxD~KTpTK~~xxDD
RRRt %ggTTxD RRt8HxxxxxD8888H RRt RRt DDKKTpTT~~xDD
Rt gxxTTTTDRRt8HxxxxxD8888H RRRt Rtt ~~~KTTTT~~xD
Rt xxxxSTTDRRt HxxxxxD888HH RRRtRRt K~KTTTTK~KD
RRt xxxxDDDDtRtt8HxxxxxDD88HH RRRRRRt KKSSHSKK
RRt xxxD88HHtRt 8HxxxxxxDH8H RRRRtt HSSSHSSSH
tTSxDD88HHtRtt 8HHxxxxxDDHH RRRRt HHHHHHHHHH
tTTTSDHHHtRRt 8HxxxxDxDHH RRtt HHHHHHHHHHH
tTTTttttRRtt 8HHxxDDDDDTT RRt HHHHHHHH
ttTttRRRttt SSS SSSTT RRt % 88
ttttttt SSS SSSTT RRRtt %ggg 8888ggg%
R
R %%
R %g
g
RR
R
RR
%
%g
More to make...
R R Rt %g
RRt R g
RRt R g
RRt % % Rt xxx Mix and match your letters to
RRt %%%%% Rt RxHx
Rt %%g%g RxxRxxx create a fab selection of owl-
Rt ggg RxHxRDD
Rt gg RtxxDRDD themed projects. Here are some
Rt t Rt D
Rt Rt Rt ideas to get you started…
RRt Rt ttt
RRRt RRRt t8 8
RRRRt
RRRRt
RtRRt
RttRt
RRtt
RRRt
RRtRt
RttRRt
Rt RRt
Rtt Rt
t8H
t8~KH8~KH
Rt~~~K~~~K
Rt~oSK~oSK
RttKKKSSKKK
8H
1 Make a name sign for a child’s

bedroom door – using a
magnetic frame to hang it.
RttRtRRt RRRRRtpTTHSSHTT
RRRRRtt RRRRttppTHHHHpT
RRRRt
RRRtt
RRRt
RRt
RRt
RRRtppTTH88HpTT
RRRtppTH888HTpT
RRRtpTTH888HppT
RRRtpTH8888HppT
RRRtTTH8888HTpT
2 Use individual initials attached
as a patch to kraft tags to make
quick gift tags.
RRt RRt TH888HHHTT
RRt RRt HHHHHHHHT
RRtt RRtt SSSSSS
3 Make bunting for a party,
spelling out ‘Happy New Year!’
or any greeting you’d like!
LETTER LIBRARY
R% R %%% R RRR
R%% % R g%gg% R R Rt % 88
R %g%%g Rt gg Rt RRt %g 8
t ggg RtK ~~~~~K ~ Rt Rt 88ggg 8H
R t Rt ~~~~~~~~~~~K RRt Rt 8HHppppTTTH
Rt Rt ~~8H~~~K8HKK Rt Rt 8pppppp88HT
Rt RRt 888HKK888H Rt Rt p888HT8SSSH
Rt RRRt 88SSSH8SSS8H t Rtt pSSS8H8SoSH
Rt RRtt 88SoSH8SoS8H Rt Rt 8SoSHH8SSSH
RRt RRt 8SSSSSSSSH % Rt RRt 88pp 8SSSHSHHHH
RRt RRtt ~KHHDSSDHH %g RtRRtt 88pppTHHHHSSTTT
RRt RRtt KKDDDDDDDK ggg RRRRt 88pppTpppppTTTTT
RRtRRtt ~KxxxDxxxDKK RRRtt H8ppTTTTTTTTTppT
RRRRtt ~KxxxxxxxxD~K RRRtt H88TTxDDDDD8ppTT
RRRt ~KxxDxxxDxDDK RRt HHTxxxxxxD888pT
RRt ~~KxxxxxxxxxD~K RRt HHHxxxxxxxD88pT
% RRt ~KxDxxxDxxxDD~K RRt xxxxxxxxD8ppT
%% RRRt ~KxxxxxxxxxxD~K RRtt xxxxxxxxD8ppT
%g RRtRt ~KxxxDxxxDxxD~K RRRt xxxxxxxDD88TT
g RRtRt ~KxxxxxxxxxxD~K RRRtt DDxxxxDDD8HH
Rt RRt ~KxDxxxDxxxDD~K RttRt DDDDDDDDHH
R Rt Rt ~KxxxxxxxxxDD~K RtRtt RSSDDDDDDRR %
RRRt RRt ~KDxxDxxxDDDD~K RtRt RRRSSRSSSRRR %%
RRtt RRt ~KDxxxxxDDDDK~K RRtt ttRRRRRRRRtt%%g
RRt RRt~KKDxxxDDDDDKKK RRt ttttttttttt %gg
Rtt RRt ~KKDDDDDDDKKK RRt ttttttttttt %g
RRt RRRt~~K S S KKK RRRt ttttttttttt t
Rtt RRRt SSSSSS RRRt tttttttttttttt
RRtt tRRRRRSSSSSStRRRR RRRtt ttgtttttttttt
RRttt tttttttttttttttRR RRRRRtt tt%gg%ttttttttt
RRRRRRRRRR
RRRttttttRRRRRRR
Rtt tttRRRRRR
Rt RRtt t
R RRtt %g
RRt %g% xx
Rtt %g%%DD
Rxt xxgDDgDD
RRxxxxxDxDppTD DMC Anchor Madeira
RRtxxppTDppppT
RRttxppppTpSSST Cross stitch in two strands
RRt ppSSSTpSoST
RRtt ppSoSTpSSST
RRRt ppSSSTSTTKx
RRtRt DTTTSSSKKxD 153
53 095 710
0
RtRRt xDDKKSKKKxxD
RtRtt xxxDD~K~~KxxD 157 120 907
RRttt xxxDD~~~~KDxxD
RRttt xxxDD~~~~~KKxxD
RRtt
RRtt
xxD%DD~~~~KDxxxD
xxD%%D~~~~KDxxxD
436 1045 2011
Rtt xxD%g~~~~~KDDxxD
RRt xxD%g~%g~~KKDxDD 437 362 2012
RRtt DxDgggg~~~~KDDD
Rtt DDDt~~~~~KK~ 554
55 09
097 711
RRt DRt~~~K~KK~
RRRRt Rt~~KKKKK
RRRRRtt
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRtt
RRtt~KK KKK
K K
794 117 907
ttttttttttttttttt SSS SSS
893 027 413
894 026 414
906 256 1411
907
90 255
55 14100
Use up spare threads 972 298 107
in your stash for the 3340

3341
329
328
301
302
owls, as they can be any 3371
33 38
382 2004
00
colour you choose! Backstitch in one strand
433 371 2008

woodgrain
Add beads to the trees 3371 382

outlines & details
2004
and leaves to suggest

berries for a 3D effect
LETTER LIBRARY
RRRRR RRRt
RRRRttRRt RRRRRRt p
RRRttt RRRt RRRRRRRt T
RRtt RRRt x RRRRRRRt ppT
RRtt RRt xx RRRRRRRtt ppT
RRt Rt xxxxx RRttttRt ppppppppT p
RRt RRt KKxxxxxD Rtt Rt pppppppppTT pp
RRt Rt K~KxxDxxxD Rt Rt pppTppppppppppTT
RRRRt Rt K~SSSxxDDxxxxD R Rt pp88TppTTTTppTT
RRttt Rt K~SoSKxxxxDDD %% Rtt pp888HTTT88HTTT
RtRtt tRKKSSSKxDDDDK gg RRRt p8SSS8HT8888HT
RtRtt tRxKKKKKDKSSS~~ gggRRRt p8SoS8H88SSS8HT
Rtttt RRxDKKKSSKSoS~~ RRRt p8SSS8H88SoS8HT
RRtt RxxxDDDSSKSSS~~ Rttt ppH88HH88SSSHHT
RRtt RDxxxDSDDKK~~~~ Rttt TTHHTSSH88HHTT
RRt RDDDDxDxDDKKK Rtt HTTTTSTTHHHTT
RRt %KKKDDDDDxDDDD Rt 88HHTTTTTTTTT
RRt %gKK~KDHHDDDDxDD Rt 88HHHHHKKKKKK
RRt %%% %%gK~~KxDHHHHDDDDD Rt % 8HH888HKK~~~KK
RRt g%g%g K~KxDDHH8HHHDDD Rt %% 88888H8HK~~~~~K
RRt ggg K~KDHHH888888DD Rt %g 888HHHHHK~~~~~K
RRt %gR RKKKxDH8888888DD Rt %g 8HHH8HHKK~~~~KK
RRRt %g R RxxxxDH888888HDDD Rt g 8H8HHHHK~~~~~K
RRt %gg RRRDxDDDH888888HDDD Rttt HHHHKKKK~~~KKK
RRt RRtDDHHH88888HDD RRtt KKKSKKKKKKKSS
RRt RRttHHH888888HHDDD RRRt ~~KKSSSSRRSSSSR
RRt RRRRt HHH8888HH DDD RtRt ~KKtRSRSRRSRSRt
RRRRRRRRRtt HHHHHHHH RRtRtt KKtttRRRRRRRttt
RRRRRRttt tttSSSSSStttttRR RRttRRRtt ttttttttttttt
ttttt tttSSSSSStttttRR RRRttRRtRRtt ttttttttttttttt
RRRRRRRt RRRRRRt
RRRtttttRRtt RttttRRRtt %
RRtt RRRt Rt ttRRRt %g xxxD
RRt RRRt ~~~~~K R RRRt %g xxxxxxDD x
Rt RRt ~ ~~~~~~~~KK ~ t RRRtggDxxxxDDxxxxxD
Rt RRt ~~~~~~~~~~~~~K %%% RRRtDDDDDDDDDDDDDD
Rt RRt ~~~~~~~KKKKK %gg% Rtt HHHHHDDHHHHH
Rt RRt xxxDK~KKxDDD %ggg% Rt 88SSSHHHHSSSHH
R RRt xxSSSDKKxSSSDD %g Rt 88SoS8H88SoSHH
R%% Rtt xxSoSDxxxSoSDD g Rt 88SSS8H88SSSHH
gg RRt xxSSSDSSxSSSDD RRt 8888HSS888HH
% gg RRt DxxDDSSDxxDD RRtt 8H8HHHSSHHHH
%g RRtt KDDDHHHHDDDK RRRt 8HTTTTTTTTTTT
%%g RRRt ~KDHH88HHxKK RRttt 8HTppppppppTTH
%g RRtRt ~~KxDH88Hxx~~K RRRRRt 8HTTppTTppTTpTH
g RtRRt ~~KxDH88Hxx~~K RRRRRt 8HTTTTTTTTTTTTH
RtRtt ~~KxDH88Hxx~~K RRRt8HTppppppppppTH
RRttt ~~KxDH88HDx~~K RRt8HTpTTppTTpppTH
RRttt ~KKDHH888HxK~K Rt8HTTTTTTTTTTTTH
RRtt ~KxDH8888HxxKK % tHHTpppppppppTHH %
RRtt KKxDH8888HDxKK %g RtHTTTppTTTTTTHH%g
Rtt xxDDH8888HDxDD %gg tHSSSTTTSSSTH ggg
RRt DDHHHH8HHHDD g RtSSStRtSSSttt%
RRtt %%D SHHHHS D t RtSSSDDDSSS %g
Rtt %g SSSTTSSST Rt RttSDxxDDSDD gg
RRt ggTSTTTTSTTT Rt RRtDDxxxxDDDD gg
RRRRt tTTTTTTTTTT RRRR RRRtDxxxDxxxDD
RtRRRtt RRtt TTTTTTT tRRRRRRRRRRttDDxDDxDDD
RRRtRRRRRRRRRRRRtt g ppp g ttRRRRRRttt DDDDDDD
ttttttttttttttttt %ggpppppg%g ttttttt DD
RRRt pT pp RRRRRRRRRRRRRRR %%%

RRRRtRtppTppTTTTppT RRttttttttttRtt %gggg
RRRRRRtt ppppppppTT RRt tt %gg
RRttttRRt pppppppppT Rtt 8t %%g 8
RRtt tRttpppppppxDTTT Rt 8H g 88
Rtt Rt pxxxTpxxxDTT Rt 8H%gH8H 888888H
RRt Rt xSSSxxSSSxDT Rt 8H%gHH888HHHHHHH
Rt Rt xSoSDxSoSDDT Rt 8~%gK~~HHKKKKKKH
RR t Rt xSSSDxSSSDTT Rt 88~KgK~~KK~~~~~KHH
RR t RttxxxDDDDDDDTT Rt 8~~~K~~~~~~~~~~KKH
RRtt RRRtKDDKSSKKpTTTD Rt 8~~~SSS~~~~SSS~~KH
Rt %% RRRt~KKKKKKppppTDD Rt 8~~~SoS~~~~SoS~KKH
Rt %ggg RRR~~~~~~~KppppTxD RRR 88~~SSS~~~~SSS~KHH
Rtt %gggg RttKK~KK~KKppppTxDD RRRRRRRRRt 8~~~~~~~~~~~~KKH
Rt %g Rtt~~~~~~~KppTTTxDT RRtttttttRttHH~~~~~~~~~~KKHH
Rt gg Rt~KK~KK~KppTxxDTT Rtt ttttKHH~~~~~~~KKKHH
Rt g Rt~~~~~~~KKTTxxxDT tt~~KKHHKKSSKKHHKKK
Rtt Rt~~KK~KK~KxxxDDDT %% t~~KKKKHHSSHHTTKKK
Rt Rt~~~~~~~~KKDxDTTT %%g ~~K~~KKKTTTTTTTTKKK
Rt Rt ~~KK~KK~KKDDTTT %gg ~~~~KK~KTppppppTKKK
RRt Rt ~~~~~~KKKK TT Rgg ~~~K~~KKTppppppTKKK
RRRRRRRRRRRtRtttKKKKKKKKSD % Rt ~~KK~KKTTppppppTKKK
tttttttttttRtttSSKKKKSSSDD %g R ~~~~KKTTppppppTTKKK
Rtt SSS ttSStttg R ~~~KTTpppppppTKKKK
RRt DDDDDD%g Rt ~~KKTppppppTTTKKK
RRRt DDDDD%g RRt Rt~KTTTTTTTTT KK
RtRt % %%g RRRRR RRRRKKttSSStSSStt
RRtRtt % %g tRRRRRRRRRRtt TSSSTSSS %%%
RRttRRRtt g% g ttRRRRRRRttt TTTTTTTTTT %gg
RRRttRRtRRttgg%g% tttttttt TTTTTTTTTT
LETTER LIBRARY
RRRRRt RRRRRRRRRt
RRRttttRtt ~~KK RRRttttttRRRRppt pppp pp
Rttt RRt ~~~~~KK RRtt tttRRpppppppppppT
RRt RRt ~~~~KKH8 RRt RRtpppppppppT
Rt Rt g~~~~~KSSS Rt RRttppTpppppTT
RRt % R %8SSSKHSoSH R RRt 8pTppppTTH
RRt %% %g8SoSSSSSSH %%% Rtt 8HpTppTTH8
RRt %g % 8SSSSSHHHD %gg% RRt 8SSSpTTTSSSH
RRt g %g8HHHDSDDDD gg gg RRRR 8SoSHpTHSoSH
RRRRt gggDDDDDDDD g RRt 8SSSHTTHSSSH
RttRRt R g DDxxxxDD g RRtt 888HDDH88H
RtttttRRRt ~8DxxxD8~K RRt DHHDDDDHH
RRtt tttRt ~~8DxD8~~K ~~ RRtt xDDHDxDDD
Rtt RRt ~~K8DxDHK~K ~~~R~p~ RRRt 88xxHHDDDxD
RRt RRRt ~~8HDxxD8~~K ~p~R~~~ RRtRt 88xxxHDppDD
Rtt RRRt ~~88DxxD8K~K ~~~~RTK RtRRt 888HxDHTppppD
Rt RRt ~~K8HDxD8KKK ~TRKK RtRtt 88HHxDHTppppD
Rt Rt ~KKHHDxDHH8H KK RRttt 88HxDHHTxxpDD
Rt RRt 88HDDDxxDDHH RRttt 8HHxDHDxxxxDD
Rt Rt 88HDxxxDHH RRtt xxxxDDHDxDDDDT
Rt Rt HHHDDDDDHH RRtt xxxDHHHDDppDTT
Rt Rt SDDDDSST Rtt 8DDHHDTTppppT
Rt Rt TSSTSSTT RRt 888HDDDpppTTT
Rt RRt TTTTpTTTTT RRtt 8HHHDDDDDDDS
Rt Rtt TTpTTTTTpT Rtt DDSSSStSSSt
RRt RRt TTTTpTTTTT RRtt xDtStSStSSSt
RRt RRtt TTTTTTT RRRtt xDtttStttStt
RRRRR RRtt pp RRRtt DDtRRtRRRtttt
RRRRRRRRRttt % pp RRRtRt % DtRRRRtRRRtt
tttttttt %gggppppgg% RRRtRtt %gggRtRRtRRtRRRtt
RRRRRt 888 RRRRRR

RRRtttRRtt 888R8x8 RRRRRRRRRRt
RRtt RRRt 8x8R888H RRRttttttRRRt
RRtt RRRt 888HRHDH Rttt RRRRt
RRt RRt HDHRHHH Rtt RRRt
RRt Rt HHH Rt %%% RRRt ppppTT
RRRt Rt Rt %g RRRt pppTppTT
Rttt Rt xx xxxxxx xD Rt gg RRtppppppTTTT
Rttt RRt xxxxxxxxxxxxDD Rt R RRtp88HTT88HT
RRt Rtt xxDDxxxxDDDD RRt tRtt8SSSH8SSSH
RRt RRt xDppDxxDppDD Rt ttRtt8SoSH8SoSH
RRt RRtt %% xpppTDDpppTD RRt RttRRt 8SSSSSSSSH
RRRRtRRt %g %pppppTpppppT RRRRRRRttRRttpTHHHSSHHHTT
tRRRtt %g% pSSSpTppSSST ttttttt Rtt ppTKKKKKKTTT
RRttRRRt ggg pSoSTTTpSoST % RRt ppTTK~~~~KTTTT
RRRtt RRRt t pSSSTSSTSSST %% RRtt pTTK~~~~~~KTTT
RRtt RRRRt ~~TpTTSSTTTT %gg RRRt ppTH8888888HTTT
RRRt RRt ~~KTTKSSKTT gg RRRRt ppTTK~8~~8~~HTTT
RRtt RRt ~~~~KxKKKKKKD %ggRRRRtt pppTK~~~~~~~KTTT
RRt RRt ~~~~KxDKK~~KD %gg RRRt SSSSSS~~~~~~~KTTT
RRt RRt~~~~KKxDK~~~~KD RRtt SoSSoSH888888HTTT
RRt Rt~~~~KxxDK~~~~KD RRtt SSSSSSK8~~8~~HTTT
RRt Rt~~~KKxDDK~~~~KD Rtt pTSSHKK~~~~~~KTT %
RRt Rt~~KKKxKKK~~~~KD Rt ppTHH~KK~~~~~~TT%%%
RRt Rt~~KxxDK~~~~~KKD Rtt pTTK~~KH88888HTT%%g
RRRt RRt KKxDKK~~~~~KDD RRt pTK~~~HHHHHHHHTT%g
RRRRRR RRRtt DDKKK~~~~KKKD RRtt TR888HtSSSSSSRR g
RRRRRRRRRRRt TTKKKKKKKDD RRtt ttRStStRRRRRRtt
RRRtRRRRRttt TTTSSS SSS RRRt tt%ttttttttttttttt
RRtttttttt TTTSSS SSS RRRttt ttt%g%gtttttttttttttt
Fiona Crouch
Don’t forget to NEXT MONTH...

cut out and keep In the February issue 405 we
have a Cacti & Succulents
your alphabet on Alphabet designed by Fiona
Crouch. Get to the shops on 28
file so you can December to pick up your copy
of issue 405, or subscribe and
build up a the issue will be delivered to

your door. Head over to
page 4 for our latest
collection! subscription offer.
GIFT WRAP COLLECTION
Gift Wrap
Collection
We’ve got Christmas all wrapped
up! Choose from 12 seasonal gift tag
designs and a beautiful presentation
box in our bumper collection…
OVER
12
EXCLUSIVE
DESIGNS!
W
elcome to our special gift wrap collection!
Whether you are on the hunt for quick
and easy ways to stitch up gift tags or
are looking for a truly special way to
present a gift, we’ve got you covered. For a fabulous
presentation box, look no further than our sweet
Christmas postbox scene. Work it just on the
front or all sides of your box. It would also make a
fabulous mini-picture in its own right! Our tags will
make present giving extra-special as they can be
personalised using the alphabet we’ve provided.
This makes it easier for anyone wishing to stitch up
several tags in one go, ready for Christmas Day!
Maria Diaz
Make a… Christmas box

Step 1 Step 4 Step 6
STITCH your postbox design in the USING the Christmas fabric, repeat for the ASSEMBLE the Christmas fabric inner
centre of one piece of evenweave, using remaining six cardboard squares – you will covered squares in the same way as the
two strands for the cross stitch and one need to trim these six cardboard square outer evenweave box, but make sure the
for the backstitch, and working each down slightly, so that they are just smaller right side of the Christmas fabric is on the
stitch over two threads of evenweave. than the cardboard square used for the inside, so that it will slip inside the box and
outside of the box. the Christmas fabric will be seen when the
Step 2 box is opened.
WRAP the stitched evenweave around Step 5
a cardboard square, using double- START to assemble the outside of the box Step 7
sided tape to attach the excess fabric by pinning together two side pieces ONCE you have assemble the lining, add a
tightly to the reverse side – you can covered in evenweave. Make sure the top small amount of fabric glue to the outer
lace it in place if you prefer. and bottom match up and then lace down edges, seams and corners of the liner, and
the seam, with small neat stitches. Do the slip it down inside the box. Push well down,
Step 3 same for the remaining sides, then add the and add clips to hold the top edge in place.
REPEAT the same for the remaining box bottom in the same way. The box top
three sides, plus the top and bottom. needs to be placed wrong-sides together Step 8
You can leave the evenweave with a Christmas fabric-covered square, and ONCE dry, stitch the lining to the box
unstitched, or if you prefer, stitch the then once pinned, catch stitched around all around the top edge. Finally, stitch the box
design on each face so that it can be four sides – because you trimmed the inner top in place across the back seam. Your
seen from all sides. All six box sides cardboard slightly smaller than the outer, box should now have evenweave on the
should be exactly the same size. the lining will fit neatly inside the box. outside, and Christmas fabric on the inside.
10 20 30 40 50
t
10
20
t
t
30
40
Maria Diaz
50
Designed by: Maria Diaz

Design size: 9.5x9.5cm (33⁄4x33⁄4in)
This design was stitched on 28 count linen
over two threads of fabric.
For the box: t

ue White 28 coun
• Zweigart Antiq
3281/101;
Cashel linen, ref:
x 6 pieces
18x18cm (7x7in), )
ic; 18x18cm (7x7in
• Christmas fabr
ing)
x 6 pieces (box lin
11c m (43⁄8x43⁄8in)
• Cardboard; 11x
and lining)
x 12 pieces (box key
n as listed in the
• Stranded cotto
y needle
• Size 24 tapestr wfabrics.com
le from www.willo
Materials availab
For each tag: 8 count Cashe

l,
e igar t Ant ique White 2
• Zw 3⁄4in)
10x6cm (4x2
ref: 3281/101; x23⁄4in)
; 12x7cm (43⁄4
• White card bon bow
rd and gold rib
• Sparkly co in the key
tton as listed
• Stranded co
estry needle
• Size 24 tap w.w illowfabrics.co
m
lable from ww
Materials avai
DMC Anchor Madeira

016 254 1308

Embellish your tags to finish them off
326
3 6 059 508 perfectly. We chose to add a stick-on gold
367
437
3
217
362
36
1312
2012
0
ribbon bow to the base of each one
553 098 712
Designed by: Maria Diaz Stitch time: 2 hours each
644 830 1907
Max. stitch count: 39 high x 24 wide
666 0
0466 210
0
Max. design size: 7x4.25cm (23⁄4x13⁄4in)
712 9
9266 2101
0 These designs were stitched on 28 count linen over two threads of fabric.
727 293 102
779 380 2003
813
8 3 161
6 1013
03 Make a… tag
956 041 611
Step 1
989 241 1401 STITCH your chosen tag design
3340 329 301 using two strands for the cross
3821
38 305 2510
50 stitch and one for the backstitch,
working each stitch over two
3852
385 30
307 2509
509 threads of evenweave. Use the
3862 358 1913 Template alphabets provided to
personalise your tag by adding a
3863 379 1912 name and greeting in backstitch.
Use your template
B5200 001 white
at 100%
Backstitch in one strand Step 2
CUT around the stitching,
553 098 712 leaving a small border of fabric
borders, words around the design. Fray the
813 161 1013 outer edge, by removing one or
border two threads of evenweave.
956 041 611 Step 3

borders, outlines, details
USE the template provided to
989 241 1401 make a tag using white card.
borders, details
Punch a hole at the top, and
3371 382 2004 thread with sparkly cord. Use
outlines, details double-sided tape to stick the
stitching to the tag.
Maria Diaz
Maria Diaz
Use the
alphabet to
personalise
your tags
YOUR STORIES
In My Hoop...
Sussex based nurse Kayleigh Dale uses cross stitch to
unwind from her demanding job, with CrossStitcher and
Hannah Dale the main sources of her inspiration
N
urse Kayleigh Dale has been “I enjoy stitching flowers and wildlife. I
cross stitching for over 30 years. stitched from Crosstitcher many years ago
Usually found with several several large floral pictures to decorate
projects on the go, she is a my first home with my husband. These
Smaller designs
prolific stitcher, who has read days my favourite designer is Hannah make a welcome
CrossStitcher practically from our very Dale, Wrendale Designs and I have done a break from
first issue. Like many others, she finds few of her designs with many more larger projects.
cross stitch a mindful process which bought and ready to start!”

helps her to cope with the stresses and Kayleigh usually tries to pace her
strains of her job… stitching so she doesn’t get bored or tired,
and so enjoys working on lots of little kits
Kayleigh lives in Hailsham East Sussex. In in between larger projects. She’ll usually
her career, she specialises in nursing those then give away any smaller kits as gifts
living with dementia. Cross stitch has and cards, as her family and friends love
provided a crucial escape from receiving them.
the pressures of her role. Cross Despite this, it’s still the
“I find my job very stitching helps me act of stitching itself which
stressful both physically go to my happy place, is her main motivation,
and emotionally and providing her with pure
cross stitching helps me especially after a relaxation and peace in
go to my happy place, stressful shift each stitching session.
especially after a stressful or “When I cross stitch, I like to
emotional shift,” she explains. be all cosy on the sofa with a
“I learnt to cross stitch at school when blanket over me and my dogs all cuddled
I was six years old!” she recalls. “I stitched up with me, my cat sometimes tries to
my house which my mum still has help by playing with the threads as I
somewhere in the attic – well after that, pull them through. It stops me
I was hooked! The next project at school I thinking about all the stress of the
did was a Viking boat and then I bought a day and I am happy and all my
Pocahontas kit for Christmas and the rest is concentration is on what I am
history – I am now 37!” creating. I was no good at art, so
“I buy all my stitching goodies from sewing is my creative outlet.”
online haberdasheries, I have found them So with 31 years of cross stitching
to always deliver a great service. My other under her belt, what are Kayleigh’s
hobbies are quilting and sewing and I words of advice to stitchers who are
would like to incorporate them both still relatively new to stitching?
together somehow, so am thinking of “People who are new to cross stitching
projects in which I can display my cross should start with easy projects that are Wrendale Designs
stitching. One of the reasons I love small and only whole cross stitches to get are a real favourite
of Kayleigh’s.
CrossStitcher is it has a variety of projects used to stitching,” she suggests.
and kits free with the magazine and “Also, don’t feel bad for having many
different ideas on how to display and use projects on the go! We all do! Store your
them that are not just the big standard magazines to read at a later date,
picture or card. especially Christmas ones, as you will
“I have been reading CrossStitcher since re-use the charts again and as you
it came out really I think! It has always become more experienced you will find
been something I have always bought my yourself choosing harder charts to stitch
whole crafting life! each year!”
Do you have a stitching story to share? Drop us a line at crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk

or write to the postal address on page 5 and you and your projects could feature here!
AWAY IN A MANGER
Away in a Mangр
How cute is our mini Nativity scene in a tin? Stitch Mary, Joseph &
Baby Jesus, then display with the manger background and star in the sky
JUST FOR FUN
Designed by: Fiona Crouch Stitch time: 25 hours

Stitch count: 28 high x 46 wide lid & base; iiiT
iiiiTSX
25 high x 22 wide Mary, Joseph & baby iiiiSXXT
SSSXXX~TTT
Design size: 5x8.5cm (2x33⁄8in) lid & base; iii~~~~~iTT
iii~~~~~iiTT
4.5x4cm (13⁄4x11⁄2in) Mary, Joseph & baby rrrT~~~~diiiTT
rrrrrrdmdddiiTT
rrrr~rrdmmddiiiTT
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. rrr~~~r dddciiiTT
rrr~~~~~ hccciiiTTT
rrrg~~~ hhhXXXXiTTT
rrrrHggrhhhXSSSSXiTT
rrrgHHggrhXSiiiiSXcc
rrrgHHHgrrXii~~iiSXhc
Fiona Crouch
rrrrgHHgiiiiii~~~TSXcc
This would make a lovely rrrrgHgiiTiiTi~~~SXhcc

rrrrrgiiiiTiiTiTSXhccc
rrrrrrTTiiiTiiTTXhcccc
stocking-filler gift, so why rrrrrrrrTTiiiTT~~ccccc

rrrrrrrr~~TTTTc~~cchcc
rrrrrrr~~~ggcccccchccc
rrrrrggggggggccchhcccc
not make several? rrrrrgHHHHHggchccchc

rrrrrggHHHHHggccchcc
10 20 30 40
t
rrgHHgrrrgrrrgHHHggHHgrrrrgHHgrrgrrrrg
rrrgHSSHgrrrrggrggggHSSHgrrgHSHgrgHgrggrrg
rgggHSSSSHgrggrrgggggHSSHgggggHgrgHSHgrrrgrr
gHHggHSHHgrgHHgrgHHgHHSSHHgHHggrgHSSSHgggrrg
DMC Anchor Madeira gHSHgrgHggrrgHSHggHSHHSSSSHHSHgrrgHSSHHgrrrgHg
gHHgrrrgrrrrrgHHgrgHSSSSSSSSHggrrrgHSHgCCrgHSH
Cross stitch in two strands rggrrggrgggrrrggrrgHSSSSSSSSHgggrrggHggrCCgHHg
rrrrgHHgrrrggrrrrrggHSSSSSSHggrrggrrgCCCCCCggr
grrgHSHggrrrrggrggrgHSSSSSSHggrCCrrrCCCCCCCCCC
168
68 274 1803
803 10 rggrgHggggrggHHgrrgHSSSSSSSSHgCCrrgCrrrCCCCCrr
grrrrggrrrgHHSHgrrgHSSSSSSSSHCCrCCCCgrCCCCCCrg
rrrrrrrggrgHSSSHggHSHHSSSSCCCCCCCCHSHCCCCCCCCr
169 849 1802 ggrggrgHHggHSSHgrgHHgHSSSCHCCCCCCCgHCgrCCCCCCC
HHgrrgHSHgrgHHHgrgggrHHSCHCCCCCCCCCgrrCCCCCrCC
t
t
HSHgrgHHHgrrgggrrgHHggHSSHCCCCCCmrCCrgCCrrCCrC
350 011
0 213
3 HHHgrrgggddrrrrrggHSHgHSSHCrCCCCCmrCgrCmrrCCrC
ggdrdrdrrddrrdddrrgHHgHSSHCrCCrCCmmrrmCrrCCggC
413 401 1713 rrdddddggddrgdddrrrgggHSSHgrgCrrCCmrgmmggCgHHg
Fiona Crouch
rrddddddddddddddgmxrrgHSSHggHCCggCmmrmmrrgHSHg
20 grddddddddddddddddmxrggHHxrxSmCdrdmmmmrrrrgHHg
433
33 371
3 2008
008 rddddddddddddddddddmgxxggxmmmdddddmmmmrgggrggr
rdddddOXXXXXSSSSSSdddmmmrmmdddddddCmmmgCrrrrrg
435 1046 2010 gddOOOOOXXXXXXXSSSSSSdddgddddddddddCmmCrrrgrrr
rOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXSSdrdddddddddCCCmCCSSSXXO
OXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXdddddSSSSSXOOOOXXXXO
437 362 2012 OOOOOXOOOOOOOOXOOOOOOOOXXddXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOO
OOOOOOOOXOOOOOOOXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXOOOOOOOOOO
444 297 106 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXOOOOOOOOOOOOOX
t
445 288 103
699 923 1303
798 131 911
10 20 30 40
799 136 910 t
rrgHHgrrrgrrrgHHHgggHgrrrrgHHgrrgrrrrg
800 159 908 rrrgHSSHgrrrrggrgggggSSSgrrgHSHgrgHgrggrrg
rgggHSSSSHgrggrrggggggHSHgggggHgrgHSHgrrrgrr
817 013 211 gHHggHSHHgrgHHgrgHxxxxxxxxgHHggrgHSSSHgggrrg
gHSHgrgHggrrgHSHxxxmmmmmmmmmxxgrrgHSSHHgrrrgHg
gHHgrrrgrrrrrgxxmmddddxmddddmxxmrrgHSHgCCrgHSH
948 1011 306 rggrrggrgggrrxxmxxmdddxmdddxxmxxmrggHggrCCgHHg
rrrrgHHgrrrgxxmddxxmddxmddxxmddxxmrrgCCCCCCggr
972 298 107 grrgHSHggrrxxmddddxxmdxmdxxmddddxxmrCCCCCCCCCC
10 rggrgHggggxxmddddddxxmxmxxmddddddxxmrrrCCCCCrr
grrrrggrrxxmddddddddxxxmxTTdddTdddxxmrCCCCCCrg
B5200
5 00 00
001 white
te rrrrrrrgxxmxxxxxxxxxxxxxxTUxxTTxxxxxxmCCCCCCCr
ggrggrgxxmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmTUmTUmmmmmmmxmCCCCCCC
HHgrrgxxmdxdddddddddddddddToTUdddddddxxmCCCrCC
t

HSHgrxxmddxddxxxmdddddddddToToodddddddxxmrCCrC
HHHgrxmdxdxxxxxxxmmddddddTTTTUoodddddddxmrCCrC
gggrrxmdxdxxxxxxxxmdddddTTTUTTUooddddddxmCCggC
3799 236 1713 rrrCCxmdxmxxmxxxxxxmddddSTUdTTTUoodTTTdxmCCHHg
Fiona Crouch
outlines rrrCCxmdmxxmxxixxmxmdiddSSddTTTTTTTTTUdxmCCSHg
20 grrCCxmddxxxxxiimmmmiiodiiiiiTTTTTTTTUoxmCCCCg
rCCCCxmddxxxxxiixxxxiTooioiiiTTTTTTTUUoxmCCCCr
B5200 001 white rCCCCxmddxxxxxmTxxmxTddoooiiiTTUUUTTUUoxmCCCCg
stars gCCCCxmddxxxxmxxxmmmxmoooiiiTTUUUUUUUddxmCCCCr
rCCCCxmddxxxmmmmxxxmmmoooiiTTSSXXXUUUddxmCCCCC
CCCCxmdddxmddmmxxxmddooiTTSSXXXXXXXSOdxmCCCC
French knots in one strand CCCCxmdddxmddxmdxxmmdddTSSXXXXOOSOOOOOxmCCCC
CCCxmdddxmmddmdxmmmdddTXXOSOOOXXXOOOOxmCCC
CxmdddxdmddmdddmmddodXOOOXOOOOOOOXOOmC
3799 236 1713 t
eyes
AWAY IN A MANGER
We have a special pack available for this design. Turn to page 15

to order your fabric and tin pack for just £2.80 plus P&P.
Please note: the stranded cotton is not included in this pack.
Step 4
Make a… glue or Fray Check to the corners to
stop them from fraying. Use double- TURN to the right side. Press flat, then
nativity tin sided tape to stick the scene into the stuff, before folding in the seam
box lid. Repeat for the stable scene in allowance at the bottom and stitching up
Step 1 the box base. the gap with small, neat stitches.
STITCH Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus,
using two strands for the cross stitch and Step 3
one strand for the backstitch and French PLACE the stitched fabric for Mary,
knots. Position on the fabric, to allow for Joseph & the baby, right-sides
• Sampe
a seam allowance on all sides, and the lid together with the piece of matching dro White
20x15cm 14 count a
and base to be stitched as well. aida fabric, then pin together. Using (8x6in) ida;
the back of the stitching as a guide, • Strande
d cotton a
Step 2 stitch around the outer edge of the • Size 24
tapestry
s listed in
the key
CUT around the scene that fits in the lid design leaving two blank aida • Mint tin needle
; 9.5x6x2
of the box, leaving approx. two blank squares outside the stitching, and the • Toy stu cm (33⁄4x2
ffing or co 3⁄4x3⁄4in)
aida squares on all sides, and rounding bottom open for turning. Reduce the Materials tton woo
availa l
the corners to fit the tin lid. Apply fabric seam allowance and clip the curve. ble from w
ww.willow
fabrics.co
m
CREATE A CLASSIC:
Christmas Town
Welcome to Christmas Town part 3! Now you can complete our street
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CREATE A CLASSIC
Attach a trim of tassels

along the bottom if you wish PART 3
67
CHRISTMAS TOWN
240 250 260 270 280 290 300 310 320
10
20
30
40
50
t
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
CREATE A CLASSIC
330 340 350 360
YOUR COMPLETE
CHRISTMAS TOWN SCENE
In this issue, we are giving you the third part of our

Christmas Town design – the right section. Use our wall
hanging instructions once all your stitching from all three
issues is complete. Never miss an issue! Check out our
latest subscription offer on page 4. If you’d like to order a
copy of issue 402 with part 1, and issue 403 with part 2,
simply visit www.crossstitchermag.co.uk.
Make a… wall hanging

Step 1 Step 4
START stitching with your PLACE the hanging loops
t
fabric turned landscape. Part 1 equally spaced across the top

of the design, was in issue of the stitching. The folded
November 402, this is the left ends needs to be inside the
section of the design. Fold layers, with the cut ends
your fabric into three, and find outside the seam allowance
the centre point of this section. line. Pin in place and then tack
Follow the key for the number the layers together. Cut away
of strands for each stitch. Part some of the excess fabric
3 is in this issue (issue 404), outside the seam allowance
and should be stitched in the to make it less bulky and
right-hand section of the fabric, easier to stitch.
to the right of Part 2.
Step 5
Step 2 WITH the back of the cross
MAKE five hanging loops stitching facing upwards, and
out of the cotton fabric, or leaving 2cm (3⁄4in) of unstitched
use lengths of ribbon. Fold aida around the stitching, stitch
each one in half lengthways around the design leaving a gap
bringing the raw edges at the bottom for turning.
together. Stitch down the
seam. Trim off the excess Step 6
and turn through to the right CUT away the excess seam
side. Press, with the seam at allowance leaving about
the centre back. Fold each 1.25cm (1⁄2in). Press, then turn
Amanda Butler
one in half bringing the raw to the right side and press
edges together. again. Your hangers should
have turned through and will
Step 3 now be along the top edge of
PLACE your aida right-sides your finished wall hanger. Fold
together with your backing in the open end of the wall
fabric. Place on a flat surface hanging, and catch stitch
and smooth out any creases. closed. Use a cane or pole to
Pin the layers together. hang your wall hanging.
CHRISTMAS TOWN
Thread up several needles in the sky colours

to save tine when you are stitching
Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch time: 218 hours (complete design)
Stitch count: 120 high x 360 wide (complete design) Design size: 22x66cm (85⁄8x253⁄4in)
DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand
168
68 274 1803
803 996 433 1103 666 046 210
phone box
169 849 1802 3756 1037 886 (3)
938 381 2005
209
09 109
09 803 3761 928 1014 (2) stone, windows, chimneys
211 342 801 3770 1009 978 5282 Metallic Pearl
304
30 1006
006 509 3799 236 1713 sign, bells, presents
310 403 black (5) 3813 875 1111 B5200 001 white
words, stars, swirls
317 400 1714 5282 Metallic Pearl French knots in one strand
433 371 2008 5283 Metallic Pearl
B5200 001 white (6) 310 403 black
434 310 2009 lamppost, buttons
436
36 1045
0 5 2011
0 (2) Cross stitch blend in one strand of each
444 297 106
437 362 2012 501 + 502 fairy lights
444 297 106 517 + 3760 666 046 210

fairy lights, hat, buttons
4455 288
88 103
03 Half cross stitch in two strands
B5200 001 white
502 876 1703 518 1039 1106 hats
518
58 1039
039 1106
06 602 063 702 Attach beads with cotton
519 1038 1105 603 052 701 Mill Hill 557
605 074
0 613
63 605 074 613
parcel, wreath
666 0
046
6 2100 Mill Hill 968
725 306 808 wreath
699 923 1303 (2) Half cross stitch blend in one strand of each (2) indicates more than one skein is required
701 227 1305
517 + 3760
738 361 2013 Backstitch in one strand
740
0 316
3 6 202
0
310 403 black
818 073 502 people, building • Sampedro W
hite 14 count ai
890 683 1314
3 (2) 82x39cm (32x da;
312 979 1005 15in)
898 360 2006 santa, snow • Stranded co
tton as listed in
• DMC Metallic the key
945 881 2313 317 400 1714 Pearl as listed
in the key
tyres, boots, shoes • Mill Hill seed
beads as liste
• Size 24 tape d in the key
stry needle
• White cotto
n backing fabr
ic;
We have given you the key and thread 82x39cm (32x
• White cotto
15in)
n; 15x7cm (6x2
count for working the complete pieces (to mak
• Wooden po
e the hangers)
3⁄4in) x 5
Christmas Town design – this will

le to fit the de
Materia sign
ls available fro
m www.willow
fabrics.com
allow you to buy your threads together
CREATE A CLASSIC
HOW TO… TAKE YOUR STITCHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

:HKDYHLQFOXGHGVRPHPRUHDGYDQFHGVWLWFKLQJWHFKQLTXHVLQWKLVSURMHFWWR
KHOS\RXWRGHYHORS\RXUVWLWFKLQJVNLOOVUHDG\IRU\RXUQH[WFKDOOHQJHŦ
METALLIC THREADS FOR SPARKLE: BEADS FOR DIMENSION: BACKSTITCH FOR DETAILS:
Areas such as the shopping bag and presents You’ll find beads have been used for a Black backstitch has been used for outlines
use Metallic Pearl thread to add a sparkling dimensional touch in areas such as the throughout the design, but white backstitch
festive touch. Metallic Pearl has a twist to it, so Chrismas wreath. Attach them using has also been cleverly used to show the path
keep working it using shorter lengths. co-ordinating cotton thread. the ice skaters are taking.
When working PROJECT PACK

with metallic
threads, use If you would like to stitch our Christmas Town,
shorter we have a materials pack with everything you
need to get you stitching right away, and have it
lengths to delivered straight to your door!
avoid snagging
and knotting

TURN TO • Sampedro 14 count aida in White • Skeins of DMC stranded
PAGE 34 cotton • Skeins of DMC Metallic Pearl • Mill Hill seed beads
TO LEARN HOW • Two gold-plated tapestry needles; size 24 and size 26
TO FRAME YOUR PLEASE NOTE: The backing and hanger fabric are not included in this pack.
SAMPLER
INSTEAD 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 £71, plus P&P.
We’ve challenged three designers to use
only the materials given to them to create
a personalised gift label for a Kraft pillow
box. Read on to see how they got on…
L
ooking for a last-minute gift wrap idea? We asked
our three designers this month to come up with a
THE CHALLENGE
• 14 count white aida fabric personalised festive label for a pillow box. Our
• 7 shades of DMC stranded cotton (shown above) designers could only use the seven shades of
• Kraft pillow box stranded cotton stipulated and this time the stitching
THE RULES
• Create a design to be a label on the
area was particularly small, making this challenge all the
front of a Kraft pillow box trickier! Take a look at their fab results below – we’ve
• The design should be no larger featured a chart for each one so you can stitch your
than 28 x 50 stitches
favourite! We hope this will inspire you to join in too
• Only the materials above can be used
• Be creative as possible! – turn the page to see what our challenge will be for
March – we’ve listed everything you need to take part.
MARIA DIAZ… FESTIVE FOLIAGE
Christmas foliage – what’s not to

love? – gender neutral and good
for any age group. It was quite
tricky to get the right feel on
such a small scale but I wanted
the letters to take centre stage.
I hope you feel I was successful!”
CHERYL MCKINNON… HOLLY & BERRIES
This holiday gift tag is a tiny

space, but I wanted to fill it with
as much delicate greenery and
bright winter flowers and berries
as possible! It is also easy to
customise the backstitch name
to work for you.”
AMANDA BUTLER… HEARTS & FLOWERS
I loved designing this project

because it offers an alternative
to the traditional Christmas
decorations and tags with an
added bonus of personalisation
which gives it more scope for a
variety of uses. It’s always nice to
do something a little different.”
S TTTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTT
xx oo SS T T ~~ T T
xxx ooo h T ~~ T
xx oo S x x S
ST x x TS
S xx xx S
S S
S x x S
h S xxx xxx S
S S
h S S
S S
S S
S S
S S
oo xx S xxxx S
h ooo xxx ST TS
SS oo xx S S
S T T
T T T T
TTTSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTTT
Maria Diaz Amanda Butler
DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Make a… gift label
Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand Step 1
STITCH your chosen design on white
347 1025 407 501 878 1704 aida, using two strands of stranded
foliage
368 214 1310 cotton for the cross stitch and one for
818 073 502 the backstitch and the French knots,
369 1043
0 3 1309
309 leaves
stitching from the centre out.
501
50 878
8 8 1704
0 839 1086 1913 Personalise your label using the
503 875 1702 words alphabet provided.
French knots in one strand
818 073 502 Step 2
839 1086 1913 347 1025 407 CHECK the space on the front of the
berries pillow box, and then cut the label to
368 214 1310 size leaving two or three blank aida
347 1025 407 berries squares around the design. Fray the
words outer edge of the aida by carefully
818 073 502
368 214 1310 berries teasing away one aida block.
foliage
839 1086 1913 Step 3
369 1043 1309 dots
veins STICK the label on the front of the
pillow box using strips of double-
sided tape to hold it in place.
TT d h h x hh ~ ~ d d
TTT d h x hh ~ SS d dd
TTT d x hh~~hh SS ddddd
TTT d xhh~~hhS d ddd
TTTdd d hh SS SSdddddd
o T~~ d hh S SS dddd
o~hh~dd dddd h
o~hh~ o h
do ~~ o ooo
o d o h
o d o
h o d o
ooo o ~~ od
h o ~hh~o
h dddd dd~hh~o
dddd SS S hh d ~~T o
ddddddSS SS hh d ddTTT
ddd d Shh~~hhx d TTT
ddddd SS hh~~hh x d TTT
dd d SS ~ hh x h d TTT
d d ~ ~ hh x h h d TT
Cheryl McKinnon
The Kraft pillow box and

the materials used in these
projects are available from
www.willowfabrics.com
SEE YOUR WORK HERE!

If you would like to take the challenge, post
your stitching on our Facebook page and
we will then pin it on our Stitching Challenge
board on Pinterest... so get designing!
March issue 406 challenge:
Please create a design for a ‘biscornu’. The
theme is ‘spring’, so this could mean flowers,
gardening, blossom or even baby animals.
Materials and rules:

• White 14 count aida
• Max. stitch count: 50 x 50 stitches
• Seven shades of DMC stranded cotton:
Medium Yellow (744), Powder Pink (818),
Carnation Light (894), Medium Violet (340),
Field Green (954), Light Seagreen (964) &
Medium Brown (611)
• Bead or button for centre
Although this challenge is just for fun, please

make sure the design is your own work.
Prize crossword
Across Down
1 Denim trousers (5) 1 Fifth planet from the Sun (7)
4 --- Night, seasonal 2 The ---, 80s TV show starring
Shakespeare play (7) Mr T (1-4)
8 Cottage, shepherds 3 I Saw Three ---, Christmas
or fish? (3) carol (5)
9 Exactly the same (9) 4 Long lock of hair (5)
10 The ---, daily newspaper (5) 5 Spare (5)
12 Breed of dog (7) 6 Book written about imaginary
15 Fundraiser involving characters and events (7)
numbered tickets and 7 Meat prepared according to
prizes (6) Muslim law (5)
17 Small knot made by 11 Santa’s helper? (3)
wrapping the thread around 13 Flaky pastry (4)
the needle (6) 14 Threads that run vertically
20 Italian rice dish (7) through fabric (4)
23 Banquet (5) 16 Fabric with open mesh, used
25 Amazing (9) in hosiery (7)
26 Short sleep (3) 18 The night before Christmas or
27 Died out (7) New Year (3)
28 Asparagus shoot (5) 19 Tottenham ---, London football
club (7)
Winning word clue: 20 Long-barrelled gun (5)
21 Mode of transport (5)
These festive
22 Group of eight performers (5)
SUDOKU
treats are good 23 Centre of attention (5) USING logic and a process of elimination, fill the blank
to roast on an 24 Musical centred around an boxes with numbers so that each row, column and 3x3
open fire? (9) orphan girl (5) box contains the digits 1 to 9 only once.
HOW TO ENTER
COMPLETE the crossword
Win!
and rearrange the letters in
the shaded boxes to make up
a winning word. Write your
winning word and ‘Crossword
404’ on the back of a postcard
or stuck-down envelope,
adding your name, address
and email address and post it
to: CrossStitcher, PO Box 172,
Northam, EX39 9DY
Competition open:
28 November – 27 December 2023
For full terms andconditions, see page 82.
YOUR PRIZE This beautiful design ‘Verdant Canopy’, marks

the arrival of a new artist, Mel Rodicq, at Heritage Crafts.
With a design size of 20.5x20.5cm, each kit contains Zweigart
fabric, DMC stranded cottons sorted onto numbered cards, a
needle, clear charts and instructions. You can order a kit for
RRP: £34.99 from hcrafts.com. Issue 402’s winning word: FAWKES
STITCH-A-LONG
MINDFULNESS
MANDALA – PART 1
Welcome to our new Stitch-A-Long for 2024. Designer Amanda Butler has created an
amazing ‘Mandala’ SAL – which you can turn into a cushion or use as a wall hanging.
The design is packed with wonderful mindful sayings, which will help you to achieve a
sense of calm by focusing your awareness on the present moment as you make each stitch!
STITCH-A-LONG
70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160

t
70
80
90
100
110
t
t
120
130
140
Amanda Butler
150
160
t
MANDALA SAL THE CHART

EACH square on the chart represents a
Start stitching in the single cross stitch. Start from the centre of
centre of your fabric, using the design and your fabric. The centre of
the arrows on the chart our charts are indicated by arrows at the
designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s
for positioning.
centre, fold it in half and into quarters.
The numbers above and down
the left-hand side of the chart This is the complete key
show the centre, and as we
add more over the coming
for the sampler, for you to
months, the numbers will buy all the stranded cotton
expand until the chart is 230 colours needed for the
squares wide and deep. entire design at one time
STITCH-A-LONG
THE KEY
ALL THE symbols that appear on the listed next to the chart symbols is the
chart are listed in the key with their thread brand that’s used in the design.
corresponding thread codes beside Similar colour matches are listed
DMC Anchor Madeira them. The key also tells you the alongside it. Where no close match can
Cross stitch in two strands different stitches used in the design. be found, you may have to use a
The closest column of thread codes different brand of thread for that shade.
208 111 804 (2)
209 109 803
210 108 802 (2)
304 1006 509 (2)
307 289 104 (3)
310 403 black (5)
312 979 1005
334
33 977
9 1003
003
445 288 103
608 332 206 (2)
666 046 210 (2)
741 304 201 (2)
742 303 114 (2)
895 1044
0 1405
05
899 052 505
906 256 1411
907
90 255
55 14100
958 1878 1114
963 023 608
964 1092 1112 (2)
3325 129 1002
3326
33 6 036 50
504
B5200 001 white Designed by: Amanda Butler Complete stitch count: 230 high x 230 wide
Backstitch in one strand Complete design size: 42x42cm (161⁄2x161⁄2in) Stitch time: 200 hours (total)
310 403 black
outlines, details
801 359 2007

outlines, details HOW TO JOIN OUR STITCH-A-LONG
3865 002 2402 WELCOME TO our stitch-a-long for CROSSSTITCHER PROJECT PACK
outlines, details 2024. To join our Mandala SAL you will If you would like to stitch our Mandala SAL,
need to buy a 60x60cm (24x24in) piece we have a materials pack with everything you
B5200 001 white of 14 count white aida, plus DMC need to get you stitching straight away, and
details
stranded cotton and seed beads in the have it delivered straight to your door!
E3821 Light Effects following quantities – Black (3), Yellow Your materials pack contains:
details
(89), White (287) and Gold (300). The • Sampedro 14 count aida in White
Attach beads with cotton complete design size will be 230 • Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
stitches high x 230 stitches wide, • Skein of DMC Light Effects
black which gives you a finished size of • Seed beads in Black, Yellow, White and Gold
ye
yellow
o 42x42cm (161⁄2x161⁄2in). • Two gold-plated tapestry needles;
KEEP US POSTED! Why not join size 24 and size 26
white in our special SAL Facebook group at How to order:
gold
go d www.facebook.com/groups/ Go to www.willowfabrics.com to order your
(2) indicates more than one skein is required CrossStitcherSAL to get regular posts project pack at the CrossStitcher reader
and updates from fellow SAL stitchers. price of £57, plus P&P.
BEGINNERS START HERE…
New to cross stitch? Our handy guide will take you through all
the basic techniques and stitches you need to get you started
THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING

FABRICS NEEDLES EMBROIDERY SCISSORS
Aida is the ideal choice for cross stitch For cross stitch you will need a tapestry Embroidery scissors with small sharp points
beginners – it is a block-weave fabric, which needle that has a blunt tip and a large eye. are important for cutting stranded cotton
is divided into squares with a grid of holes. Use size 24 for 14 count or 28 count and unpicking. Use these scissors just for
Each cross stitch is worked over one square. evenweave, and a 26 for 16 count aida or cross stitch, and do not use them to cut
Aida comes in a range of sizes which are 32 count evenweave. Use a sharp fabric. A separate, larger pair should be
called counts. So 14 count means that there embroidery needle for finer details such as used to cut aida and evenweave. Protect
are 14 squares to the inch and this will make backstitching and French knots. A thin the tips from getting damaged between
14 cross stitches. Aida also comes in 16, 18 beading needle is also very useful. uses, and do not use for paper.
and 20 count. The larger the number, the
more stitches to the inch and so the smaller
the design will stitch up.
Evenweave is a woven grid of threads in a

finer count. Each stitch is usually worked
over two threads, so a 28 count evenweave
with each stitch worked over two threads
will mean your stitching will be the same size HOOPS AND FRAMES
as if you stitched on 14 count aida. Fractional STRANDED COTTON Though not absolutely essential, we do
stitches are easier to work on evenweave, Embroidery thread is also called stranded recommend using an embroidery hoop
as there is a central hole so there is no need cotton, or floss in the USA. Each thread or frame to keep an even stitching
to split the block as with aida. length is made up of six strands of cotton tension when you are working on a large
twisted together. The chart key tells you project that is heavily stitched. For cards
Once you are confident try using linen, how many strands you’ll need to stitch with. or small projects it may be easier to
which is produced in some even finer Stranded cotton comes in skeins of 8m, and hand hold the fabric.
counts like 32, 36, 40 and even 56 count. in three main brands – DMC, Anchor and
Madeira – all are divisible and colourfast to
95 degrees.
Start stitching… on aida and… on evenweave

Step 1 Step 2
CUT a 40cm thread length, and thread MAKE a second diagonal stitch to make INSTEAD of taking your needle
your needle with two of the six strands. the cross. You can work a row of half diagonally across a single aida block,
Knot one end and start with a waste cross stitches first, then work back on take your needle diagonally across two
knot (below). Make a diagonal half yourself to complete the stitches. All the evenweave threads, creating a half
cross stitch across a single aida block. top stitches should face the same way. cross stitch as before.
STARTING A THREAD FRACTIONALS
1. Away waste knot 2. Loop knot These stitches are great for adding
a bit more detail to your work
Front of fabric Reverse of fabric
KNOT one end of your thread and take it WORKING in two strands makes a loop
down through the front of your fabric, 2cm knot the neatest method. Cut a single
from your starting point.Bring it back up to length of thread, twice as long as normal. START with a quarter stitch, working from
the front of the fabric to make your first Fold in half to create a loop at one end. one corner into the centre (with aida, you’ll
stitch. Begin stitching your design, making Thread your needle with the two tail ends. need to pierce the fabric). Make a quarter
sure you stitch over your starting thread Bring your needle up to the front of your stitch in your second colour, coming up
with each stitch. Once you’re happy that fabric, leaving a small loop of thread on the from the opposite corner and back down
your starting thread is secure, snip off the reverse. Make a half cross stitch, passing the centre. Finish with a half cross stitch.
knot. To secure your thread when you’ve your needle through the loop on the Fractionals are charted either as two
finished stitching, weave it through the reverse, as shown. Pull all the way to secure symbols opposite one another in a square,
back of your stitches. the thread then continue with your stitching. or as a symbol opposite an empty space.
ADDING BACKSTITCH OUTLINES & DETAILS BEADING

Step 1 Step 2 TO attach beads, you’ll need a thin,
flexible beading needle. Thread with
one strand of cotton. Bring your needle
to the front of your design, thread on a
bead and make a diagonal stitch to
secure the bead. If you like, stitch
through again for added security.
WORK your backstitch once you’ve finished MAKE each backstitch over one thread of
the cross stitch. To secure your thread, fabric on aida and two threads if you work
weave it through the back of your stitches, on evenweave. Follow the chart to see
then bring your needle up to the surface. where to place each one.
FRENCH KNOTS
Step 1 Step 2 WASTE AND
SOLUBLE CANVAS
WASTE and soluble canvases are used
when stitching on plain fabrics and felts.
Tack onto your fabric and stitch as
normal. Soluble canvas dissolves in
water. For waste canvas, soak in water
then remove each thread individually.
SOLUBLE CANVAS
BRING your needle up at your starting FEED the needle gently through the
point and wrap your thread once or twice fabric. Try to keep your thread as taut as
around the needle. Use one strand for a possible to prevent the knot becoming
small knot and two for a chunkier knot. Hold loose. Gently pull your thread through to
your thread end firmly and take your needle tighten the knot, so that it sits neatly on
down, ever so slightly away from where you the surface. Keep practising your French
came up. Slide the twisted thread down the knots until you are happy you have
WASTE CANVAS
needle, so it rests on the fabric’s surface. perfected the technique.
Take a Tea Break WITH
WWW.CROSSSTITCHERMAG.COM
Email us at crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk
No. 404 January

CONTACT US AT
CrossStitcher Magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
When the planning, buying and cooking for Editors Susan and Martin Penny
Christmas gets too much maybe it’s time to Contact: crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk

Commissioning Editor Jenny Dixon
Art Editor Lucille Randall
embrace the fun side! So it is Fa, La, La and Operations Editor Lucy Evans
Editorial Assistant Nicole Penny
a Ho, Ho, Ho from myself Susan Penny, Photography Martin Penny
and everyone on the team at CrossStitcher. DIGITAL

Digital Content Manager Sally Stirling
These cute mini frames are available from Contact: sally.stirling@warnersgroup.co.uk
Digital & E-commerce Marketing Executive Emily Warner
Willow Fabrics (turn to page 15 to order), and ADVERTISING
WKH\PDNHJUHDWVWRFNLQJƮOOHUVRUMXVWKDQJ Sales Manager Jayne Notley

Contact: jayne.n@warnersgroup.co.uk +44 (0)1778 391189
Advertisement Copy Kay Cotterill
them in your kitchen as a reminder to keep calm Contact: production@warnersgroup.co.uk +44 (0)1778 392405
and breathe, whatever disaster ACCOUNTS

creditcontrol@warnersgroup.co.uk
happens with the turkey! Publisher Lucie Dawson

Contact: lucie.dawson@warnersgroup.co.uk
FOR ALL SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES

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ZI
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R
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WARNERS
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The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or
publisher. While every care is taken to ensure that the content of the magazine is
DMC accurate, neither the editor nor publisher assumes responsibility for any omissions
or errors. The editor reserves the right to edit copy.
Cross stitch in two strands Sharing may be encouraged in many aspects of life, but when it comes to
original material, you have to be wary of copyright. By all means, copy the project,
artwork, recipe or demonstration for your OWN PLEASURE, but no part of this
166
66 magazine may be published, reproduced, copied, or stored in a retrieval system
without the prior permission in writing of the publisher. Even where permission is
gained, it’s still courteous to credit the original source and the designer. Any activity
333 used to benefit commercially from the magazine is not permitted.
By respecting copyright, you ensure that we, as publishers, can continue to

provide you with the content you want. To read more about how you can navigate
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Susan Penny 995 Prizes, gifts or give-aways offered in competitions might be substituted with ones of
similar value. Unless otherwise stated, all competitions, free samplings, discounts and
offers are only available to readers inthe United Kingdom. Full terms and conditions
are available on our website at www.warnersgroup.co.uk/competition-terms/
Prices quoted at the time of going to press are subject to change.

Please check with the individual retailer for up to date prices.
PRIZES FOR YOUR PICS!

Win!
Competitions in issue 404 are open 28 November – 27 December 2023
WE WOULD love to see

what you stitch when
Magazine established September 1992
taking a break from the ISSN 0966-811X
Christmas preparations. ISSUE 402’S WINNER Next issue on sale 28 December 2023
Everyone who is featured Charlotte Willams loves CrossStitcher magazine is published every 4 weeks.
will receive a mystery to have a cuppa

prize! Send your photos between stitching
to crossstitcher@ sessions in her crafty
Branding and content © Warners Group Publications plc, 2023
warnersgroup.co.uk with corner, surrounded by The name CrossStitcher (R) is a registered trade mark of Warners Group
Publications plc. All rights reserved.
TEA BREAK as the subject. her projects!
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FO
R No
In your February DE .1
SI
GN
S
The cosiest projects to curl up with… ISSUE 405

FEBRUARY 2024
On sale
28 December
Your kit contains everything you

need to make a fabulous fox
thank you card…
Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary.

Inside this month
Purrfect homestyle: cosy Seasonal circle: wintry
SIGN UP TO OUR EMAIL
cat shelves picture night-time scene NEWSLETTER FOR EVEN MORE
Colour pop! ‘LOVE’ FANTASTIC STITCHING CONTENT!
The greatest show... of TURN TO PAGE 7 TO SEE HOW!
love! Circus Valentine cards typography phone case
MAGAZINE ORDERING SERVICE Please reserve a copy

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Your name
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Daytime contact no
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o .1 IG
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F
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75
BRAND-NEW
DESIGNS
LAST-MINUTE
FESTIVE MAKES
& MORE!
THE BEST IDEAS
FOR CHRISTMAS &
THE NEW YEAR
Inside...
Packed with new ideas and designs for you
PLUS You can personalise your projects

with our owl alphabet – what a hoot!

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Bright ideas for

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SEE-THROUGH PROJECT BAG

MON FOR JANUARY our fabric is called

is a sky of gentle clouds, moving in

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We don’t need to implement big 20 hhhhhhhh o oo o o o o o o hhhhhhhh

You ARE bloomin' lovely!

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Sampler chart positions

Our Canterbury house’s story…

110 120 130 140

CROSSSTITCHER PROJECT PACK How to order: B5200 001 white

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Designed by: Emma Congdon 10 20

209 109 803

703 238 1307

Your materials pack contains:

How to order: Go to www.willowfabrics.com or turn to page 15

Designed by: Susan Bates

DMC Anchor Madeira

350 011 213

726 305 109

780 309 2214

816 1005 512

823 127 1008

972 298 107

3808 1068 2507

3818 211 2704

How to… ƮQLVK

Each single bauble could

The Paw-fect Thank You!

3822 295 2511 XXXX

Season’s Greetings YOUR CHANCE TO WIN!

SARAH KEARNEY Count everything

SUE BARBER I would say do your own

Try not to carry your threads too far"

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How to order: Fill in the form on page 15 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to

DMC Anchor Madeira

002 398 1803

3799 236 1713 to provide a hint of • Size 24 ta

3863 379 1912

How to… frame a picture

spruce up your christmas

Make a… Christmas tree pot cover Try to keep your

Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 41 high x 61 wide