All That Glitters...

60
FESTIVE NEW
DESIGNS
Sparkling stitching techniques to try!

Have a pawesome
Christmas – the cutest
sausage dog cards!
 Make a…
Christmas card
Step 1
WORK the design on a 15x14cm (6x5½in)
piece of 14 count aida, using two strands
of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and
Our November issue comes with not one, one strand for the backstitch.

but two makes of the month! You can make our Step 2
Merry Mail card and then start the second part ADD red seed beads using red
of our special Christmas sampler SAL... stranded cotton, grouping them
together and following the chart for
where to place them.

Step 3
DOWNLOAD and stitch on a card
robin topper (see tip opposite) at the
bottom of the design.

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 48 high x 42 wide Step 4

Design size: 8.5x7.5cm (33⁄8x3in) Stitch time: 4 hours TRIM the stitched fabric so that it is larger
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. than the white panel on the front of your
card (see tip), leaving two or three blank
squares around the design. Fray the aida
edges by pulling away one block of
squares from around edge of the fabric.
10 20 30 40
t
Step 5
ATTACH double-sided tape to the back of
the stitching, and then place the stitching
on the front of your card, covering the
white panel. Press down firmly.
10

DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands

20 413 401 1713

498 1005 511
t

666 046 210

700 228 1304
30
747 158 1104
3766 167 1111
Susan Penny

3865 002 2402

Backstitch in two strands
40
413 401 1713
outlines, details

Attach beads with cotton

t red
berries

2 NOVEMBER 2020
Head to www.willowfabrics.com to Turn over to
find your exclusive card blank and continue your mini
robin topper to download and print! festive sampler!

NEXT MONTH
DOUBLE PROJECT
SPECIAL
Enjoy the last of our special ISSUE 364
double Makes of The Month! DECEMBER 2020
In December you can stitch
our ‘Angel On High’ design, a
Christmas gift box for your
On sale
tree... plus stitch the final
3 November
part of our Festive Stitch-A-
Long mini-sampler!

NOVEMBER 2020 3
 EXCLUSIVE FESTIVE
STITCH-A-LONG!
8VHRXUFKDUWEHORZDQGDGGDSUHWW\VQRZưDNHFKDUPWR
stitch the second part of your mini festive sampler.

This second section uses

beads the same as those
used in part one – remember
to save some more for the
final section of the SAL in
the December issue of
CrossStitcher. You can use PART 2
any spare dark grey stranded
cotton from last month to
outline the bird and pudding

30 Make a…
mini sampler
Step 1
t

NOTE that Part 2 of this design needs to

40
be stitched directly under part 1 and to
the right, so that the outer border on the
right-hand side matches up.

Step 2
50
USE two strands for the cross stitch, one
for the backstitch, and one for the French
knots. Stitch the beads (you may have
some saved from the last issue of
60
CrossStitcher) on the star and the
Christmas tree. More beads are used in
Susan Penny

the next issue of CrossStitcher.

Step 3
70 NOTE that for the final part of the
Christmas SAL you will need some red
felt to make the decorated mini-
stockings that hang under the design.
t The finished size of your complete
30 40 50 60 70
mini-sampler will be 14x14cm (5½x5½in),
and the stitch count 77x77 stitches.

4 NOVEMBER 2020
 EXCLUSIVE READER KITS!
You can send off for a
handy kit containing all the
materials you need to make
these projects. Simply visit
craftmag.co/crossstitcherkits
to order your kit today!

Designed by: Susan Penny

Stitch count: 50 high x 53 wide (part 2)
Design size: 9x9.5cm (3½x3¾in)
Stitch time: 6 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands

321 019 510

725 306 808
746 275 101
747 158 1104
780 309 2214
910 228 1301
996 433 1103
3799 236 1713
3851 187 1202
Backstitch in one strand

321 019 510

bunting

910 228 1301

tree

996 433 1103

bauble 100 % Made in Germany
3799 236 1713
pudding
Experience the world of ZWEIGART® premium
3851 187 1202 fabrics for Christmas with a unique selection of
bauble
plain and printed AIDA, evenweave, canvas
French knots in one strand and linen weaves. All fabrics guarantee
best results for different kinds of embroidery
321 019 510 techniques.
berries
Choose your favorite fabrics of this beautiful
3799 236 1713 color world at www.zweigart.de/downloads.
eye

Attach beads and charm with cotton

gold seed beads

tree, star For stockists contact:
Lakeside Needlecraft I lakesideneedlecraft.co.uk
gold snowflake charm Willow Fabrics I www.willowfabrics.com
Heritage Crafts I Tel: 01889 575 256
Woolwarehouse I woolwarehouse.co.uk
Stitchtastic I www.stitchtastic.com www.zweigart.com
The sparkling new Christmas novel from
the Sunday Times bestselling author

Heidi Swain

The Winter Garden is the perfect read this Christmas,

promising snowfall, warm fires and breath-taking
seasonal romance.
 Welcome
We’re stitching up a white Christmas…
WHEN YOU THINK about it, most
of our beloved Christmas images
are hard to find in real life. What
would a festive scene be without the
snow, but how many of us actually
experience a white Christmas? We
would need to look back quite a few
years in the UK. Nevertheless, we are
always up for a good dose of artistic
license – not to mention a touch of
magic and sparkle!
First of all we want to take you on a sleigh ride!
Lucie Heaton’s cover design is such a treat, with the
woodland animals making their way through the
snow to their own version of Christmas. Climb on
board on page 24. 
We’ve noticed that many of you like to create
snow villages as part of your decorations. A
stitched addition is just the thing, so take a look at
the tiny toyshop on page 30. 
Now for the magic... we have the sweetest angel
for the top of your tree (page 20), and we offer the
first part of what has to be the ultimate fairytale.
Meet Cinderella on page 59 and stitch the most
sparkly Fairy Godmother about to transform our
girl for the ball.   
Happy stitching!

SUSAN & MARTIN PENNY

EDITORS

P.S. We love to hear about your current stitching

projects! Send your letters and photos to
crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk

Star of wonder Follow us online!

facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag
Stitch our Nativity wreath
twitter.com/XStitchmagazine Give your
in our December issue, on home a modern
sale 3 November.
www.crossstitchermag.com
festive touch!
Write to the editorial department at: CrossStitcher Magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
Issue 363 November 2020 51
24
YOUR CHARTS
18 My Favourite Things November’s mood board
20 Christmas Chorus 3D festive angel decoration
24 Dashing Through The Snow Winter sleigh scene
30 The Christmas Emporium 3D toy shop
38 Countdown to Christmas Santa Advent calendar
43 Letter Library Gingerbread house alphabet
51 Winter Wooferland Sausage dog cards
54 Sew Cute Adorable winter workbox accessories
59 Create A Classic: Cinderella Start our new fairytale
design, the first in a three-part series
68 Ready, Steady, Stitch Our three designers are
challenged to create a Christmas brooch
74 Deck The Halls A trio of festive typography hoops

EXTRAS
16 Reader Offer Exclusive reader bargains
77 CrossStitcher SAL The next part of our
stitch-a-long featuring Alice in Wonderland
82 Puzzles Prize crossword

ON THE COVER
EVERY ISSUE
O Allthatglitters page24 11 Out there The latest products
O CountdowntoChristmas page38
14 Stitching with Jess
O Pawesomecards page51
O Create an angel page20 36 Letters Show off what you’ve stitched
O 3D toy shop page30
O Gorgeous gifts page54 66 We interview Kenris MacLeod
O Fairytalescene page59
83 Next month in CrossStitcher

20 18
68
38 74

SUBSCRIBER PLUS
10 Blog update Online news
23 Digital issues How to subscribe
54
34 Subscribe to CrossStitcher
81 Overseas Subscription offers

43

30 Stitcher’s
SP TLIGHT
Focus on stitch techniques...
72 Christmas biscornu
Make a pretty Christmas poinsettia
decoration that also works as a
beautiful seasonal biscornu.

NOVEMBER 2020 9
 Want more great
stitching content?

INS PIR ATI ON TIP S & TRI CKS STE P BY STE PS

TOP TRENDS AND IDEAS LEARN FROM THE BEST EASY TO FOLLOW

TEC HN IQU ES PROJEC TS INT ERV IEW S

BOOST YOUR STITCHING SKILLS FOR YOU TO MAKE EXPERT ADVICE

Visit
craftmag.co/stitchblog
AND IF THAT’S STILL NOT ENOUGH...
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complete with alerts for new blogs and competitions,
plus reader offers and discounts!

Just click on the email option and sign up... so easy!

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 Every month we showcase the latest high street trends, new ideas
and inspiring personalities for today’s stylish cross stitcher

Mini merry
makes
We’re big fans of Stitchsperation
here at CrossStitcher and
designer Charlie has pulled
out all the stops for the festive
season with a host of new
Christmas Mini Kits! Featuring
simple greetings such as ‘Joy’,
‘Merry’, ‘Noël’, ‘Holly’, ‘Hope’,
and ‘Peace’ – their new mini
size makes them a super-quick
stitch this year. Each kit
includes a chart, one of a kind
hand-painted fabric measuring
approx. 24cm x 32cm, two
needles, a tips and tricks card
to help you get started and DMC
stranded cotton. Choose from
two colourways – Modern and
Traditional. We’ve pictured the
Traditional colourway here.
www.stitchsperation.com

NOVEMBER 2020 11
 MY CRAFT ROOM: SOPHIE ALLPORT
We get to see a glimpse of a
designer’s own craft space…
Designer Sophie Allport is well-
known for her beautiful fine bone
china and kitchen fabrics, including
her gorgeous brand-new Partridge
fabric featured opposite.
Sophie says, “I tend to work from
home and usually it’ll be at the
kitchen table with my favourite
pens and watercolours ready and
of course with my dogs at my feet.
I find I’m most creative when I’m
on my own at home, I prefer the
peaceful environment with no
LET IT SNOW
CHRISTMAS SNOW Globe has been designed as a
interruptions where I can really
hanging decoration for the festive season. Available as a
concentrate on work.”
chart or kit, it includes instructions to make it as a hanging
www.sophieallport.com
decoration, and it's 13cm in diameter. It's been stitched on
Zweigart sparkling Iridescent 28 count linen using DMC
threads and the green is the DMC Variations thread – or
you can choose it as kit worked on the 14 count aida
equivalent in the iridescent fabric if you prefer. For further
details visit www.nia-crossstitch.com.

Homewares brand
Sophie Allport was
founded in 2007 by
Sophie and her
brother Jem. Her
work is inspired by
her love of nature.

Sophie creates
and paints all of the
companies products
and designs from
CHRISTMAS CRACKER!
her rural home in FANS OF The Nutcracker will love this detailed new
Lincolnshire. design from Bothy Threads. The Christmas Nutcracker
by Vesna Skornšek, ref: XX17, measures 27x37cm once
completed. For a more striking effect the design is
worked on navy 14 count aida to bring out the bright
jewel-like shades of the nutcracker and the characters
and Christmas trimmings surrounding him, including
a bright gold ornamental border. There’s plenty to
Drop us a line to crosssstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with images of your craft space get your teeth into here, so get cracking
and a few words about it and our favourites could be featured in a future issue!
by visiting www.bothythreads.com.

12 NOVEMBER 2020
 TREND SPOTTING
CHRISTMAS
CLASSIC ROBINS
INSPIRED BY our free card kit complete
FEATURED OPPOSITE, designer Sophie with robin button, we’re spreading our
Allport always comes out with a must-sew wings to include these festive fellows in
fabric range for each festive season. This time our Christmas crafting too…
she’s created a stunning Partridge In A Pear
Tree pattern, which is beautifully traditional,
but with a modern twist – so it’s perfect for all
your festive homestyle makes. Back your
stitched cushions with it or use it for
Christmas bunting and much more!
www.sophieallport.com

Easy autumn
stitching
WHO
This cute robin magnetic needleminder is
made from glossy hard enamel – he has two
super strong magnets to keep your needle
HAWTHORN HANDMADE last safe and he measures 3.3cm high.
www.caterpillarcrossstitch.com
year expanded their embroidery
range to include cross stitch
designs for beginners. There are
now two fab new additions to this
range: Cliff Top Walk and Desert
Escape. They come as complete
kits with aida, pre-sorted DMC
threads, needle, hoop, large
pattern in colour and black and
white and a beginner’s instruction
booklet. Pick up yours from
www.hawthornhandmade.com.

WHAT
Quick to stitch, this little robin cross stitch
kit is the perfect size for a Christmas card.
He comes as a kit and is surrounded with
holly and tiny red berries.
THREE OF THE BEST Angels www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleBeachHut

Have an angelic time with Christmas Carol on page 20, then celebrate
the season with our chorus of crafty angel items from Etsy…

KOKOHELLO
Use these cute white angel wings
made of fabric to add a 3D effect or
embellishment to your angel makes
and cards. Each is about 5cm wide.
FRENCHKNOTANDINKSPOT
Lewis & Irene – ‘Small Things at
Christmas’ patterned fabric comes
in 100% cotton with the cutest little
angels adorning it!
BOYSENBERRYACCESSORY
Embellish your Christmas cards
with these Angel Wooden Buttons.
They come as 10, 50 or 100 pieces,
with holes for sewing them on.
HOW
Create Christmas stockings or cushions and
more with this bright, modern 100% cotton
robin fabric, available by the metre.
www.lornasyson.co.uk

NOVEMBER 2020 13
 CROSS STITCH CONNECTIONS

Jessica Savage takes a look back at 2020, as she gets

to work stitching bookmarks as Christmas gifts…

H
ullo! We’re rolling towards the
end of the year! No matter how
you celebrate, I’m sure we are all
glad in some ways to see the back
end of 2020! The year that has been has
forced us to reevaluate a lot, including
how fast we were all moving. We’ve
been pushing forward with incredible
speed for so long, that it seems like
we’ve not had time to just stop and be
still. This unusual year has certainly
allowed for that!
One benefit of all that downtime is
that it seems to have allowed us to
return to the basics – what’s important,
what has meaning, what makes us
smile? The lives of humans fly by so fast,
and yet we also have so much time. It’s a
paradox that years can fly by like days,
but days can also drag by like years.
It’s not been an easy year for many of
us, but I’m quite hopeful that these
challenges have allowed space to
figure out what is important for
each of us. For me, this year has been
less about equating my output with
my value and much more about
discovering just what it is that truly
makes me grateful.
The lockdowns and the restrictions
have given me space to pick up the
needle and thread more frequently
and with less guilt of ‘not working’.
I often forget the calming feeling
that stitching provides! Time spent in
quite stitchy meditation helped me
figure out that what I want is a life of
quality over convenience: quality
people, quality pursuits, quality art,
quality connections.
So, this Christmas, I am going to try
and combine my new practice of taking
time for what I love with the gift giving
traditions that come with the end of the
year. A bookmark and a new novel
are perfect gifts for many I know,
and a cross-stitched bookmark is a
wonderfully practical gift that doesn’t
take long to make. Perhaps this
Christmas-themed bookmark might
suit someone you know, too!
Whatever this year threw at you, you
should be proud of where you are – it was
difficult, and we all deserve a collective
pat on the back! No matter what lies
ahead, focus your energy on what you
want to grow, even if you just want to
grow more time for a comfy couch, a
cup of tea and a cross stitch project.
Stitch boldly!
Jess
Don’t miss our December issue when
Jess reveals her next bookmark.
Never miss an issue – turn to page 34
to subscribe to CrossStitcher!

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80
t
CC D D D t D D t D D t D D t D D t D D t D D t D D t D D t D D t CC
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CCChh t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t t D t hhCCC
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Jessica Savage

14 NOVEMBER 2020
 CRAFTY BOOKSHELF

uilty
Not even slightly g

CRAFTY BOOKSHELF
5HDGRQWRƮQGRXWRXUIDYRXULWH
QHZERRNVIRUVWLWFKHUVWKLVPRQWK
WEEKEND MAKES:
HOOP EMBROIDERY
ROSEMARY DRYSDALE
[GMC Publications]
This book is ideal for any cross stitchers
looking to expand their stitching
repertoire and have a go at an actual
embroidery design. You’ll find lots of
familiar stitches here, from French
knots, to backstitch, to satin stitch, and
each project has been designed to be
so quick and easy that you can finish it
over a weekend. With easy instructions
and beautiful photos – you will be able
to turn out beautiful projects in no time.

HOME SWEET HOME SEWING

HELEN PHILIPPS
[Tuva Publishing]
Designer Helen Philipps has such a
charming style – and is well-known
for her sweet cross stitch samplers.
Here she branches out into
homestyle makes, with a selection of
projects from quilts, pillows, a spring
wreath, little deer toy, handstitched
Slow down pincushions and other sewing
and taste notions, plus pretty fabric bags,
the fruit coasters, charms and decorations.
There are plenty of ideas to keep you
sewing through the winter months!

DOODLE STITCHING
Cross stitch in two strands
EMBROIDERY ART
310 403 black AIMEE RAY [C&T Publishing]
“Move beyond the pattern” with Aimee
321 019 510 Ray as she urges you to floss like a
606 335 209 boss! Best-selling author of Doodle
699 923 1303 Stitching fame, Aimee is back with
many more fresh motifs and inspiration
702 239 1306 for anyone who wishes to break free
Backstitch in one strand from charts and templates and go for
completely original embroidery
designs. There are 20 embroidery art
reins
projects to try and you can mix and
match motifs and personalise wall art
with lettering and numbers too!

NOVEMBER 2020 15
READER OFFER

NEW PASTEL CARD PACKS

If you have been looking for quality bi-fold
window cards, then you will find our new
pastel cards perfect for all your card projects…
APERTURE CARD PACKS
Produced for Willow Fabrics in the UK, these
quality cards are made from pastel 300gsm
card, and each comes with a white 100gsm
envelope. The card size is C6 152x104mm.
We have more pack combinations available at
www.willowfabrics.com.

We are offering you a 16 card pack containing

four window shapes – Circle, Oval, Square
and Rectangle, and each of the shapes comes
in four colours – Cream, Pink, Blue and
Yellow, making a combination of 16 handy
cards, ref: PAM16, £8.65

If you want a smaller pack, and need a

particular colour and aperture shape, then
our next combination of packs could prove
invaluable. Choose your colour from the four
pastels available, and then your aperture
We have more pack
shape – Circle, Oval, Square or Rectangle combinations available at
+ Cream Circles; PCC4 + Cream Ovals; PCO4 www.willowfabrics.com with
+ Cream Squares; PCS4 + Cream Rectangles; Christmas colours coming next issue.
PCR4 + Yellow Circles; PYC4 + Yellow Ovals;
PYO4 + Yellow Squares; PYS4 + Yellow
Rectangles; PYR4 + Blue Circles; PBC4 + Blue
Ovals; PBO4 + Blue Squares; PBS4 + Blue
Rectangles; PBR4 + Pink Circles; PPC4 + Pink
Ovals; PPO4 + Pink Squares; PPS4 + Pink
Rectangles; PPR4. Each pack of 4 costs £2.30

Finally, if you prefer working with one shape

of card, choose from Circle, Oval, Square or
Rectangle, and then you will get a mixed pack
with one of each of the four pastel colours,
+ Circle; PAC4 ★ Oval; PAO4 + Square; PAS4
+ Rectangle; PAR4. Each pack costs £2.30

MORE OFFERS FOR YOU!

If our card packs have tempted you, we’ve lots more offers with UK postage of just £1.90…

Available while stocks last.

SANTA STOCKING KIT
Part of the Dimensions Gold Collection,
Checking His List is a stocking 41cm
(16in) long worked on White 14 count
aida. The kit contains: +backing felt +
wool for a cord + 14 or 16 count aida +
stranded cotton +thread sorter +needle
Checking His List, £24,
ref: DSCHL
ZWEIGART AIDA
We’ve a fab offer on Zweigart 14 count
Antique White contract aida. Normally
used for kit manufacture, because it’s
wider, it’s great for large projects and
cards or for your stash. The FQ is larger
than normal; 50x74cm (19½x29in).
Zweigart 14 Count Aida for £5.10,
ref: Z3264/101
SAMPEDRO AIDA
Sampedro 14 count white aida from
Portugal – amazing quality, soft and
really great value. This FQ (50x80cm)
of Sampedro 14 count is larger than a
normal FQ of aida. To buy a larger piece,
visit Willow Fabrics online to order.
Sampedro 14 Count Aida for £4,
ref: S14WFQ
SANTA EXPRESS KIT
Part of the Dimensions Gold Collection,
Santa Express is 25x25cm (10x10in) and
is worked on Pale Blue 14 count aida.
The kit contains:
+ 14 or 16 count aida + stranded cotton
+ thread sorter + needle
Santa Express, £25,
ref: DSSE

16 NOVEMBER 2020
 READER OFFER

A
C

ANIMAL WOODEN ORNAMENTS
These cute cross stitch ornaments are stitched on
punched wooden blanks in the shape of a Llama,
Penguin and Bear. They can be brightly decorated
with cross stitch, which is worked through the
holes in the wood. The kit comes with pre-sorted
threads, needle and instructions. If you’re looking
for a super-quick finish then these wooden tree
ornaments could be just the thing for you.
Animal Wood Ornaments for £17, ref: D72-08983
PLASTIC CANVAS TREE ORNAMENTS
These kits are designed for Dimensions by
American artist Susan Winget. Each kit contains 14
count plastic canvas, pre-sorted stranded cotton,
needle and instructions. Choose from Santa
Holding A Tree, Santa’s Sleigh and Santa With His
Bag. Mark your coupon with the kit you would like.
Plastic Canvas Ornaments; Santa With Tree A,
Sleigh B, or Santa With His Bag C,
for £8.20 each, ref: DPLAO
CANDY CANE SANTA KIT
Candy Cane Santa is 30x41cm (12x16in) on
Dove Grey 16 count aida, and is part of The Gold
Collection. A larger project, half cross stitch is
used to create subtle shading in certain areas.
The kit contain:s + 14 or 16 count aida + stranded
cotton + thread sorter + needle
Candy Cane Santa for £38,
ref: DSCC

WINTER PRINTED PANELS

We are showcasing three new fabrics in
this issue, to take you through the autumn
and into winter.
+Snowy Days in 14 aida or 28 evenweave.
Blue with white clouds and snow.
+ Winter Meadow in 14 aida or 28 evenweave.
Blue fading up to shades of gold and blue.
+ Iced Coffee in 14 aida and 28 evenweave.
Pale coffee washed out. For all your cross stitch goodies!
Each fabric panel comes in a 50x45cm Any questions?
(19x18in) size. Mark your coupon with the enquiries@willowfabrics.com
name of the panel and fabric count you want.
Place your order online using the
discount code CHRISTMAS20
Winter Printed Panels 14 Count Aida to get the lower postage cost
for £12; 28 Count Evenweave for £12.50;
ref: WINPAN that comes with this offer.
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 PASTEL CARD 16 PACK MIXED (PAM16) £8.65
Address PASTEL CARD 4 PACK 1 COLOUR SHAPE/COLOUR:
£2.30
Postcode PASTEL CARD 4 PACK MIXED SHAPE CODE:
£2.30
Tel Email SANTA STOCKING KIT (DSCHL) £24.00

I enclose a cheque for £ made payable to ZWEIGART CONTRACT AIDA (Z3264/101) £4.00
Penny Creative Media Ltd with my name and SAMPEDRO AIDA (S14WFQ) £3.45
address on the back SANTA EXPRESS KIT (DSSE) £25.00
ANIMAL WOOD ORNAMENTS (D72-08983) £17.00
Or charge my Visa ☐ Mastercard ☐ Maestro ☐ TREE ORNAMENTS (DPLAO) NAME/LETTER:
£8.20
Card No ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ ☐☐☐☐ CANDY CANE SANTA KIT (DSCC) £38.00
Expiry date /☐☐ ☐☐ Card security code ☐☐☐
(last 3 digits on signature strip)
WINTER AIDA PANEL (WINPAN) NAME:
£12.00
NAME:
EVENWEAVE PANEL (WINPAN) £12.50
Signature Date SANTA ADVENT CALENDER (PPSANTAD) £26.50

Terms and conditions: If ordering online, use CHRISTMAS20 at checkout to get the lower postage cost.
WOODLAND SLEIGH (PPWSL) £39.50
Please note the contract for supply of goods is with Willow Fabrics, tel: 01237 237171. These offers close CINDERELLA FULL KIT (PPCINDER) £69.00
on 3 November 2020, or before if stocks run out. All goods dispatched by second class post, please allow
up to 28 days to arrive. Please supply an email address or telephone number in case we need to contact UK ONLY POSTAGE £1.90 1 £1.90
you about your order. For full terms and conditions see page 80.
GRAND TOTAL £

Feel free to photocopy this offer or write your order on paper if you don’t want to cut your magazine

NOVEMBER 2020 17
 My Favourite Things
Zoë Patching shares a few of her favourite things for November – when we
FRV\XSLQVLGHRUZUDSXSZDUPWRZDWFKƮUHZRUNVOLJKWXSWKHQLJKWVN\

Designed by:
10 20 30 40 50 60
t Zoë Patching
Stitch count:
60 high x 58 wide
CCC Design size:
Cii
10 CC
ii CCC
10.5x10.5cm (4¼x4¼in)
CC Cii
i CC
ii
Stitch time: 5 hours
CC
H i This design was stitched on 28 count
linen over two threads of fabric.
20

Template
t

t
30

CCC
Cii ~~~~~~~~~~
CC ~~~x~~x~~~ Use your template
ii ~~xCCxxx~~
CC ~~xCCCCxxx at 100%
i ~~oCCCCCoCC
40 ~xooCCCooC
X xCCooooooC
X X xxCoCCooooox

Make a…
Zoë Patching

XXX X ~~xxxxxCCCooxx~~
XXHXXX ~~xxxxxxxxxoxx~~
XHXXHX ~xxxx~~~~xxxx~

card bobbin
XHXHHX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
XHHXHHH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TccdccccdH ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
TTTcccccddccT c c
50 TTcdddccccTT c c
cTTT c c
USE the template provided
to cut a card bobbin from a
scrap of white card. Wrap
t orange coloured stranded
cotton around the bobbin,
securing with fabric glue or
small stitches on the back.
Place on your stitching and
DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira
attach with a long stitch at
Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in two strands
either end of the bobbin.
165 278 1414 972 298 107
fireworks
434 310 2009
Backstitch in one strand
435 1046 2010
437 362 2012 444 297 106
rockets
444 297 106
517 162 1107
517 162 1107 rocket stripes • Zweigart
Antique W
729 890 2209 844 1041 1810 Cashel, ref: hite 28 cou
3281/0101; nt
outlines, words • Stranded 20x20cm
824 143 1010 cotton as li (8x8in)
• Size 26 ta sted in the
972 298 107 pestry nee key
972 298 107 stars • Frame w d le
ith a 12x12c
B5200 001 white French knots in one strand (4¾x4¾in) m
aperture
Backstitch in two strands • White ca
rd to make
844 1041 1810 Materials a bobbin
vailable fro
444 297 106 i dots m www.will
owfabrics.c
fireworks om

18 NOVEMBER 2020
 MY FAVOURITE THINGS

zoË
SAYS... comfy chair and enjoying
delicious, warming food.
It’s also the time of the
NEXT MONTH...
year when we get to enjoy
fabulous fireworks and
roaring bonfires. The smell
of sparklers always takes
me back to my childhood
– writing my name with
NOVEMBER the sparkly glow, and of
November is the time to course, nothing can beat DECEMBER
hunker down and to enjoy the oohing and aahing’ as MY FAVOURITE THINGS
the home comforts of log fireworks pop and bang – Don’t miss issue 364, on sale 3
fires, snuggling up in a I cannot help but join in!” November, for December’s mood board.

NOVEMBER 2020 19
CHRISTMAS CHORUS

christmas chorus
Meet Christmas Carol – she’s our choir singing angel
who’s perfect for trimming your tree this year!

20 NOVEMBER 2020
 JUST FOR FUN

10 20 30
t 40 50 60

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t
Emma Congdon

Designed by: Emma Congdon DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands
Stitch count: 60 highx 60 wide, body;
38 highx53 wide, wings 026 342 801
Design size: 11x11cm (43⁄8x43⁄8in); 9.5x6.6cm (33⁄4x 25⁄8in) 746 275 101
Stitch time: 23 hours total
794 117 907
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
833 907 2203
930 1035 1712
948 1011 306
3716 025 606
cm 3761 928 1014
h ite 14 c o unt aida; 15x15
W
• Sampedro wings E3821 Light Effects
b od y; 14 x 9 cm (51⁄2x31⁄2in)
(6x6in)
c o tto n as listed in the key Backstitch in one strand
• Stranded 31⁄2in)
-o n V ilen e ; 14x9cm (51⁄2x 930 1035 1712
• Iron ase;
c or aida for b details
• Cotton fabri
1⁄2in)
9x9cm (31⁄2x3 .will owfabrics.com
terials available from www
Ma

NOVEMBER 2020 21
CHRISTMAS CHORUS

For an invisible’
hanging loop, you
could replace the
ribbon with craft
wire or thread, as
we have done

Make an… angel

decoration
Step 1
COMPLETE the design, then place the
Vilene on the back of the wings and
iron in place. Using sharp scissors, cut
around the wing shape, leaving one
blank square of aida around the design.

Step 2
ROLL the stitched angel into a cone
shape. On the back seam, fold the
excess fabric to the wrong side of the
stitching. Finger press in place. Cut
away some of the excess fabric from
the bottom of the design, leaving
6mm (¼in) of unstitched fabric below
the stitching. Fold this inside the
cone, and press with your fingers
to get a neat edge.
10 20 30 40 50
t Step 3
xxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxxxxx
x~x~~~~~~~~~xxx xxx~~~~~~~~~x~x USE white sewing thread to catch
xx~x~~~~~~~~~~~xx xx~~~~~~~~~~~x~xx
x~x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~x stitch the back seam closed, inserting
x~~~x~~xxxx~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~xxxx~~x~~~x
x~~~~~x~~~~x~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~x~~~~x~~~~~x a piece of folded ribbon into the top of
x~~~~x~~x~~~x~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~x~~~x~~x~~~~x
x~~~~x~~~x~~x~~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~~x~~x~~~x~~~~x the angel, making sure you stitch the
x~~~~~x~~x~~~x~~~~~~~xx xx~~~~~~~x~~~x~~x~~~~~x
xx~~~~~xx~~~~x~~~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~~~x~~~~xx~~~~~xx ribbon securely in place.
10
xx~~~~~~~~~~x~~~~x~~~~~x x~~~~~x~~~~x~~~~~~~~~~xx
xx~~~~~~~~~x~~~x~x~~~~~x x~~~~~x~x~~~x~~~~~~~~~xx
x~x~~~~~~~xx~~~~~x~~~~~x x~~~~~x~~~~~xx~~~~~~~x~x
x~~xx~~~xx~~x~~~xxxx~~~~x x~~~~xxxx~~~x~~xx~~~xx~~x
Step 4
x~~~xxxx~~~~xxx~~~~x~~~x x~~~x~~~~xxx~~~~xxxx~~~x STUFF the angel with toy stuffing or
x~~x~~x~~~~~~x~~~~~~x~~x x~~x~~~~~~x~~~~~~x~~x~~x
x~~~x~~~~~~~x~~~~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~~~~x~~~~~~~x~~~x cotton wool. Cut a 7cm (2¾in) circle
x~x~~~x~~~~x~~x~~~~x~~x~~x~~~~x~~x~~~~x~~~x~x
xx~~x~x~~~~x~~x~~~x~~x~~x~~~x~~x~~~~x~x~~xx from cotton fabric or aida, then place
t

20 x~~x~~~~~~xx~~~~x~~~~~x~~~~xx~~~~~~x~~x
xx~~~~~~~~~~~~x~~~~~~~x~~~~~~~~~~~~xx the circle on the bottom of the cone
xxx~~~x~~~~~x~~~~~~~x~~~~~x~~~xxx
xxx~x~~xx~~~~~~~~~xx~~x~xxx – fold the edges of the fabric inside
xxxxx~~x~xx~~~~~~~~~~~~~xx~x~~xxxxx
xxx~~x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~~xxx the cone until it is exactly the same
x~~~~~x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~~~~~~~~~~~~~~x~~~~~x
x~~~~~x~~~~x~~~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~~~x~~~~x~~~~~x size as the bottom of the angel.
x~~~~~~x~~~x~x~~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~~x~x~~~x~~~~~~x
x~~~~xxx~~~~~x~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~x~~~~~xxx~~~~x Oversew around the bottom edge
30 x~~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~x~~~x~~~x~~~~x
x~~~x~~x~~x~x~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~x~x~~x~~x~~~x using small, neat stitches, attaching
x~~~x~~~x~~x~~~~~~~x x~~~~~~~x~~x~~~x~~~x
x~~~~x~~x~~x~~~~~~x x~~~~~~x~~x~~x~~~~x the aida to the fabric.
x~~~~~xx~~x~~~~~xx xx~~~~~x~~xx~~~~~x
x~x~~~~~~~x~~~xx xx~~~x~~~~~~~x~x
xx~x~~~~~x~~xx
x~x~~~~~~xxx
xx~~x~~~~~x~xx
xxx~~~~~~x~x
Step 5
xxxxxxxxx xxxxxxxxx STITCH the wings to the back of the
t
angel down the centre. Hang your
Emma Congdon
angel on your tree from the ribbon
hanging loop.

22 NOVEMBER 2020
 DISCOVER
DIGITAL!

JUST
£2.31 PER
ISSUE!

Annual Digital
Subscription
(13 issues)
just £ 29.99!

DOWNLOAD TODAY AT:

www.pocketmags.com/crossstitcher-magazine
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

Dashing
Through
The Snow
Bring to life our wintry woodland
sleigh scene with metallics, satin
thread, seed beads and silver stars

PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch Dashing Through
The Snow, we have a materials pack with
everything you need to get you stitching right
away, and have it delivered straight to your door!
Your materials pack contains:
• Zweigart 14 count aida in Pewter
• Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
• Skeins of DMC Light Effects
• Skein of DMC Satin
• Mill Hill beads
• Silver stars
• Two gold-plated tapestry
needles; size 24 and size 26
NOTE: Embroidery hoop not included
How to order: Fill in the form on page 17 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to
order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £39.50, plus P&P.

24 NOVEMBER 2020
FOR YOUR HOME

NOVEMBER 2020 25
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

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26 NOVEMBER 2020
 FOR YOUR HOME

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dVTTTTTTTVVV$$$iiHDhhmmmHDiiii$$$VVVTTTTTiiXiXigiiVVTTTTTTTTTTVd
dVTTTTTTTTVVV$$$DDhiiiiiHH$$$VVVVTTTTTTTTiiiXiiiiVTTTTTTTTTTTVd
dVTTTTTTTTTTVVVHDh$$$$$$HHVVVVTTTTTTTTTTTViiiiiiVVTTTTTTTTTTVd
dVTTTTTTTTTTTTHDVVVVVVVHHTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTiiiiiiVTTTTTTTTTTTVd
dVTTTTTTTTTTTTDDTTTTTTTDHVTTsTTTTTTTTTTTTViiiiVTTTTTTTTTTTVd
dVTTTTTTTTsTTDDTTTTTThDDVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTViiiVVTTsTTTTTTTTVd
dVTTTTTTTTTTDhVTTTTThhDVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTViiVVTTTTTTTTTTTVd
dVVTTTTTTTTDDhVTTTTThhhVTTTTTTTTsTTTTTTTiVVTTTTTTTTTTVVd
ddVVTTTTTTDDhVTTTTThhhhVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVVTTTTTTTTTVVdd R
fff ddVVTTTDTVhVTTTTThDVhVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVTTTTTTVVVdd R R R
K ddVVTTTVVTTsTTTTDVDTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVVVddd R R
K KKKddVVThTTTTTTTTDTVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVddKKK RR R RR
K K KK KKddVVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVVdKK KK R R
K s K ddVVVVVTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTVVVVVVddK K R R R
K s K dddddVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVdddddd s K R
KK s K dddddddddddddddddd s K
s fff K KKKK KKKK s KKK K

NOVEMBER 2020 27
DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW

TVVd R TTTVV $TTV dV K

VVd RR R TTTV $TTTV dV KK
VVd R R TTTV $TTTV dV KKK
TVd RR R RR TTTV $TTV dV
130 TVVd R R TTTV $TTV dV KKK
TVVd R R R TTV $TV dV K
bbb R TTV $TV d K
bbb TTbTV d K f
bb
$TV dV K f
$TV dV K
TTV dVV K
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$TV iiiiiiddbb iiiiii
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140 iiiiiiiiiiiiii bbbViii iiiiiiiiRRRiiiii
iiiiiiRRRRRiiRRRiiiiiiiiiiibbiiRRRiiiiiRRRiii iiiiiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRRiiiiiiiiiii
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iiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRii
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iiiiiRRRii iiiiiiRRRiiiiRRRRRiiiiiiii
iii iiiiiii

150

R
R R
R R
RR R
R R
R R
R
160

170

180
t

Designed by: Lucie Heaton DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Stitch count: 179 high x 180 wide Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands

Design size: 33x33cm (13x13in) 003 399 1802 (2) 3799 236 1713
Stitch time: 50 hours
317 400 1714 3825 323 2307
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
318 399 1802 blanc 001 white
402 347 2307 ecru 387 ecru
414 235 1801 E677 Light Effects
666 046 210 E3821 Light Effects
676 891 2208 E3852 Light Effects
aida, 677 886 2207 S5200 Satin
e iga rt P e w ter 14 count
• Zw x18in) 729 890 2209 Backstitch in one strand
7 0 6 /7 13 ; 46x46cm (18
ref: 3 e key
e d c o tt o n as listed in th 754 336 305 3799 236 1713
• Strand as listed in th
e key
h t E ffe c ts 762 234 1804 outlines
• DMC Lig key
C S a tin a s listed in the S5200 Satin
• DM e key 948 1011 306
ill b e ad s a s listed in th snow
• Mill H sx4
s ta rs w ith button hole 3705 035 410 Attach beads with cotton
• Silver le
pestry need 3706 033 309
• Size 24 ta op; Mill Hill 2013
o o d e n e m broidery ho 3776 1048 310
•W berries
) diameter
35.5cm (14in w.willowfab
rics.com 3778 1013 403 (2) indicates more than one skein is required
ww
ailable from
Materials av

28
 FOR YOUR HOME

s f K K K K K K s K K K
Ks f K K K KK s ff K s K K K
KK s f K K K K K s K f K s K K K
s f K K K K s K f K s K K
K s K K K K s K f K K K K ffff
KKs KKKK K sss KKK K KKKK Kff f
s K K K f
f K K K K KK f
K K K K K K K f
K K K K K K f
K KK K K KK K K
ss ss ss ss KKKiii
iiii ssssss iiiiiii sssssss iiiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRRiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRRRRRRRiiiiiiiRRRRRRRRiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRiiiii
iiiiiiiiiRRRRiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRRRRRiiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiii
iRiiiRRRRRiiRRiiiiiiRRRRiiiiiiiii iii
iiRiiiiiiiiiiRRRRiiiiiRRRRRRi
iiiiiiiiiiiiiRiiiiiiiiRRRiiiiiRRiiiiiiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiRRRRRRiii
iiiii iiiiii

RR

Lucie Heaton
t

We h a ve s tit c h ed s ilve r
star s on to th e re in d ee r
, b u t y ou c a n a d d th em
antlers u p r efe r
to th e s leigh i f y o

How to… frame your work in a hoop

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

TRIM your stitching and a fabric piece into
a circle slightly larger than your hoop.
Place the inside hoop beneath the two
pieces and the outer hoop on top. Centre
and press over your work. Pull taut and
tighten the screw.
TURN your stitching to the reverse and cut
a piece of felt to fit inside the inner circle.
Place the felt inside the hoop. You can use
a bit of fabric glue to keep it in place. The
felt will pad your stitching, and stop
anything showing through.
USE a glue gun or double-sided tape to
begin attaching the first layer of fabric,
pulling taut as you go. Repeat for the
second layer. Cut a second felt layer to fit
over the back of your hoop. Secure with
glue or small, neat stitches.

NOVEMBER 2020 29
THE CHRISTMAS EMPORIUM

The Christmas Emporium

Welcome to our little shop of seasonal delights – packed
with toys for Christmas and covered in a blanket of snow…

30 NOVEMBER 2020
 JUST FOR FUN

10 t 20 30

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon

O h
(Tiny Modernist) O h

Stitch count: 51 high x 36 wide x

10 x
– gable ends; 33 high x 60 wide h H
h H O H
– front and back O H

Design size: 8x6cm (3¼x23⁄8in); O x h x

O x h x
5x10cm (2x4in) H H
H H
Stitch time: 30 hours 20 dd iiiiiiiii
odd DDDDDDDDDDDDDD
This design was stitched on 32 count hdd D =D
linen over two threads of fabric o hhdd D ==D
ooo hhhd D ==hD
ooooooohhdd D =x==D
t
ooooooooo dd Di i===xxD

t
xxxxTTT dd Dii ii ===D
xxxTT Diiii iiii==D
xxTTT D ===D
30 xTT D ==h=D
xTT D =x===D
ooo D ===xxxD

All the materials

o D ====D
hhh o hhh Di h hi =h=D
hhhhhhhhh Dii h ii====D
hhhhhhhhh DiiiVVViiii==D

we used to make our

hhhhohhhh D VVV======D
hoh D hThVV x==D
h o h D hThVV ==xxD

toy shop are

h o h D hThVV =====D

Cheryl McKinnon
40
h o h DiiThVV====h=D
ho h DiiiiiViii===D

available from www.

o iiiiiiiiiiiiiii
o OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
o

willowfabrics.com
o
o
iii o iiiiiiiiiiiii iiii
iii~~ioiiiii~~~iiiiiiiiiii~~iiii
50 iii~~iiiiiiii~iii~~~iiiiiii~ii~~~iii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
t

10 20 30 40 50 60
t
iiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiii
iiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiiihhhhiiii
OiiOOhhOOiiOOhhOOiiOOhhOOiiOOhhOOiiOOhhOOiiOOhhOOiiOOhhOOiiO
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
O O
O xxxxxxx xxxx xxx xxx xxxxx xxx xxx xxxx xxxxx O
O x x x x x x x x x x x x x x O
O x x x xxx xxxx xxxxxx x x xxxx O
O T T T T T T T T T T O
10 O TTT TTTT TTT TTTTT TTT TTT TTTT TTT O
O O
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
DD DDOOxxTTOODD i h h DD
DO o o ddd DOOxxxxTTODO ii i h h DO
DO o o d$$$d DOxxxxxxTTDO iiiiii iii hhhhhh DO
DO $ $ hhhhh d$$$d DOOOOOOOOODO iiii V$$$V hhhhh DO
t
t

DO h h hiiih d $ d DOOxC=C=xODO i i V$$$V DO

DO h h hhhhhhhh $$VVV$$ DOO=C==CCODOi i i i hhh hhhh DO
DO h h hoohhooh VVV DO=CCxx=C=DO i i hiiiiih DO
20 DO o o oo oo VVVVV DOC=xxxxCCDO iiii iii DO
DOdddddddddddddddVVVVVddDO=Cxxxx=CDOddddddddddVVVdddddddddDO
DO O=OO $ $ DOC=Cxx=C=DO DDDDDDD V V DO
Cheryl McKinnon

DO OOOO=O i $ $ DOOCC=CC=ODO DDDiDDD hh hh OOOO DO

DO ==O=== iii V V DOOhhhhhhODO iiidiii hiih DO
DO O=OO== iiiii DOOhhxxhhODO ddddddd hiih DO
DO OO=OO= iiiiiii HH DOOxhxxhTODO dxdxdxd Oxxxxhhoo DO
DO OOO= HH DOOxhxxhTODO ddddddd Oxxxxhoooo DO
DO hhhhhhh DD hh DOOxxxTTTODO dxdhdxd ooxoohoooo DO
OO oooo hhhhh DD hh OOOxxTTTTOOO dddhddd oo oo oo OO
30 OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
OOODDDDDDDDDDiiiiDDDDDiiOOODDDDDDOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDiiOOO
OOODOOOiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiOOODOOOOOiOOODOiiiiiiOOOOiiiiiiiiiOO
OOiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiOOiiiiiiiiOOiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiOO
t

NOVEMBER 2020 31
THE CHRISTMAS EMPORIUM

DMC Anchor Madeira

10 t 20 30
Cross stitch in two strands

435 1046 2010

605 074 613
h O
h O
606 335 209
x
10 x 747 158 1104
H h
H O H h 945 881 2313
H O

x h x O 986 246 1404

x h x O
H H
989 241 1401
H C H
20 C 3760 169 1012
CCC
ooooo CCC 3761 928 1014
ooooo CCCxC
ooo CCCCCCC 3766 167 1111
hhh ChhCCCC
t

ooooooooo CChhCCCCC
3799 236 1713

t
iiiiiii CxCCCdCOOCC
iioiiioii CCCCCdCOOCC
iiTTTiiii CCCdCCdCCdCCC 3821 305 2510
30 == iHiiiiiHi == CHHCdCdCdCCCC
== iiiiiiiii == CCHHCCdddCCxCCC
ii iiiiiii ii CCCCCCCdCCCCCCC 3822 295 2511
=h=h=h=h= CCCCdCxCdCCCdCHHC
=h=h=h=h=
iiiiiiii==~
ChhCCdCCdCCdCCHHC
ChhCCCdCdCdCCCCCC
B5200 001 white
iiiiiiiiihh~~ CCCCCCCdddOOCCxCC Backstitch in one strand
iiiiiiioii==i~~ CCCCCCCCdCOOCCCCC
iiiiiiiiiihh~~~ CxCdCCCdCCCdCCC
iiiiiiioii==i~~ CCOOdCCdCCdCCCC 606 335 209
iiiiiiiiiihhi~~ COOCdCdCdCCxC
Cheryl McKinnon

40
iiiiiiiiii==i~~ CCCCdddCCCC details
iiiiiiiiiiiii~~ CCCCdCCCC
iiiiiiiiiiiii~~ CCdCC 3799 236 1713
iiiiiiiiiiiii~~ d
iiiiiiiiiii~~ d outlines, details
iiiiiiiii~~ d
iiiiiii~~ d Assembly instructions
iiiiiiiiiiii iiiiii d iiii
iiiiii~~~iiiiiiiii~~~iiiidi~~iiii
50 iiiii~~iiiiiiiii~~~iii~iiii~ii~~~iii cardboard shape
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
t

10 20 30 40 50 60
t
C=i hh hh i=C
=C=i i=hhhhhhhh=i i=C=
=CC=ii i=CChhhhhhhhCC=i ii=CC=
=CCC=i i=CC==hh hh==CC=i i=CCC=
C=C=CiiiiiiiiCCCC= =CCCCiiiiiiiiC=C=C
CC=CC==C==CC=C C=CC==C==CC=CC
C==CC=C=C= iiiiii iiiii =C=C=CC==C
hhh iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii hhh
hhThh DDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD hhThh
10 hTTTh D D hTTTh
hhhhh D o dddd D hhhhh
hhThh D oDo dddddd D hhThh
ooooo D oDdDo d$$$$d o o D ooooo
i$$$$$i D oDDDDDo $o$$o$ ooooooo D i$$$$$i
i$$d$$i D DiiiD $$$$$$ oooiooo D i$$d$$i
iH$d$Hi D DiiiD ddd $$$$ iiihiii D iH$d$Hi
t
t

i$hhh$i D DiiiD d V$$V hhhhhhh D i$hhh$i

TTiiiTT D DDDDD d ViVViV hxhxhxh D TTiiiTT
hhiiihh D $ VViVViVVhhhhhhh D hhiiihh
20 hhhihhh D d dVV iiii VhxhDhxh D hhhihhh
hhhihhh D d d iiii hhhDhhh D hhhihhh
hooTooh D d dddddddddddddddddddddd D hooTooh
Cheryl McKinnon

ThhVhhT D o VVVV o iiD ThhVhhT

$hVVVh$ D o iiiiiiiii iiiiiiD $hVVVh$
VVVVV D iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiD VVVVV
VV VV iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiD VV VV
VV VV OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO VV VV
oo oo OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO oo oo
oo oo oo oo
30 oo oo iiiiii iiiiiiiii oo oo
iooiooiiiiiiiii~~~~iiii iiiiiiiiiiiii~~iiiiiiiiooiooii
iiiooiooiiiiii~~~iiii~~iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii~~~ii~iiiiiiiooiooiii
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
t

32 NOVEMBER 2020
 JUST FOR FUN

• Zweigart Na
tural Silver 32
ref: 3609/0017 count Belfast,
; 40x23cm (16
• Stranded co x9in)
tton as listed in
• Size 26 tape the key
stry needle
We used white felt for a snow- • White felt; 10
x 2 pieces
x9cm (4x3½in
)

covered roof effect - you can use • Cardboard

a different colour if you prefer

Materials availa
ble from www
.willowfabrics
.com

Make a… Christmas shop Step 6

Step 1
STITCH two shop sides and two
gable ends. Leave at least 4cm (1½in)
between each section. Use two
strands of stranded cotton for the
cross stitch and one for the backstitch.
Step 2
COMPLETE the stitching, then cut
around each section leaving about
2cm (¾in) of unstitched fabric
unstitched fabric around onto the
back of the cardboard for each. Use
double-sided tape to hold the fabric
to the reverse side of the cardboard,
or lace in place across the back.
Step 4
WHEN all the sections have been
assembled, cut one 10x9cm
(4x3½in) roof piece from card. Fold
in half, lengthways, and then using
PLACE the roof on the assembled
shop, and then using small stitches,
sew it in place. If you prefer, you can
use a small amount of fabric glue to
attach the roof. Cut a rectangle of
cardboard to fit inside the bottom
of the building, then add glue to the
edges and carefully push in place
to complete your shop.

around all edges. Using the stitching
as a guide, cut two gable ends and
two sides from cardboard, making
sure they are exactly the same size
as the stitching. The pink line on the
chart shows the shape of the
cardboard, but not the finished size.
Step 3
PLACE the cardboard shapes
on the wrong side of the stitched
house sections, wrapping the
MORE TO MAKE…
double-sided tape, cover both
sides with white felt.
Step 5
PLACE the assembled sides and
gable ends in the correct order,
holding each together with pins.
Using a matching coloured thread,
and working on the right side, sew
each section to the next, using
small, neat stitches down the
adjoining edges.
If you would like to stitch a
companion piece for the toy shop,
our Christmas cottage shown in
the background of our picture, is
another 3D mini masterpiece!
Visit https://pocketmags.com/
crossstitcher-magazine/issues
and buy XST339 January 2019
as a downloadable back issue.

NOVEMBER 2020 33
The Perfect Project
for the best Cross Stitch Magazine

CrossStitcher is the UK’s longest-established cross stitch

magazine, bringing you irresistible projects from top
designers. It’s packed with quality content from quick
ISSUE 363
NOVEMBER 2020 and easy, to classic samplers, from greetings cards to
contemporary cushions. We pride ourselves on an upbeat
and friendly approach to make every stitcher welcome,
whatever their experience and ability.
All That Glitters...
60
FESTIVE NEW
DESIGNS
Sparkling stitching techniques to try!

We know how to treat our subscribers well, so make sure

CREATE A CHRISTMAS
ANGEL FOR YOUR TREE
you aren’t missing out on a single issue and make sure
you subscribe today!
9 770966 811101

NOVEMBER 2020
PRINTED IN THE UK

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Great gifts for
stitching friends yourself of the amazing benefits we’re giving you each and
every issue. Not subscribed yet? You’re missing all this…

STITCH IN 3D: WHIP

UP A MINI TOY SHOP

PART 1

Susan and Martin Penny, Editors

Have a pawesome
Christmas – the cutest NEW SERIES!
Start stitching our
sausage dog cards! fairytale scene

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 Your stitching,
top tips, online
chat and more!

Merry makes
Kim loved
Durene’s
couple of cards last year from
these designs. As you can see, I FIRST PAST
THE POST!
festive
fashion used beads for the accents and
forward this year I’m trying sparkly floss.
cards from
last year! I really like the effect of both.
And I still have the last design of
Amy McIntosh was the first to send us
this set to complete.
a pic of her deer decoration from issue
As a subscriber to your 362 – she wins a selection of DMC
magazine I look forward to stranded cotton skeins in 20 colours of
getting CrossStitcher magazine her choice from Willow Fabrics. The first
every month. I can’t wait to see person to stitch and send us a pic of their
the Christmas stitches you’ll finished robin card from this issue to
have in store for us this year! crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk will
also win this great prize!
Kim Thompson, Ontario, Canada

S
titching Christmas cards is
one of my favourite things
to do. I wanted to show
you the first stitch I completed
this season that I’ll make into a
Christmas card for my mom. It’s
from issue 351 and I absolutely
love this set from designer
XST363.covergift_insert
.indd 1

Durene Jones. I also made a

324) which I I made two Christmas decoratio away in our

Here's my Scandi Santa (issue designers' challenge in issue 35
ns from the Here's the bag I stitched while
by. Thanks for bet in issue
stitched for my daughter, Ab make a lovely addition to my tr
2. They will motorhome. It's from the alpha
at free gift! put it on.
a fun project which was a gre Linda West, Isle of Man
ee this year. 342 and I used waste canvas to
e, USA
Mary Guditis, New York Stat Ruth Dove, by email

36 NOVEMBER 2020

Extra impact
D
ear Susan, Martin, and
CrossStitcher team,
I thought I would like to
show you my latest large project,
which I finished in July this year,
and the chart was taken from
CrossStitcher issue 334.
In my opinion, you probably
knew before publishing the chart,
that someone would try to stitch
it on dark or black aida. Well, I did
it. These vibrant colours simply
cried for the black background.
I had to work doubly hard, because
I had to replace the half stitches
with whole stitches, and I had to
complete the white areas too, but
I think it was worth the effort.
Pro
Tip
Top designers share their
favourite stitching tips
Help Kreinik threads
to relax"
“When using Kreinik threads, besides using
shorter lengths to avoid tangles I recommend
stitching slowly, and moistening the thread
lightly with a damp sponge to help it relax, if
it becomes difficult to work with.”
Here's my Shelly tortoise pincu
361), I just changed a few bits
shion (issue
the bee coaster from a previous
and also made
Nicola Sycz, Oxfordshire
issue.
Special thanks to Maria Diaz
for her help in choosing the right
thread shades at the beginning of
my stitching.
I thank you for this great chart.
Best regards,
Bernadett Antli, Hungary
Susan Penny
CrossStitcher Editor
L. I have
Here is my summer sampler SA
t record
added to it to make a permanen
of this strange year.
Diane Lilley, Derby
OVER TO YOU…
We asked our fans on Facebook,
“Do you like to decorate your
home with stitched decorations
at Christmas?”
PAULA CRISTINA NUNES LIMA
There is never enough ‘Christmas’ for a
home. Each year I make a new item either
to hang on the tree or on a wall and also
make cross stitch cards to send some of
my friends.
ANN CHRISTINE TEALE As I’m a newbie
to cross stitch, this is my first Christmas
as a stitcher! So I am hoping to get at
least one up! But as I have quite a few
Christmas present stitches planned, they
are my priority – fingers crossed I’ll get
one done for myself though…
MARY BRENHOLT I have one large
tree that is all cross stitch ornaments,
another which is a snowman tree
(includes cross stitch snowmen) and a
smaller one which includes mini cross
stitch ornaments. I plan to add them to
wreaths around the house this year.
JOANNA GULDIN-NOLL Every year,
I stitch Mill Hill ornaments for my family
members as part of their gift. Since 2012,
I’ve been stitching a Nativity series for
my mom and dad – they even have a
small, separate tree for all of the Nativity
ornaments from the past eight years.
VIKKI CLIMPSON I have quite a few
stitched decorations, and my tree is
always decorated with things that either
myself or friends have handmade.
The only baubles I have are ones that
I have beaded or special ones bought
individually, just because I like them.
FIONA CHRISTIE Our Advent calendar
was from a 2001 issue of CrossStitcher.
I have cross stitch garlands in the window
and the candle bands on the table centre
piece were from a 2007 issue.
‘Like’ our page on Facebook;
facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag
and join the conversation!
Stay in touch...
crossstitcher@
warnersgroup.co.uk
CrossStitcher, PO Box 172,
Northam, EX39 9DY
@XStitchmagazine
pinterest.com/
xstitchmagazine
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

38 NOVEMBER 2020
 LOVE STITCHING

Santa’s
CHRISTMAS
Countdown
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VXUSULVHV2XU$GYHQWFDOHQGDUZLOO
EHFRPHDIDYRXULWHIDPLO\WUDGLWLRQ

PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch Santa’s Christmas
Countdown, 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
PLEASE NOTE: the pack does not
contain backing fabric or a magnetic
frame which can be ordered separately
from Willow Fabrics.

How to order: Fill in the form on page 17 or go to www.willowfabrics.com to

order your project pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £26.50, plus P&P.

NOVEMBER 2020 39
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Durene Jones

40 NOVEMBER 2020
 LOVE STITCHING

Designed by: Durene Jones

Stitch count: 182 high x 135 wide
Design size: 33x24.5cm (13x9¾in)
Stitch time: 36 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands

310 403 black

349 013 212
351 010 214
414 235 1801
415 398 1803
699 923 1303
701 227 1305
702 239 1306
704 256 1308
754 336 305
760 1022 405
761 024 404
762 234 1804
815 043 513
816 1005 512
838 1088 1914
948 1011 306
3770 1009 978
Durene Jones

3799 236 1713

B5200 001 white
Backstitch in two strands

701 227 1305

numbers

Backstitch in one strand

310 403 black

eyelashes

Use the number charts provided to 519

snowflakes
1038 1105

stitch the dates on your individual 807

snowflakes
1039 1109

pockets from 1 - 24 December 3799

outlines
236 1713

NOVEMBER 2020 41
SANTA’S CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

Make a… Santa
Advent calendar
Step 1
START stitching Santa 5cm (2in)
down from the top of the fabric.
To fit onto the page, his beard
has been detached and cut in half.
To stitch, spin each beard section
and drop it down to fit below Santa,
attaching to the remaining beard
shown below the face. Use two
strands for the cross stitch and
one for the backstitch, apart
from numbers on the pockets that
should be stitched in two.

Step 2
STITCH the 24 numbers, using two
strands of stranded cotton in the
centre of each small piece of aida,
two aida squares below the red and
green cross stitched line. You have
numbers 1 – 9 plus 0, so that each
number or pair of numbers needs to
be spaced centrally on the fabric
below the cross stitch.

Step 3
FOLD the aida for each pocket over
and onto the back along the top of
the red and green cross stitched line,
and then repeat on the other three
sides, turning over by 1cm (3⁄8in).
Place the number pockets onto
Santa’s beard, and then using white
cotton, catch stitch three sides to the
fabric, leaving the top edge open.

Step 4

You can pick up the magnetic frame ends we used

PLACE Santa and the backing fabric
right-sides together. Sew around the

to hang our calendar from www.willowfabrics.com
edges with a 1cm (3⁄8in) seam
allowance, leaving a gap on one
edge for turning. Turn to the right
side, press and then sew up the gap.
We used a 30cm magnetic hanging
frame to complete this project.

• Sampedro
White 14 cou
42x32cm (16 nt aida;
1⁄2x121⁄2in)
• Sampedro
White 14 cou
5x6cm (2x21⁄2 nt aida;
in) x 24 pock
• Cotton bac ets
king fabric;
42x32cm (16
1⁄2x121⁄2in)
• Stranded c
otton as liste
• Size 24 tap d in the key
estry needle
• Magnetic fr
ame; 30cm (1
Materials ava 2in)
ilable from w
ww.willowfa

42
brics.com

NOVEMBER 2020
 GINGERBREAD HOUSES
Christmas will taste extra-sweet with gifts, tags, cards and more
made using our yummy gingerbread house alphabet!

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

NOVEMBER 2020 43
LETTER LIBRARY

C hristmas will be sweeter

for all your friends and
family this year with our
gingerbread alphabet!
Stitch them up personalised gift tags,
decorate recipe books, make bunting
for a festive party – however you decide
to use your letters and numbers, the
results with be simply delicious! As
usual each letter only take a few hours
to complete – happy stitching!

Designed by: Fiona Crouch

44 NOVEMBER 2020
 LETTER LIBRARY

DcDcD h%=dCCCC%%=====%%i %dCCCCC% DcDcDcDc cDc

Our
ead alphabet
were mounte letters
d in a card, fle
and embroide xi-hoop
ry hoop. Each
stitched on Pa was
rchment 14 co
and each lette unt aida,
r is approxima
30 high x 30 w tely
ide. The desig
for each letter n size
is approximate
5.5x5.5cm (2 ly
¼x2¼in), and
stitcher four h it took our
ours to stitch
each one.
LETTER LIBRARY

NOVEMBER 2020 47
LETTER LIBRARY

hhhD cD
More to make...
Mix and match your letters to create
a mouthwatering selection of
gingerbread projects. Here are
some ideas to get you started…

1 Use the numbers to decorate

pockets from 1-24 on a wall
hanging to make a sweet version of
our Advent calendar on page 38.

2 Use waste canvas to add a

child’s name to a stocking, you
could even add a pom-pom trim for
a colourful finish.

3 Fill a jar with sweets. Attach

a tag using baker’s twine,
stitched with your recipient’s initial.

48 NOVEMBER 2020
 LETTER LIBRARY

c ii D c
D DcDc ii ihhi cDc DcD
cDc DcDc iiii ihhi DcDc DcDc
DcDc cDcD iihhii iiiiiiiiDcDc DcDc
DcDc cDc iiihhiii iii%%iii cDcD cDcD
cDcD DcD iigiiiixii iiiti%%iXiiiDcD cDcD
DcD DcD iiiiiiiiiiii iiii%xx%iiiiDcD cDc
cDc cDc itii%%%%iiXi ihhii%xx%iihhicDc DcDc
Dc cDc iiiii%==%iiiii ihhi%%xx%%ihhicDcD DcD
DcD DcD iTi%%%dC%%%iTi iiii%=xx%%iiiicDcD DcD
cD cDcD iii%dddCCC%iii hh%=%%=%hh DcDc cDc
cDcDcDc %%ddTTCC%% ih%====%hi DcDcD cDc
DcDcDc %dddTTCCC% hh%ggTT%hh cDcDcDcD
DcDcD %dddCCCCC% hh%ggTT%hh DcDcDcD
cDcD %%%d%%dC%%C%%% ih%ggTT%hi cDcDc
cDcDc %%%d%%dC%%C%%% hh%ggTT%hh DcDc
DcDcDc %%%%%%%%%%%%%% hh%%%%%%hh cDcD
Dc DcD %hhh%=====hhh% ih%====%hi cDcD
cDc DcD %hih%=====hih% hh%xxgg%hh cDc
cDc cDc %hhh%=====hhh% hh%xxgg%hh DcDc
DcD cDc %%%%======%%%% ih%xxgg%hi hi DcD
DcD cDcD %TT======TT% hh%xxgg%hh ii cDcD
cDcD DcD %TT=dddd%TT% hh%xxgg%hh i cDc
cDc DcDc%==dd dd%=% ih%%%%%%hi h Dchc
DcDc DcDc%=dd dd%% hhdddCCChh hcDihh
DcDc cDc%=d d%% hhddTTCChh icDiih
cDcD cDc%=d d%% ihddTTCChi ichii
cDcD cDc%=d d%% hhdddCCChh hchh
DcDcD cDc%=d d%% hhdddCCChh hihh
cDc D %=d d%% ih%dCCC%hi iii

cDcDcDcDcDcDcDcDc
cDcDcDcDcDcDcDcDc
DcDcDcDcDcDcDcDcDc
DcD cDcD
DcDcD
DcDc ==
DcD hh =% DMC Anchor Madeira
cDcD hh =%
cDc ihhi %% Cross stitch in two strands
DcD iiiiiiii%
cDcDiii~~~~iii
cDciii~~%%~~iii
DcDii~~~%%%%~~~ii 209 109 803
cDciii~%%xxTT%%~iii
cDci~~~%=xxTT%%~~~i
DcDii~%%%=ggxx%%%%~i~ 307 289 104
cDcDii~%hhhggxxhhh%~~~
cDc i~~%hih%%%%hih%~~~
DcD i%%hhh%ii%hhh%%
434 310 2009
cDcD ii%t%%%iiii%%%T%
cDc ii~~%==ii~~ii%=% 741 304 201
DcD ii~~~%=ii~%%~ii%%
cDcD ii~%%%%ii~~%%~~ii%
DcDc i~~%dd%iX~%Tg%~x~% 801 359 2007
cDcD ~~%dTTdi~%%Tg%%~~%
DcDcD
cDcDc
%%dTTd%%%TTgg%%%
%%dddd%==TTgg%=%
822 390 2001
cDcDcDcDcDc%dddd%==TTgg%=%
cDcDcDcDcDc%dddd%%%%%%%%%% 957 031 612
cDcDcDcDcDgggddtttTTTXXXxxxggg
958 187 1114
996 433 1103
3371 382 2004

Use white metallic thread 3801

3812
1098
188
411
2706
for the icing to create a 3853 1003 311
sparkling, frosty effect 3854 313 2301
B5200 001 white

These motifs are ideal for Backstitch in one strand

using up embellishments in 957

details
031 612

your stash – beads, buttons 3371

outlines
382 2004

and sequins all make delicious B5200 001

details
white

looking decorations!

NOVEMBER 2020 49
LETTER LIBRARY

NEXT MONTH...
Coming up in our December
Fiona Crouch

issue, we have Retro Christmas

Baubles Alphabet designed by
Fiona Crouch. Get to the shops
on 3 November to pick up your
copy of issue 364, or subscribe
and the issue will be delivered
to your door. Head over to
page 34 for our latest
subscription offer.

50 NOVEMBER 2020
 SAUSAGE DOG CARDS

Winter Wooferland
We’re barking around the Christmas tree with the sweetest
seasonal sausage dogs to stitch and send this year!

NOVEMBER 2020 51
WINTER WOOFERLAND

10 20 30 40
t
xx xx
Designed by: Durene Jones %i
xx xx
x
i% ihxih
Max. stitch count: 53 high x 40 wide i% hixhi
O %i hhxhh
Max. design size: 9.5x7.5cm (3¾x3in) OO
OO
%i ihxih
i%hixhi
OOO i%hhxhh hh
Stitch time: 6 hours each 10 OOO OOOOOVVVXTXTXTX%ihxihThhXTXTX
OOOOOOOOVVVXTXXTXX%hixhiTXCCCCTX
These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. OOOOOOOVVVXTXXXXXXhhxhhTXCCCCTX
xx OOOOOOOVVVXTXXTXXVVVVVVVXCCCCCX
hhhh OOOOOOOVVVXTXTXTXVVVVVVVXCCCCTX
hiih OOOOOOOVVVXTXXTXXTTTTTTTXXCCCCX
hiih OOOOOOOVVVXTXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCXTX
hhhh OOOOOOVVVXTXXTXXTTTTTTTXXTXXTX
OOOOOOVVVXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTX
OO OOVVVXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTX
20 OO
OOOO
DMC Anchor Madeira TTTTTTTTOOOOTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

Cross stitch in two strands

t
016 254 1308
30
349 013 212
OOOOOOO
tOOOOOOOOOt
433 371 2008 ttOOOOOOOOOtt
tttOOOOOOOOOttt
ttttOOOOOOOOOtttt
434 310 2009 ttttOOOOOOOOOtttt
ttttOOOOOOOOOO tttt
TXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXttttVOOOOOOOO tttt
435 1046 2010 40 XTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXtttTVVHHOOOHH ttt
XXXXTXXXXXTXXXXXtttXXXVHOOOH ttt

Durene Jones
437 362 2012 XTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTOOOOO
TXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXT OOO %%%
XTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXT OoO %%%%
605 074 613 XXXXTXXXXXTXXXXXTXXXXX
XTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXTX
o hh %%%%%
hh %%%%
TXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTXTX hhh CC%
701 227 1305 XTXXTXXTXXTXXTXXT VV
OO
hh CCCC
CCCCC
50 OOOO CCCC
704 256 1308 TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTOOOOTTTTTTTT CCCC
C
726 305 109 t

747 158 1104

807 1039 1109
3766 167 1111 10 20 30 40
t
B5200 001 white
x
Backstitch in two strands xx
xxxxxx
xx
xxxx
310 403 black x x
words, details %%
%%
10 ~~
Backstitch in one strand ~~
%%
%%%%
~~~~
310 403 black ~~~~
outlines %%%%
%%%%
~~~~~~
~~~~~~
20 %%%%%%
%%%%%%
~~~~~~
~~~~~~~~
%%%%%%%%
O %%%%%%%%
OOOO OOO ~~~~~~~~
t

O O ~~~~~~~~
OOO OOO %%%%%%%%%%
O O %%%%%%%%%%
30 OOOOO ~~~~~~~~~~
$$oo ~~~~~~~~~~
$$$$$ooo %%%%%%%%%%
$$$$$$$$$ooo %%%%%%%%%%%%
oo$$$$$$$$$oooo x~~~~~~~~~~~
$$$$$H$$$$oooo x~~~~X~~~~~hh $
$$$$$$$$$$ooooo$ %%%%%X%%%%%%% $$
$$$$$$ ooooo$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
$oooo$$$$$$$$$$xx$$$$$$$
x $oooo$$hh$$$$$$$$$$XX$$$$
40 hhh X $$$$$$$$$$$$$$%%$$$$$$$$$
hih X $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$xx$
Durene Jones

hhh $$$$$$$$$%%$$$$$$$$$%$$$$
%% $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$hh$%$$$
$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$
x $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ XX
x $ $
TTTTTTTTTTT$$$TTTTxTTTTTTT%TXT$$$TTTT
x % X

50 hhh hh
hihx
hhh xx
TTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT
t

52 NOVEMBER 2020
 SAUSAGE DOG CARDS

Make an…
aperture card
Step 1
WORK using two strands of stranded
cotton for the cross stitch, and one or
two for the backstitch.

Step 2
TRIM the stitched fabric to fit your card,
with the design centrally placed behind
the card’s aperture.

Step 3
ATTACH double-sided tape to the
inside of the card around the edge
of the aperture.

Step 4
PLACE the stitching on the table
right-side up, and then place the card on
top, pressing down firmly on the tape.

Step 5
CHECK which flap will fold onto the
back of the stitching, then add strips
of double-sided tape and press firmly
down to secure.

10 20 30 40

Why not use

seed beads for the
fairy lights and
holly berries for
an extra-festive
3D finish?

For each card

Durene Jones

• Zweigart Snow Glitt

er 14 count aida,
ref: 3706/11; 15x11.5cm
(6x4½in)
• Stranded cotton as
listed in the key
• Size 24 tapestry ne
edle
• Card blank with an
11x9cm (4¼x3½in)
rectangular aperture
Materials available fro
m www.willowfabrics.c
om

53
SEW CUTE

54 NOVEMBER 2020
 GIFT IDEA

SEW
CUTE
We’ve searched pole to pole for winter
workbox items to make the perfect
Christmas present for a stitching friend

Designed by: Faye Walsh

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

Turn to
Stitcher's
Spotlight on
page 72 to find
out more about
biscornus and
how to stitch
and make them

NOVEMBER 2020 55
SEW CUTE

We've chosen
a grey aida
to stitch on
so that the
white stitched
areas stand
Faye Walsh

out nicely
Stitch count: 60 high x 60 wide Design size: 10.5x10.5cm (4¼x4¼in) Stitch time: 21 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

the bottom fabric to the middle

Make a… biscornu front side of the top.

Step 1 Step 3
COMPLETE all the stitching for the top USE the red stranded cotton to sew
of the biscornu, following the chart. the top and bottom of the biscornu
cornu Once completed, stitch just the outer together using whip stitch. Take your
For the bis d erate Grey red backstitch row and also the first needle under a border stitch on your
t C o nfe m
• Zweiga r
f: 37 0 6/0718; 15x15c white row of cross stitch onto the top fabric and then repeat with a
ida, re
14 count a second piece of fabric. If you prefer, backstitch on the bottom fabric. Pull
pieces
(6x6in) x 2 s listed in th
e key you can repeat the complete design together as you work.
dc o tto n a
• Strande dle onto the second piece.
S ize 24 tapestry nee Step 4
•
• Red butt
ons x 2
www .willowfab
rics.com Step 2 STITCH six out of the eight sides
rials available from TRIM with a 1.25cm (½in) seam together, stuff the biscornu and sew
Mate
allowance on both fabrics. Fold the up the other sides. Sew two buttons in
seam allowance to the reverse, so the the centres of the top and bottom,
outer red backstitch line is on the edge passing the needle through the
of both fabrics. Press the folds and biscornu to stitch both. Pull up the
points in place. Join a corner point on thread and finish securely.

56 NOVEMBER 2020
 GIFT IDEA

DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand

319 218 1313 321 019 510

hats
320 215 1311
646 858 1181
321 019 510 outlines
646 858 1181 648 900 1814
648 900 1814 snow

3371 382 2004 3371 382 2004

feet, face
3688 066 605
3810 168 1108
3810 168 1108 snowflakes

3852 307 2509 French knots in one strand

B5200 001 white (2) 3371 382 2004
Backstitch in one strand eyes
(2) indicates more than one skein is required
319 218 1313
trees

Make a… scissor keeper

10 20
t
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
C C
C
C
iii
iixii
C
C
Step 1 turning through. Cut away the excess
C iixxxii C
C ixxxxxi C STITCH the design in the centre of seam allowance. Turn to the right side.
C ixxxiii C
C iiiiiiiiii C your fabric, and then repeat for the Stuff with cotton wool or toy stuffing.
C iiiiiiiiiiii C
10 C iiiiibiiiiiiii C second piece of fabric if you want
C
C
iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
iixxiiiiiiixxiiiiii
C
C the design to appear on the back Step 3
t

C iixxxiibiiixbbxiiiiii C
C ixxxxiiiiixbbbxxiiiii C as well. MAKE a twisted cord from leftover
C iixxiiiiixbbbbxxxiiii C
C iixiiiiixbbbbxxxiiiihC coordinating stranded cotton. Place
C
C
iiiiiiiixxxxxxxiiiihC
iiiiiixxxxxxiiihTC
Step 2 the knotted end of the cord into the
C iiiiiiixxxxxiiThhC
20 C iiiiiiiiiiiihhhhC PLACE the stitched pieces right- scissor keeper, securing it inside with
C iiiiiiiiiihhhThC
C iiiiiiiihThhhiC sides together, and stitch around the a few stitches, and then sew up the
C iiiiihhhhhiiC
C hhhThhiiiC edge with 1.25cm (1⁄2in) seam gap to finish. Tie the other end of the
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
t allowance, leaving a small gap for cord to one of the scissor handles.

Faye Walsh

Stitch count: 25 high x 25 wide

Design size: 4.5x4.5cm (1¾x1¾in)
Stitch time: 3 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

keeper
For the scissor
w eigart C o n federate Grey
•Z
, re f: 3 70 6 /0718; 7.5x7.5cm
14 count aid a
ces
(3x3in) x 2 pie y
e d co tt on as listed in the ke
• Strand
stry needle
• Size 24 tape
• Toy stuffing wfabri cs.com
ls available from www.willo
Materia

NOVEMBER 2020 57
SEW CUTE

Stitch count: 56 high x 56 wide

Design size: 10x10cm (4x4in)
Stitch time: 10 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

edlecase y 14 coun
t
For the ne e ra te G re
rt Confed cm (6x6in
)
• Zweiga 18 ; 15 x15
706/07 key
aida, ref: 3 a s lis ted in the
d cott o n
• Strande dle
e 2 4 ta p estry nee x5in);
• Siz
ric ; 12.5 x 12.5cm (5
fab
• Cotton
(5x9in)
12.5x23cm x7in)
e lt; 9 .5 x18cm (3¾ illowfabric
s.com
•F fr om w w w.w
available
Materials

10 20 30 40 50 Make a…
needlecase
t
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
h ii h
h i i i i i i i ii h
h
h i i i i
i
i
i
ii
i iii
iiii
h
h
Step 1
h i i i i ii iiiii h COMPLETE the stitching, then cut
h i i i i iii iiitiiih
h i iiiiiiitttiih the aida to 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) with
h dd dd i dd dd iiiiiiitttttih
10 h d d i d d d d i d d i iiiiiittttttth the design in the centre. Place the
h dd dd dd dd i iixxiiiitttttth
h d d d d d d d d iixxxxiitttttth aida and the smaller piece of cotton
hd dd d d dd d d dd d d dd d iixxxxxiitttttth
h d d d d d d d d i ixxxxxxxiittttth fabric right-sides together. Stitch the
hd dd d d dd d d dd d d dd d i ixxxxxxxxxittttth
h d d d d d d d d xxxxxxxxxxxttttth pieces together, making sure the
hd dd d d dd d d dd d d dd d i xxxxxxxxxxxxxtttth
h d d d d d d d d xxxxxxxxxxxxxtttth aida will be on the right when
hd dd d d dd d d dd d d dd d xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxttth
20 h d d d d d d d d i xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxtth assembled, and with a 1.25cm (½in)
hd dd d d dd d d dd d d dd d xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxth
h d d d d d d d d xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh seam allowance – this seam will
hd d d d d d d d xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh
h xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh become the spine of the
h i i i i xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh
h i i xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh needlecase. Press the seam flat.
h i i xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxh
h i i i xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxiih
t

30
h xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxiiiih
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih Step 2
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih
hiiiiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiiih PLACE the assembled needlecase
hiiiiiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiih
hiiiiiii bbbb iiiiiiiih front and back, right-sides together
hiiii TTT bbbbbb iiiiih
hii TTT iiiiii iih with the larger pieces of cotton
hi T T
T hh iCiCii h
h hhhhh iiViii h fabric. Sew around three sides with
h iiiiiiiiihhhhhh iiiiii r h
40 h iiiiiiiiiihhhhhhh iiii rr h a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance,
h iiiiiiiiiiihhhhhhh hhhh rrrr h
h iiiiiiiiiiiihhhhiii hhhhhh rrrr h leaving a gap for turning. Trim away
h iiiiiiiiiiiiiihhiibii hhhiihhh iirb h
h iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii hhhiiiihhh Viibbb h some of the excess seam allowance
h iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiibb hhhiibiiihhhhhh iiibb h
h iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiibbhhhhhiiiiiiii hhh iibbb h and then turn through to the right
h iiiiiiit iiiiiii hhhh iiiiiiiiii iibbb h
h iiiiiit iiiiit iiiibiiiii iiibb h side. Press flat and then sew up the
h iiiit iiiit iiiiiiiiii iiibb h
50 h iiiit iiiit iiiiiiiiii iiibb h gap with small, neat stitches.
h i iiiit iiiit iiiibiiiii VVViibb iih
hiiiiiiiitiiiiiii iiiitiiii iiiiiiii iiiiiiiiiiiiiih
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih Step 3
hiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiih
hhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh PLACE the felt on the inside of
t
the needlecase, and then stitch
Faye Walsh
down the centre seam, attaching
it to the case.

58 NOVEMBER 2020
 CREATE A CLASSIC:
Cinderella
We’ve a new three-part design for you! Enjoy stitching with beads,
sequins and metallics to bring our sparkling Cinderella scene to life

NOVEMBER 2020 59
CINDERELLA

elcome to a brand

W new three-part
project – designed
to be a bit more
challenging and
to take longer than our regular
designs. If you’re looking to stretch
your stitching skills, you’ll love all
the techniques incorporated into our
Cinderella scene. From metallics
to beads and from sequins to more
complex backstitching – this a truly
sparkling design to work on!

60 NOVEMBER 2020
CREATE A CLASSIC

PART 1

NOVEMBER 2020 61
CINDERELLA

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

10

20

30

40

50

60
t

70

80

90

100

110

62 NOVEMBER 2020
 CREATE A CLASSIC

80 90 100 110 120 130

Stitching your…
Cinderella scene
Step 1
START stitching with your fabric
turned landscape. Part one of the
design which is in this issue, is the left
section, and you should start stitching
12cm (5in) in from the left side of your
fabric, if you buy the recommended
amount of fabric listed on page 64.

Step 2
USE two strands of stranded cotton
for the cross stitch and half cross
stitch, one for the backstitch, and
one strand for the French knots.
Finally add the beads and the
green leaf sequins.

For a longer
project such
as this we
recommend using
a roller frame
t

YOUR FINISHED CINDERELLA SCENE

Over the next two issues you’ll receive the middle

and right-hand sections of the chart. The next section
will be in our December issue (364), on sale
3 November, and the final part will be published in
our January 2021 issue (365), on sale 1 December.

NOVEMBER 2020 63
CINDERELLA

110

120

130

DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands French knots in one strand

002 398 1803 (2) 3810 168 1108* 838 1088 1914
mouse eyes
003 399 1802 (2) 3821 305 2510
3804 068 703
004 235 1801 3847 1076 2057 mouse noses
016 254 1308 3848 1074 1108* E3832 Light Effects
317 400 1714 3849 1070 1202 earrings

Attach beads and sequins with cotton

435 1046 2010 3854 313 2301
677 886 2207 3855 311 2013 Mill Hill 479
sleeves
703 238 1307 3862 358 1913
B5200 001 white Mill Hill 525
729 890 2209 flowers, ball gown
747 158 1104 E3852 Light Effects (2) Mill Hill 2005
758 868 403 E5200 Light Effects flowers, ball gown

762 234 1804 (2) Half cross stitch in two strands green leaf sequins
leaves
792 177 905 003 399 1802 (2) indicates more than one skein is required

793 939 906 E317 Light Effects *See ‘The Key’ on page 78.
794 117 907 (2) Backstitch in one strand
838 1088 1914 (2) 703 238 1307
905 257 1412 foliage, dress detail

948 1011 306 838 1088 1914

hair
950 4146 2309
3688 066 605
3052 262 1509 mouse tail
3053 858 1510 3772 1007 2311 • Zweigart Navy 14
count aida,
flesh
3687 076 604 ref: 3706/589; 55x8
5cm (21½x33½in)
E3852 Light Effects • Stranded cotton
3688 066 605 as listed in the key
earrings • DMC Light Effects
3716 025 606 as listed in the key
E5200 Light Effects • Mill Hill beads as
listed in the key
3766 167 1111 fairy dust • Green leaf sequin
s
• Size 24 tapestry
needle
Materials available
from www.willowfa
brics.com

64 NOVEMBER 2020
 CREATE A CLASSIC

PROJECT PACK
If you would like to stitch the
complete Cinderella, we
have a materials pack with
everything you need to get you
stitching right away, and have it
delivered straight to your door!
Maria Diaz

Designed by: Maria Diaz

Stitch count: 138 high x 298 wide (complete design – 3 parts)
Design size: 25.5x55cm (10x21½in) Stitch time: 133 hours
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
Your materials pack contains:
• Zweigart 14 count aida in Navy
• Skeins of DMC stranded cotton
We have given you the complete key and • Skeins of DMC Light Effects
• Mill Hill beads • Green leaf sequins
thread count for working the whole • Two gold-plated tapestry needles;
size 24 and size 26
Cinderella project – this will allow How to order: Fill in the form on page 17 or go to

you to buy your threads together www.willowfabrics.com to order your project pack
at the CrossStitcher reader price of £69, plus P&P.

HOW TO… TAKE YOUR STITCHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL

We have included some more advanced stitching techniques in this project to
help you to develop your stitching skills, ready for your next challenge…

METALLICS FOR SPARKLE: BEADS FOR TEXTURE: LIGHTER BACKSTITCHED HIGHLIGHTS:

Check out the spell the fairy godmother is For a design with lots of elegant details it’s You’ll find different shades of backstitch in this
casting – you’ll stitch with metallics here and in fitting that pearl beads are used to recreate design – here white stitching has been used
other areas to add a magical shimmering the look of an embellished gown and in a repeat pattern to emulate the look of a
element to this fairytale design. headdress, for a 3D, textured finish. lacy embroidered dress.

NOVEMBER 2020 65
 INSPIRING PEOPLE

Painting with thread

Kenris MacLeod’s paintings of forests and trees look almost photographic
in detail, yet each one has been created using freemotion embroidery

Written by Lucy Evans

T
ake a first glance at one of Kenris MacLeod’s
stunning forest scenes and you’d probably start
to wonder how long such an intricate painting
took her to produce. It’s only on closer
inspection that it becomes apparent that each
tiny leaf or patch of bark has been beautifully created
using needle and thread. The textured finish we all
love from our own stitching really comes into its own
in her pieces, as the richness of each artwork is
complemented with a beautiful 3D effect.
These days Kenris’ work is sought by collectors and
she has widely exhibited, but her route to becoming a
textile artist has been a long one. She was a BBC radio
producer for nearly 15 years when she decided to take
voluntary redundancy in order to pursue
her art. In 2008 she left her job and after
attending day classes began a
embroidery
part-time BA course in Combined the medium
Studies. “As part of the degree at searching for… I realised
Edinburgh College of Art, I was told I I could draw and
had to undertake a module in Stitched paint with thread
Textiles which I wasn’t at all happy about
as my only experience with sewing had been
interminable sewing classes at primary school!” she
recalls. “However, my lovely tutor showed me how
versatile a sewing machine could be. Put your feed dogs
down, attach an embroidery foot and the rest is up to
you! It quickly became apparent to me that freemotion
machine embroidery was the medium I’d been
searching for – I realised that I could draw and paint
with thread!”
Kenris’ style is always evolving and she has found it
personally true that necessity is the mother of
invention, “About a year after I began the degree I
became a single parent so unfortunately I wasn’t able to
continue at college but I’d already found my direction.
At first, I made cushion covers, using my forest designs
which were much more illustrative than my work is
now,” she says. “I was in a position where I needed to
make my sewing pay its way, so making and selling
cushion covers seemed like a good option. They were a
great starting point but the complexity of my designs,
and the fragile nature of the stitching, meant that
having them as cushions wasn’t very practical. A friend
who I made a cover for wanted to frame it and it was
then that I felt I could make the change to creating
pieces of art that I could frame and put on the wall.”
Kenris’ fascination with trees has meant her subject
choice is usually an easy decision, “I have a long-held
love of trees going right back to when I was tiny. I live
near the Royal Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh and
spend hours up close with their wonderful collection
of trees, often returning to the thought that if these
were sculptures we would look up in awe and disbelief
that something so epic and beautiful could exist.”
After taking lots of photos and making skteches,
Kenris will work at a piece on paper before committing
to stitching. “Once I know the design of a piece I draw
out simple guide lines on the calico and go from there.
It depends on the design but I often build the image up
starting first with the trunks of the trees and then,
once they’re done, I do any ink work that might be
required – the blue of the sky, or the backdrop of clouds,
perhaps a green wash to create depth in the forest, on
top of which I then stitch. So there is an
element of actual painting, but 90% of any
was piece is stitched.”
I’d been “This is a very time consuming
practice,” adds Kenris. “A small piece
might just take a day or two whereas a
very large, complex piece can take weeks
or months. I love starting a piece – all the
possibilities stretch in front of you. It’s so exciting.”
To help Kenris focus as she works, she’s lucky enough
to have her own small studio at home. “The view from
my windows is the Edinburgh rooftops and chimneys,
with Arthur’s Seat in the distance. I try and keep it
reasonably tidy – I need to know where I can quickly lay
my hands on a particular shade of thread so they’re all
in drawers depending on their colour. I use thread from
a great company called Sew Essential – the shades of
green they have in particular are perfect for what I do.
“Beside my trusty Bernina 820 long arm machine is a
lovely little ceramic pot a friend of mine’s father made
me in which I keep all my vital tools to hand:
embroidery scissors; a brush for regularly cleaning my
machine; oil to keep things moving, and tweezers –
very important! My cat sleeps in a basket at my feet
under the table – I think she thinks the sewing
machine is a big, purring cat!”
Kenris has had several exhibitions over the years,
but the ongoing situation with coronavirus means
she’s had to put aside any thoughts of a solo show for
the foreseeable future, “but as soon as things, hopefully,
improve, that’s something I want to do again,” she
confirms. “I really hope that I can carve out time to
make a new body of work in 2021 for an exhibition. I’ve
got so many ideas rattling around my head – I just wish
there were more hours in the day!”
www.kenrismacleod.com

66 NOVEMBER 2020
 INSPIRING PEOPLE

“I’ve put in thousands of hours of practice over the past 10 years. As

with anything, practice makes perfect and although perfection is
not possible, nor something I strive for, I’m amazed when I look back
at how my technique has improved, and evolved, over the years.”

“Worldwide we often, at best, take trees for granted

and, at worst, indiscriminately destroy them instead of
cherishing and protecting them. The horror of how we
treat trees is also something that fires my practice.”

NOVEMBER 2020 67
 We’ve challenged three designers
to come up with Christmas brooch
with a classic retro feel. Read on to
see how they got on…

THE CHALLENGE
• 14 count plastic aida
• Six shades of stranded cotton (shown above)
• Red seed beads
• Brooch pin
THE RULES
• Create a Christmas brooch
• The design area is 45 x 45 stitches
• Only the materials above can be used
• Be creative as possible!
W
elcome to this month’s designer
challenge! Christmas is coming so we
wanted our designers to this time try
and create an original brooch design
to give a festive touch to an outfit. They were given
just six thread shades to design with, and they
were asked to incorporate red seed beads into
their design as well. We hope their results will
inspire you to join the fun – turn the page to see
what our challenge will be for January – we’ve
listed everything you need to take part.

AMANDA BUTLER… CHRISTMAS CRACKER

I loved this project – it started

life as a snowflake then
materialized into a Christmas
Mandela pattern quite by accident
as I got carried away with the
intricacies of the pattern whilst
letting the colours promote a
lovely Christmassy feel to get
you in the mood for the
forthcoming festivities.”

68 NOVEMBER 2020
MARIA DIAZ… FESTIVE SHOE

As I have so many siblings we do

a Secret Santa each year – my
favourite to date was a pair
of red sparkly shoes with a big
bow on the front. They are so
pretty I actually put them on my
Christmas tree, so when asked to
come up with a Christmas motif
it simply had to be a shoe.”

EMMA CONGDON… ‘JOY’

I wanted to create something

bold and fun and a little bit
kitsch for this challenge;
something I can imagine being
worn at a Christmas party.
Seeking inspiration from metal
Christmas brooches, I went for
something typographic (naturally)
and decided to give each letter
its own little personality. The
beads lend themselves perfectly
as little berries on the wreath
and the holly.”

NOVEMBER 2020 69
 Make a… brooch
Step 1
STITCH your chosen design using two
strands for the cross stitch and one for
the backstitch. The beads should be
added following the chart for placement
using one strand of red stranded cotton,
on top of the cross stitches.

Step 2
CUT around the design using small, sharp
scissors, leaving one blank square around
the stitching. You can cover the back of
your design with felt, which should be cut
to size and then attached to the back of
the stitching using fabric glue.

Step 3
SEW a brooch pin firmly to the back of
Maria Diaz the brooch, making sure you position it
so that your brooch hangs correctly.

We also loved 10 20 30 40

Amanda’s design
and thought it
would make an
amazing Christmas
Cracker brooch! We
stuck bobble trim
either end and then
rolled the plastic
aida up, securing it
at the back to
Amanda Butler

create a cracker.
Whichever way you
use it, we know CCCCCiKxKiiiiiiiiDDDKKDKKDDDiiiiiiiiKxKiCCCCC
t
you will love it!

70 NOVEMBER 2020
 10 20 30 40
t
DDDDD DDDDD
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK DDDDDd DDDDDd
KiKKiiKKiiKKiiKd DDDDD DDDDDdd
KiiKKiiKKiiKKiKd DDDDDd DDDDDd
KKiiKKiiKKiiKKKd DDDDD DDDDDdd
KKKKKKKiiKKKKKKdxxxxxxxxxxxDDDDDdxxDDDDDd
ddddKKKiKddddddxxxxxxxxxxxxCDDDDxDDDDCdd DMC Anchor Madeira
xxKiKKKdxxxxxxxCDCCKCxxxCCDCDDdDDCDCC
xxKiiKKdxxxxxCCCDCC CDCxxxCCDDDDDCCdd Cross stitch in two strands
10 xxKKiiKdxxxxKCC CCKCDCCCxCCCDCDCDCCC
xxKKKiKdxxxCKCCDCCKCDCCKKxxDCCDCCDdd
xxKiKKKdxxCCC CDCxxDCC CCCxCCC CCCdx
xxKiiKKdxxDCCCKxxxxxxKCCCCxxD D Dddx 350 011 213
xxKKiiKdxCCD CxxxxxxxxD DCCxKDKDKdxx
xxKKKiKdxK CCDxxxxxxxxCCCD xKKDKKdxx
xxKiKKKdxCCKKxxxxxxxxxxCCCCxKKKKKdxx
611 898 2107
t

t
xxKiiKKdxCCCCxxxxxxxxxxKKCCxKKKKKdxx
xKKKiiKdxD CCCxxxxxxxxDCC KxKKKKKdxx 703 238 1307
KiiKKKddxCCKKDxxxxxxxxCKKCCxKKKKKdxx
KKKKKKiiKKdxxxKKKKDxxxxxxDKKKKxxKKKKKdxx
20
KKKiiKKiKddxxxKKKKKCDxxCDKKKKKxxKKKKKdxx 905 257 1412
KiKKiiKKddxxxxxDdKKKCDCCKKKdCxxxKKKKKdxx
KiiKKKKddxxxxxKKKdKKKddKKKdKKKxxKKKKKdxx
KKKKKdddxxxxxxKKKKKKKddKKKKKKKxxKKKKKdxx
973 290 105
dddddxxxxxxxxxxKKKKKCCKKKxKKxxxKKKKKdxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxKKKxxKKKxxxxxxxdddddxx 3865 002 2402
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxKKKxxKKKxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxKKKxxKKKxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Backstitch in one strand
KKK KKK
30 KKK KKK
KK KK
K K 611 898 2107
t details
Emma Congdon
Attach beads with cotton

red seed beads

The plastic aida and brooch pins our details

designers used are both 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!

January issue 365 challenge:

Please create two Christmas designs to go on
top of a Kraft perforated paper gift box and a
matching gift tag, as available from www.
willowfabrics.com. The designs should be
different on the card and tag but must tie
together in some way.

Materials and rules:

• Perforated paper box; 23 x 17 stitches
• Perforated gift tag; 15 x 20 stithes
• Seven shades of DMC stranded cotton;
Very Dark Hazelnut Brown (869), Medium Topaz
(783), Red (321), Nile Green (954), Light Nile
Green(955), Winter White (3865) & Metallic Silver

Although we are not judging your designs,

this is a stitching challenge, so please make
sure the design is your own work, and not taken
from another source.

NOVEMBER 2020 71
 Stitcher’s
PO T LIGHT ON…
S
BISCORNUS

SP TLIGHT
Susan Penny shows you how to create a
Christmas poinsettia decoration following
the instructions for making a biscornu

M
aking a biscornu is one of the most rewarding
things to create in cross stitch. The fact that
two stitched squares of fabric can magically
aturaland turn into a fascinating shape with wavy edges
The32countN enused
st lin
SpottedBelfa never ceases to amaze! Follow our steps below first,
t are available
inthisprojec . then the steps on the right to whip stitch together your
owfabrics.com
fromwww.will
biscornu, before stuffing and adding the buttons.

This pretty pansy biscornu from

CrossStitcher issue 328, was
stitched on evenweave, using a different
colour fabric for the underside. If you
missed the issue then please go to
www.willowfabrics.com or pocketmags.
com where you can buy a back issue.

The tassel has been made by

wrapping a length of stranded cotton
around a ruler about 20 times. Cut a
second piece of thread about 37cm (14in).
Fold in half. Thread the folded end under
the wrapped thread, so that the loop is on
one side and the tail the other. Put the ends
through the loop and tighten. Slide the
loops off the ruler. Wrap the top with
another length of thread several times.
Knot to finish. Cut the tassel ends. Add a
bell and stitch to the bottom of your
decoration using the top thread.

Make a… biscornu
Step 1 Step 2 Step 3

STITCH a biscornu top and bottom that
are the same size. Trim your design with
1.25cm (½in) of blank fabric left on the
edges. Work on the fabric's wrong side to
fold over each edge, ensuring each fold
is right on the outer backstitched line.
Finger press each of the folds in place.
ALLOW the edges to fall open. Working
from the wrong side, fold over the point at
each corner, so each fold is right on the
backstitched line. Repeat on all corners
on both the top and bottom. Finger press
corners in place, then refold the edges
and finger press over the folded corners.
WORK on the stitched fabric; count the
backstitches on one edge, and find the
midpoint. Pin to mark. Place against the
corner on the back fabric, checking the
midway point on the next edge matches
up with the next corner. Be accurate
matching each corner and midway point.

72 NOVEMBER 2020
 STITCHER’S SPOTLIGHT

How to…
whip stitch
10 20 t 30 40

Step 1

10

20
t

t
WITH the pin on the stitched fabric, and
the corner on the spotted fabric placed
together, secure the thread on the wrong
side, then push your needle through the
30
fabric. Remove pin. Make your first stitch
up through the midway stitch on the
stitched fabric and the corresponding
corner backstitch on the spotted fabric.

40 Step 2

t
Susan Penny

Make a… Christmas decoration

STITCH both a top and bottom
for your decoration; stitch the
design twice, or just stitch the
outer backstitch border from the
design on the bottom fabric. We
stitched the border onto a spotty
fabric for the back. Assemble the
decoration in the same way as
making a biscornu, adding a
plaited hanger and tassel. Use
slightly more stuffing and don't
add the buttons at the centre.
THE needle and thread should go cleanly
through the stitch without snagging the
fabric below. Make the next stitch, again
going up through a bottom backstitch
and on up and under the corresponding
stitch at the top. Continuing making
stitches working from bottom to top until

Adding a… button you nearly reach the corner.

Step 3
DMC Anchor Madeira
Cross stitch in two strands

321 019 510

562 210 1206
777 065 513
893 027 413
904 258 1413
906 256 1411 YOU will need to mould the fabric around
THIS gorgeous autumn biscornu was in B5200 001 white the corner each time you reach one,
CrossStitcher 361. If you prefer to make holding it in place until it is stitched. I like
Backstitch in one strand
your Christmas Pointettia into a biscornu, to mark the halfway point on each side
once assembled and stuffed you will 321 019 510 with a pin to make sure I am assembling
need to add a button centrally on the top border the sides correctly. Leave a small gap for
and bottom, pulling them tightly together stuffing, and then continue until all sides
to create a pincushion shape. are closed.

NOVEMBER 2020 73
 deck the halls!
Light up your home up like a Christmas tree this year with
our fun trio of typography ‘baubles’ in hoops!

74 NOVEMBER 2020
 JUST FOR FUN

10 20 30 40
t
xxxxxxxx
xxxx xxxx Designed by: Emma Congdon
xxx xxx
xx tttt t tt xx Stitch count: 50 high x 49 wide
xx t t t t t t t xx
x t t t t t t t ttt x
x t tt t t t t t t t x Design size: 9.5x9.5cm (3¾x3¾in)
x t t t t t t tt t cc c
x t t tt t c c c Stitch time: 5 hours each
10 x t ttt xxxxx t c c c
x tt t t xxxx xxx c c c
x t t xxx ccccc c c c This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.
x t xx x c cc ccc c c
x t xx x c c c c c c c
x t x x x c c c c c c c c c
x x x x x c cc c c c c c
x x x x x c cc c c c cc cc
x x x x ccc xxx c c c c c c c
x x c c ccc c c c c cc tt
20 c xxx c c c c c c c c c tt
c c c cc c c ccc c c tt t
c c c c c c c c c c tt t
c c c c c c c c c c tt t tt
c c cc c c c cc cc cc t t t
c c c cc ccc c c c ttt ttt tt
t

t
c c c c cc c c cc dd tt t t t
c c c c c c c dddd tt t t t tt
c c c c c c c dddd t t tt DMC Anchor Madeira
c c c c c c dd t tt tt
30 c c c c c dd dd tt t t t tt Cross stitch in two strands
c cc c cc ddd dddttt t t t tt H H
c c cc dd ddd dttt t t tt HHH
c c ddd d dd tt t tt HH
c c dd ddd d tt tt tt t HH HH 012 255 1410
cc dd dd ddddt tt tttttt HH H HH
dddd dd dd t tt tttt H HH HH H HH 351 010 214
dddd dd tt t tt tt H HH H HH H HH
dddd dt tt tt HHH H HH H HH H HH
dd tt tt H HH H HH H HH HH 598 1062 1111
40 dd tt tt H HH H HHH HH H
tt tt xxx c HH H HH H HH
tt tt x x c c HH H HH H 603 052 701
tt x x c HH H HH
tt x x x HH HH H 911 205 1214
c x x HH H H
x x H HH
xx x x c HHHHHHHHH 912 209 1213
xx x HH H
xxxx HH H
50 xxxxxxx HHH
t
Emma Congdon

How to…
wrap your hoop
10 20 30 40
t
t
t t xxxx
t t t t xx CUT or tear strips of cotton fabric about 3cm
tt tt tt c xx
tt t t t cc xx (11⁄4in) in width. You will be wrapping the outer
t t t t tt cc
tt t t t tt cc cc most ring of your hoop only. To do this,
tt t t t t t cc cc c cc
t t t t cc cc cc cc remove the metal screw, and starting at the
10 x t t t t cc c c cc cc
x t tt t cc cc cc cc cc top of the hoop, close to the metal bracket,
x t t tt cc cc cc cc cc cc c glue the end of the fabric to the hoop. Hold it
x c t t cc cc cc cc cc cc
x t cc ccc cc cc cc in place for a short while until dry and then
x cc cc cc ccc cc cc cc c H H
x cccc cc cc cc cc c c cc H begin wrapping the hoop with the fabric,
x cc c cc cc c ccc cc cc ttt H
x ccc c c cc cc cc c cc cc tt overlapping by a small amount as you go.
x cc c cc c cc cc c cc cc ttt t x
20 x ccc cc c cc cc ccc H tt x If you run out of fabric, glue the fabric end to
cc cc c cc cc c H HHt t x
ccc cc c cc ccc H HH HH HH the hoop, and then over this glue a new
t t ccc ccc cc H H H HH HH HH
tt ccc cc c HH HH HH HH HH length – try to do this on the inside of the
ttt t ccc cc c H H H HH HH H HH
t

tt ccc cc HHH H HH HH HH HH HH hoop if possible. Continue wrapping until

ttt H ccc H H H HHH HH HH HH H%
H cc c H H H HH H HH HH HH %% the hoop is covered, and then cut the
cHcH ccc H H H HH HH HH H% %%
30 cc c cc H HH HH HH HH %% %%% excess fabric off, and glue the fabric
cc c cc H HHHH H H HH %% %% %%
cc c c cc HHH HHH HH HH HH H% %% % %% end to the hoop. Assemble your hoop
cc c c cc HHHHHHH HH HH HH %% %%% %%
cc cc cc HHH HH HH %% %% %% following the instructions on page 28.
cc cc t t HH HH %% %% %%
cc cc tt c HH %% %% %%
cc cc t ttt c c HH % % %% %%
cccc tt c %% %% %% % %%
H ttt %%% %% %% % %%
40 xxH %% % %% xxxx %% % %%
x HxH %% % %% x x %% %%
x x x %%% % % %% x x %% %% TURN TO
xx x %% % % %%% x x x %%%
x %% %% %% x x x PAGE 28
x %%% %% x x x x
xx %% %% xx xx TO LEARN HOW TO
xx %% %% xx
x %%%% xx FRAME YOUR WORK
xxxx
50 xxxxxxx IN A HOOP
t
Emma Congdon

NOVEMBER 2020 75
DECK THE HALLS

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We’ve gone for a 20 x

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for our baubles,

%% %% %% %% HHHH HH H t t t t
%% %%%% %% HH HHH t t t t t
%% %%%% HH HH H HH HH t tt t t t t t
30 %%% %%% HH HHHHH HH t t t t t t t t t

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76 NOVEMBER 2020
 STITCH-A-LONG
THE ADVENTURES OF ALICE:
FISH & FROG FOOTMEN
Footm an bega n by
The Fish- m under his
producing fro tter, nearly
arm a great le himself”
as large as
Alice’s Adventures
in Wonderland

Welcome to our new stitch-a-long for 2020. Designer Amanda Butler

has created an amazing ‘Alice In Wonderland’ SAL – and will be unveiling
a new character from this much-loved book and Through The Looking
Glass each month. In this issue we give you the Fish & Frog Footmen…

NOVEMBER 2020 77
 THE ADVENTURES 10
t 20 30

OF ALICE SAL
This is the eleventh part of this
year’s stitch-along design. Over
the year we will be bringing you 10
12 Alice in Wonderland character
designs. This issue we give you the
)LVK )URJ)RRWPHQZKLFKƮWLQWR
WKHƮUVWVSDFHRQWKHERWWRPURZ

t
20

t
Designed by: Amanda Butler
Stitch count: 38 high x 28 wide
Design size: 7x5 cm (2¾x2in)

Amanda Butler
Stitch time: 3 hours
30
This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric.

THE KEY
ALL THE symbols that
appear on the chart are
listed in the key with their
corresponding thread codes
beside them. The key also
tells you the different
stitches used in the design.
The closest column of
thread codes listed next to
the chart symbols is the
thread brand that’s used in
the design. Similar colour
matches are listed
alongside it. Where no
close match can be found,
you may have to use a
different brand of thread
for that shade.
40
THE CHART
EACH square on the chart
represents a single cross stitch.
Start from the centre of the
design and your fabric. The
t
centre of our charts are indicated
by arrows at the designs’ edges.
To find your fabric’s centre, fold it
in half and into quarters.

DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira DMC Anchor Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands Cross stitch in two strands Backstitch in one strand

307 289 104 739 366 2014 310 403 black

details
310 403 black 762 234 1804
413 401 1713
321 019 510 906 256 1411 shoes
334 977 1003 972 298 107 E3852 Light Effects
666 046 210 3325 129 1002 details

B5200 001 white Attach beads with cotton

703 238 1307
Mill Hill 00557
crown and jacket details

HOW TO JOIN OUR STITCH-A-LONG

WE’RE UNVEILING a chart from February to January, with the
border in February, then 12 Alice characters over the coming year.
To join our mystery stitch you will need to buy a fat quarter
50x55cm (19½x21½in) of Zweigart Parchment 14 count aida,
ref: 3706/3740, to complete the design, plus DMC Light Effects
Gold E3852, and one pack each of Mill Hill red seed beads
colour 2013 and gold 557. The design size will be 210 stitches
high x 130 stitches wide, which gives you a finished size of
38x24cm (15x9¼in). To stitch the SAL you will need to buy the
February issue of Cross Stitch 353, for the border chart (back
issues available from www.willowfabrics.com). The complete key
showing all the threads you need to buy appears in this issue.
You can order a materials pack with everything you need for
this SAL which contains: • Zweigart 14 count aida in Parchment •
Skeins of DMC stranded cotton • Skein of DMC Light Effects • Mill
Hill Red and Gold seed beads • Two gold-plated tapestry
needles; size 24 and size 26. Go to www.willowfabrics.com to
order your pack at the CrossStitcher reader price of £51, plus P&P.
KEEP US POSTED! Why not join in our special SAL Facebook
group at www.facebook.com/groups/CrossStitcherSAL!

78 NOVEMBER 2020
 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
NEEDLES
For basic stitching you’ll need a tapestry needle
that has a blunt tip and large eye. Use a size 24
needle for most aidas, and a size 26 for evenweaves
and linens. Use a sharp embroidery needle for
finer details such as backstitch and French knots.
EMBROIDERY SCISSORS
Embroidery scissors are an absolute must-have.
Keep yours sharp by only using them to cut threads.
Start stitching… on aida
Step 1
CUT a 40cm thread length, and thread
your needle with two of the six strands.
Knot one end and start with a waste
knot (opposite). Make a diagonal half
cross stitch across a single aida block.
STARTING A THREAD
1. Away waste knot
Front of fabric
KNOT one end of your thread and take it
down through the front of your fabric, 2cm
from your starting point.Bring it back up to
the front of the fabric to make your first
stitch. Begin stitching your design, making
sure you stitch over your starting thread
with each stitch. Once you’re happy that
your starting thread is secure, snip off the
knot. To secure your thread when you’ve
finished stitching, weave it through the
back of your stitches.
STRANDED COTTON
Embroidery thread is also called stranded cotton.
Each thread length is made up of six strands of
cotton twisted together. The chart key will tell you
how many strands you’ll need to stitch with.
HOOPS AND FRAMES
Though not absolutely essential, we do
recommend using an embroidery hoop or frame
to keep an even stitching tension.
Step 2
MAKE a second diagonal stitch to make
the cross. You can work a row of half
cross stitches first, then work back on
yourself to complete the stitches. All the
top stitches should face the same way.
2. Loop knot
Reverse of fabric
WORKING in two strands makes a loop
knot the neatest method. Cut a single
length of thread, twice as long as normal.
Fold in half to create a loop at one end.
Thread your needle with the two tail ends.
Bring your needle up to the front of your
fabric, leaving a small loop of thread on the
reverse. Make a half cross stitch, passing
your needle through the loop on the
reverse, as shown. Pull all the way to secure
the thread then continue with your stitching.
FABRICS
Aida is an ideal choice for cross stitch beginners.
14 count is the most common, although it’s
available in a huge variety of colours and counts.
Each cross stitch is worked over a single aida
block, making counting and keeping your place
a cinch.
Evenweave is much simpler to work with than
you might think. Start with a 25 or 28 count
evenweave, such as Zweigart Lugana. Once
you’re confident, try your hand at a linen version.
and… on evenweave
INSTEAD of taking your needle
diagonally across a single aida block,
take your needle diagonally across two
evenweave threads, creating a half
cross stitch as before.
FRACTIONALS
These stitches are great for adding
a bit more detail to your work
START with a quarter stitch, working from
one corner into the centre (with aida, you’ll
need to pierce the fabric). Make a quarter
stitch in your second colour, coming up
from the opposite corner and back down
the centre. Finish with a half cross stitch.
Fractionals are charted either as two
symbols opposite one another in a square,
or as a symbol opposite an empty space.
NOVEMBER 2020 79
 ADDING BACKSTITCH OUTLINES & DETAILS
Step 1
WORK your backstitch once you’ve finished
the cross stitch. To secure your thread,
weave it through the back of your stitches,
then bring your needle up to the surface.
FRENCH KNOTS
Go dotty with this simple way to add neat knots to your designs
Step 1
BRING your needle up at your starting
point and wrap your thread once or twice
around the needle. Use one strand for a
small knot and two for a chunkier knot. Hold
your thread end firmly and take your needle
down, ever so slightly away from where you
came up. Slide the twisted thread down the
needle, so it rests on the fabric’s surface.
CrossStitcher market place
80 NOVEMBER 2020
Step 2
MAKE each backstitch over one thread of
fabric on aida and two threads if you work
on evenweave. Follow the chart to see
where to place each one.
Step 2
FEED the needle gently through the
fabric. Try to keep your thread as taut as
possible to prevent the knot becoming
loose. Gently pull your thread through to
tighten the knot, so that it sits neatly on
the surface. Keep practising your French
knots until you are happy you have
perfected the technique.
Email us at crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk
CONTACT US AT
CrossStitcher Magazine, PO Box 172, Northam, EX39 9DY
Editors Susan and Martin Penny
Commissioning Editor Jenny Dixon
Art Editor Lucille Randall
Operations Editor Lucy Evans
Editorial Assistant Jenny Jobbins
Editorial Assistant Nicole Penny
Photography Tony Atkinson at Just Focus and Martin Penny
ADVERTISING
Sales Manager Jayne Notley
Contact: jaynen@warnersgroup.co.uk 01778 391189
Advertising Production Contact: production@warnersgroup.co.uk
For subscription enquiries call 01778 392080
Or email subscriptions@warnersgroup.co.uk
NEWSAGENTS AND DISTRIBUTION
Nikki Munton, Warners Group Publications Plc,
West Street, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH
Contact: nikkim@warnersgroup.co.uk 01778 391171
CrossStitcher is published by Warners Group Publications plc
Registered Office: The Maltings, West Street,
Bourne, Lincolnshire. PE10 9PH
Publisher Lucie Dawson
Contact: lucie.dawson@warnersgroup.co.uk
Next issue on sale 3 November 2020
Printed and distributed by Warners Midlands plc
Contact: Martin Harris 01778 391000
Follow us online!
facebook.com/CrossStitcherMag
twitter.com/XStitchmagazine
www.crossstitchermag.com
ONWARD RESALE This publication may not be resold or otherwise distributed,
whether at, below or above face value. Nor can this publication be advertised for
sale, transfer or distribution.
PERMISSIONS Material may not be reproduced in any form without the written
consent of the publisher. Please address such requests to Lucie Dawson, Warners
Group Publications Plc, West Street, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH
LIABILITY While every care was taken preparing this magazine, the publishers
cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the information or any consequence
arising from it. All judgments are based on equipment available to CrossStitcher at
the time of review. CrossStitcher takes no responsibility for the content of external
websites whose addresses are published in the magazine.
A WARNERS PUBLICATION CrossStitcher is published every four weeks by
Warners Group Publications Plc, West Street, Bourne, Lincs. PE10 9PH. Company
registered in England. Material may not be reproduced in whole or part without the
consent of the publisher.
ISSN 1461-6211
© Warners Group Publications 2020
Competition rules By taking part in one of our Competitions, you agree to be
bound by these Competition Rules. Late or incomplete entries will be disqualified. Proof
of posting (if relevant) shall not be deemed proof of delivery. Entries must be submitted
by an individual (not via any agency or similar) and, unless otherwise stated, are limited to
one per household. The Company reserves the right in its sole discretion to substitute
any prize with cash or a prize of comparable value. Unless otherwise stated, the
Competition is open to all GB residents of 18 years and over, except employees of
Warners Group Publications Plc and any party involved in the competition or their
households. By entering a Competition you give permission to use your name, likeness
and personal information in connection with the Competition and for promotional
purposes. All entries will become the property of the Company upon receipt and will not
be returned. You warrant that the Competition entry is entirely your own work and not
copied or adapted from any other source. If you are a winner, you may have to provide
additional information. Details of winners will be available on request within three months
of the closing date. If you are a winner, receipt by you of any prize is conditional upon you
complying with (among other things) the Competition Rules. You acknowledge and agree
that neither the Company nor any associated third parties shall have any liability to you in
connection with your use and/or possession of your prize. Competitions in issue 363 are
open 6 October – 2 November 2020.
Note to readers The charts in this magazine are protected by copyright
belonging to Warners Group Publications Plc or its designers and contributors. Please
don’t re-sell, reproduce or distribute the charts without permission from the copyright
owner. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. However
making a single copy for the purposes of personal use is allowed.
You can now buy the CrossStitcher kits to go with our CrossStitcher charts
All kits are just £3.95 plus p&p
NB: charts are only available in the relevant issue and do not come with the kits.

CHRISTMAS CARD KIT TREE DECORATION PINCUSHION KIT

November 2020, issue 363 October 2020, issue 362 September 2020, issue 361

PHONE CASE SUMMER PURSE BYGONE BOUQUET

August 2020, issue 360 July 2020, issue 359 Summer 2020, issue 358

BLOOMS IN BLUE SWEET CELEBRATIONS SPRING WINGS

June 2020, issue 357 April 2020, issue 355 March 2020, issue 354

SHOP NOW!
www.craftmag.co/stitchstore
Prize crossword
Across Down
1 Spirit made from potatoes (5) 1 Coupon (7)
8 Counted-thread 2 Loss (7)
embroidery (9) 3 Seemingly bottomless
9 Deep shade of red (7) chasm (5)
10 Light beer (5) 4 Continuous strand of
11 Wicked (4) twisted threads (4)
12 Large black bird (5) 5 Adept (7)
17 Fabric with a low stitch 6 Small drum played with
count (5) the hands (5)
18 Strong wind (4) 7 Item of clothing (5)
22 Female British singer 13 Curve (3)
of Hello (5) 14 Pickling juice (7)
23 Offender (7) 15 Deep orange-red
24 Bonfire Night villain (3,6) coloured spice (7)
25 Acting platform (5) 16 Salad vegetable (7)
19 Big (5)
20 African country, capital
Nairobi (5)
21 Dental thread (5)
23 Baked treat (4)

Winning word clue: Bling up Bonfire

Night with this handheld firework (8)
SUDOKU
USING logic and a process of elimination, fill the blank
boxes with numbers so that each row, column and 3x3
box contains the digits 1 to 9 only once.

HOW TO ENTER Win!

COMPLETE the crossword
and rearrange the letters in the
shaded boxes to make up a
winning word. Write your winning
word and ‘Crossword 363’ 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: 6 October
– 2 November 2020
For full terms and conditions, see page 80.

YOUR PRIZE Our lucky winner will receive this charming Candy
Cane Santa kit. The finished design size is 30x41cm (12x16in)
stitched on Dove Grey 16 count aida, and it is part of The
Dimensions Gold Collection. A fantastic gift or an heirloom to
stitch for family to enjoy for Christmases to come, it’s available for
RRP £38 from www.willowfabrics.com. Issue 361’s winning word: ACORN

82 NOVEMBER 2020
 FO
R No
In your December DE .1
SI
GN
S

Celebrate Christmas in style…

ISSUE 364
DECEMBER 2020

On sale
3 November

Inside this month

You’ll love our stunning
Nativity wreath design

Whip up a snow scene

Christmas cake band

Keep it cosy with our

Christmas jumper sampler

Add some bling with our

retro baubles alphabet

Christmas angel gift box kit

Your final kit for our exclusive
Christmas Stitch-A-Long
Contents subject to change. Overseas gifts may vary.
 1 S
. N
o
60
IG
N DES
R
FO
FESTIVE NEW
DESIGNS

PACKED WITH
CHRISTMAS
PROJECTS!
STITCH UP GIFTS,
HOME MAKES &
CARDS

Inside...

Packed with new ideas and designs for you

PLUS Our expert shows you how to

create a special Christmas biscornu…