Stitch Life embroidery cross stitch

includes
11 patterns and
how-to guides

designers
. .
Ana Clara Piccolo Joanne Aston Anne Mende
. . .
Aurora Menéndez Cathy Eliot Clare Bray Jenni Davis
. .
Jenny Billingham Tatiana Romero Vivienne Powers

Issue 2
 Welcome...
Hello, crafters!
Welcome to the second issue of Stitch Life magazine!
Last season, we were proud to launch our very first issue
of the magazine, bringing you a wide range of creative
projects to stitch in collaboration with some wonderful
designers. We have had some great feedback and have
loved seeing how inspiring the projects have been!
For our first Autumn Winter issue, we've focused on
the theme of “Cosy Retreat”. Although it’s hard to say
goodbye to summer as we head into the cooler seasons,
there’s plenty we love about this time of year: autumnal
trees in rich shades of orange and gold, woodland walks
and being at one with nature, cosy evenings socialising
with friends or curled up at home crafting—and, of
course, (if we’re lucky) some crisp white snowfall.
We have worked with 10 amazing designers from
around the world to bring you 11 inspiring projects to
make. Each project—from freestyle embroidery to cross
stitch—uses materials from our extensive Anchor range
and will introduce you to new techniques and beautiful
designs to stitch for your home or to gift to others.
We hope you enjoy meeting the designers and enjoy
the wonderful projects they’ve created especially for you!
THE ANCHOR TEAM
Stitch Life Magazine
Anchor
We love to see your creations!
Tag us #anchorcrafts #anchorthreads
@anchorcrafting
Anchorcrafts.com
2 Stitch Life
Stitch:
noun: a loop of thread or yarn resulting from
a single pass or movement of the needle in sewing,
knitting or crocheting.
verb: make, mend or join something
with stitches.
Anchor Stranded Cotton
Anchor Stranded Cotton is a superior six-
strand embroidery thread made from extra-long
staple 100 per cent Egyptian cotton. It is double
mercerised, resulting in a brilliant lustre, smooth
finish and intense light reflection.
Available in an impressive 444 solid shades, with
a further 24 mutli-coloured and 16 ombre
shades, too. Each 8m skein features a 'pull free'
construction, allowing the perfect length to be
removed from the skein without disrupting the
skein itself. This construction makes Anchor
Stranded Cotton particularly versatile across
all types of embroidery, so it’s no wonder it
is one of the most popular embroidery threads
in the world!
EXPERIENCE RATING
for guidance only
Beginner
Intermediate
Advanced
 28

Photography: Quail Studio Quail Publishing Limited

Designers: Ana Clara Piccolo, Joanne Aston, Anne Mende, Aurora Menéndez, Unit 15, Green Farm, Fritwell, Bicester, Oxfordshire, OX27 7QU
Cathy Eliot, Clare Bray, Jenni Davis, Jenny Billingham, Tatiana Romero, E-mail: info@quailstudio.co.uk
Vivienne Powers © Patterns & Photography Copyright 2021, Quail Publishing Limited
Editor: Susan Elliott
Concept developed by Quail Publishing Limited exclusively for Mez Needlecraft
All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or any part of all material, including GmbH
illustrations, in this magazine is strictly forbidden. No part may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic,
electrostatic, magnetic tape, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise
without prior written permission from the copyright owners. The designs in this
magazine are copyrighted and must not be made for re-sale. Reproduction of this
publication is protected by copyright and is sold on the condition that it used for
non-commercial purposes. Yarn quantities are approximate as they are based on
average requirements. Colour reproduction is as close as printing will allow.
Stitch Life 3
First published in Great Britain in 2021 by
Contents 42
06 Aurora Menéndez – meet the designer
Freestyle – Owl moon

16 Anne Mende – meet the designer

Freestyle – Winter time banner

26 Ana Clara Piccolo – meet the designer

Freestyle – Cosy home

40 Cathy Eliot – meet the designer

Freestyle – Woodland table linen

52 Jenny Billingham – meet the designer
Freestyle – Woodland walks

62 Jenni Davis – meet the designer

Freestyle – Floral wreath

72 Joanne Aston – Anchor Studio

Cross stitch – Bookmark

78 Joanne Aston – Anchor Studio

Cross stitch – Home sweet home

82 Vivienne Powers – meet the designer

Cross stitch – Cosy cabin

88 Clare Bray – meet the designer

Cross stitch – Colours of autumn

94 Tatiana Romero – meet the designer

Cross stitch – Winter is here

Stitch library

100 Getting started – Cross stitch

102 Getting started – Freestyle

111 Contact us

4 Stitch Life
 88 54

72
62

96
132 30

18
Stitch Life 5
Aurora Menéndez
meet the designer...

@missarorua

About me
I live in the coastal region of Asturias in northwest Spain.
I started to embroider about six years ago. My first projects
were small embroidered brooches. I am self-taught, so
everything I’ve learned has been through embroidery
books and magazines. I have a small studio at home and
my favourite time to go there is in the afternoons when
I do my embroidery.

“My work is inspired

mostly by nature.”

About my work
I make contemporary freestyle embroidery inspired by
nature. I like to do pieces that are delicate, natural and
romantic. What I like most about freestyle embroidery
is that there are so many different stitches you can use.
By combining them in multiple ways, you can create very
varied results. When I have an idea, I turn it into a drawing.
I choose the colour palette and the stitches I’m going to
use and then start to stitch.
My work is inspired mostly by nature. I love walking in
the countryside, as that's where I find inspiration for my
embroidery.
I admire many embroiderers for their unique styles,
such as:
Gimena Romera: www.instagram.com/gimenaromero
Tessa Perlow: www.instagram.com/tessa_perlow

A.
Srta Lylo: www.instagram.com/srtalylo

6 Stitch Life
My project to make

EMBROIDERY
HOOP WREATH “OWL MOON” The owl sings at night, sings to the moon

Stitch Life 7
Owl moon
Aurora Menéndez
In this design, we will use two embroidery hoops to create an atypical wreath that looks
like a moon.

SIZE: diameter 20cm (8"). THREADS:

Anchor Stranded Cotton
YOU WILL NEED:
• Tracing paper or water-soluble/heat-erasable 00843 00844 00845 00280 00889
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
fabric marker
• 35cm square of linen
• 20cm (8") and 10cm (4") 00888 00945 00278 01041 00849
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
embroidery hoops
• Embroidery needle, no. 9 for the owl
• Embroidery needle, no. 5/7 00921 00922 00880 00882 00884 00387
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
for everything else
• Scissors Anchor Lamé
• White glue

00300
x1
STITCHES:
Stem stitch (see Stitch Library page 105)
Fishbone stitch (see Stitch Library page 109)
Raised fishbone stitch
Fly stitch (see Stitch Library page 108)
Straight stitch (see Stitch Library page 107)
Chain stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)
Lazy daisy stitch (see Stitch Library page 106)
French knot (see Stitch Library page 105)
Woven wheel stitch (see Stitch Library page 109)
Split stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)
Satin stitch (see Stitch Library page 104)
Long and short stitch (see Stitch Library page 106)

8 Stitch Life
HOW TO ASSEMBLE TWO
EMBROIDERY HOOPS. 1

EMBROIDERY
1. Hoop up the smaller hoop first. Pull your
fabric drum tight.

2. Flip the fabric over so the smaller hoop is face

2
down on the table. Now place your largest hoop,
in the position you want centered or offset as in the
case of the “Owl moon” design.

3. Tighten your fabric drum. Try pulling at odd

3
angles to remove any wrinkles.

Stitch Life 9
 Owl moon
GETTING STARTED
DOWNLOAD PATTERN
Transfer your drawing onto the fabric
TEMPLATE AND KEY
(see page 102). In this case, it is best to transfer the
design to the fabric after it has been hooped.
A

B B
B A
A A A
K
B A
N
L
H A

I M
B
J B
L
K
L

A
B
E

A B

C
B D

D
F

C G
D

The template shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

10 Stitch Life
1. With two strands of #00845, use stem stitch
1
to embroider the stems, starting from the top and

EMBROIDERY
working down.

2. (a)The leaves are made with three different

2a
types of stitches: fishbone stitch, raised fishbone
stitch and chain stitch. Embroider the leaves using
fishbone stitch and raised fishbone stitch (two
strands, #00843/#00844).

(b) Embroider the oak leaf with chain stitch

(two strands, #00280).

(c) Embroider the veins of the leaves with fly stitch

(two strands, #00845).

2b 2c

Stitch Life 11
 3. Using one strand of #00921, outline the wing of
3
the owl with split stitch. Fill the wing with long and
short stitch and one strand of #00849, #00921 and
#00922. Remember to keep your stitches close
together and try to stagger their lengths to create
seamless colour blending.

4. Outline the rest of the owl’s body with one 4

strand of #00888 and split stitch. Fill the head, the
chest and the rest of the body with long and short
stitch (one strand, #00889 #00888 #00945). Fill the
tail feathers with long and short stitch (one strand,
#00889 #00888).

5. Embroider the face with one strand of #00278 in

5
split stitch. Embroider the eyes, the beak and the feet
with satin stitch (one strand, #01041). Finally, make
two tiny stitches in the eye (one strand, #00387).

12 Stitch Life
6. To stitch the flowers with petals, use six strands
6
of #00884 and lazy daisy stitch.

EMBROIDERY
7. To stitch the other flowers, use six strands of 7
#00880 or #00882 and woven wheel stitch.

8. Finally, embroider the French knots. Use the stitch

8a 8b
guide as a reference for the colours and number of
strands (picture 8a). For the centre of the flowers,
use Anchor Lamé (12 strands, #00300) (picture 8b).

Stitch Life 13
 HOW TO FINISH THE HOOP
To finish, cut away the excess fabric from the outer
and inner hoop, leaving a 2.5cm border.
Cut notches into the trimmed fabric in the centre
hoop. This step will make it easier to fold the fabric
back. Glue the trimmed fabric back with white glue.
You can line the back with felt or decorated paper
and glue it in place or sew it to the gathered fabric.

14 Stitch Life
 EMBROIDERY

Stitch Life 15
 Anne Mende
meet the designer...

@pumora_embroidery
About me
I live in Brandenburg, Germany, and I am an
embroiderer. I remember embroidering a bookmark in
primary school, but I did not start embroidering seriously
until my early twenties. I was fascinated by medieval
brick stitch embroidery and made a lot of embroidered
pouches and small bags. When I was younger, I learned
various techniques from books, but with the Internet, it
is much easier to learn new techniques and it has really
increased my knowledge and skills.
I’m currently in the process of restoring an old house
from the 1840s. It’s great to use my hands in a different
way and get some exercise out of it, too. With the house
came a lovely garden, where I’m growing vegetables and
herbs. Other than that, I love to try out new crafts, such
as punch needle, sun printing, wood carving and really
“I love the freedom
anything that sparks my interest!
of embroidery.”

About my work
I find it so sad to hear of crafts that only one person
masters and when that person is gone, all of the
knowledge is gone, too. Hopefully my work helps to
spread an interest in embroidery so that many more
people can enjoy it in the modern world.
I love the freedom of embroidery. It combines my
two passions: drawing and textiles. Since embroidery
almost always has to be attached to something, the
I need for it. Like many artists and designers, my biggest
influence is Mother Nature. I live in the countryside, and
forests, animals, fields and the sky have always been my
biggest inspiration. Lately, flowers have also become a new
favourite of mine.
I absolutely adore the work of Emily Ferris
@emillieferris. She has a very calming and mindful way
of stitching and presenting her embroidery work. Then
there is Yumiko Higuchi and other Japanese artists. There

Anne
possibilities of combining materials and other craft/art are a lot of very talented people promoting embroidery,
techniques are limitless and exciting. which is excellent.
Most of the time, an idea will randomly pop into my
mind and I will then explore it further on paper. After
the first draft, I gather all the materials that I will need
for the project and try out or learn the techniques that

16 Stitch Life
My project to make

EMBROIDERY
WINTER TIME BANNER

Stitch Life 17
 Winter time banner
Anne Mende

YOU WILL NEED: THREADS:

• 35 x100cm of medium-weight linen or cotton Anchor Stranded Cotton
fabric in blue
• Sewing thread or embroidery 00216 00002 00217 00308 00890
floss to match your fabric colour x3 x3 x2 x1 x1

• Wooden rod, 40cm long and about 1–2cm

in diameter
• 120m of string
• Embroidery needle, size 5
• Embroidery hoop, 18–20cm in diameter

STITCHES:
Chain stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)
Straight stitch (see Stitch Library page 107)
French knots (see Stitch Library page 105)

18 Stitch Life
Stitch Life
19
PUNCH
EMBROIDERY
NEEDLE
 Winter time banner
GETTING STARTED
Fold the fabric in half and mark the middle line of
the fabric. Place the pattern so that it is centred on
the right half of your fabric. Transfer the pattern to DOWNLOAD PATTERN
one half of the fabric with transfer paper or your TEMPLATE
preferred transfer method.

The template shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

20 Stitch Life
Use all six strands of your embroidery floss for
all steps.
Begin with the stems. Use chain stitch in green
to embroider all of the stems first. If you want
thicker stems, make two lines of chain stitches
for the stems, but one line is usually enough.
Next, stitch the leaves with chain stitches in
light green. Use a mix of outlined and filled
leaves. You can fill them all in or leave them as
outlines—the choice is yours!
For the blossoms, use chain stitch in white to
outline and fill in each petal. Stitch the outline
first and then follow that line inwards, like echo
lines, to fill the inside with more and more rows
of chain stitches. For the little leaves outside the
petals, make three straight stitches in green that
go into the same place at the end of the stitch.
Then, fill the circle in the middle with French
knots in ochre. Make knots around the circle first,
then add three to five knots in the middle.
After that, use the light ochre to stitch three
straight stitches in the centre of each petal.
For the “Winter Time” letters, use ochre and
chain stitch to embroider along the lines. Follow
EMBROIDERY
the letters like you would write them so that the
lines overlap in the right places.
To sew the banner, fold all of the fabric edges
two times so that the raw edges are stuck in
between. Sew over the edge with a sewing
machine or hand sew using the running stitch.
Fold in the corners of the banner to the middle
so that they form two triangles. Then, stitch them
together at the points where they meet in the
middle and iron the edges flat.
Fold the fabric into the middle so that the pointy
ends meet. The part without embroidery on it
should be a bit higher up than the embroidered
side so that it doesn’t peek out from behind. Sew
the edges together with a whip stitch so that they
can’t move anymore.
To finish the banner off, stick the wooden rod
into the banner. Finally, knot the cord around the
edges of the rod and hang your banner.
Stitch Life 21
 1. Use chain stitch for the stems and leaves.
1

2. Embroider the outline first, then follow that 2

line to add more rows of chain stitches towards
the inside.

3. Make three stitches that go into the same point at

3
the end of the stitch.

22 Stitch Life
4. Embroider a circle of French knots, then fill in the
4
circle with three to five knots.

5. Add three straight stitches per petal. 5

6. Fold the edges of the fabric twice. Pin down with

6
sewing pins.

Stitch Life 23
 7. Fold the corners of the banner towards the
7
middle. Make sure they are straight.

8. Sew the corners together with a couple of 8

whip stitches.

9. Pin the two parts together so that the

9
embroidered part is overlapping the back slightly.

24 Stitch Life
10. Whip stitch both edges together.
10

Stitch Life 25
 Ana Clara Piccolo
meet the designer...

anaclara.bordou

About me
I’m a freestyle embroider from Brazil, but myself and my
husband are currently based in Stuttgart, Germany.
I’ve always liked handcraft work, but I guess I’ve been
strongly influenced by my family as I come from a long
line of craftspeople, from seamstresses, cooks, craftsmen
and painters, all the way to woodworkers. I guess that
being exposed to different types of handmade work
subconsciously guided me into my studies in visual arts
back in Brazil. So, in one way or another, I’ve always been
involved in the artistic world. I don't remember exactly
what the very first thing I made was, but I know the first
embroidery pattern I ever stitched was a little cactus.

based on the customer’s request. My creative process

About my work
My embroidery work is modern, fun and colourful. I love
to create different colour palettes and bring up lots of
textures by using a variety of embroidery stitches. I’m
very passionate about hand embroidery. It captivated
me from the first moment I passed a needle and thread
through fabric to create my first design. I find it magical
that I can create unique and special pieces with my own
hands, and that every piece, no matter how many times
I stitch it, is slightly different and one of a kind. I always
say that my main goal is to use my work to touch people’s
hearts and put a smile on their faces. I work for it!
When it comes to my creative process, I am a very
methodical person. There is always a planning stage
before starting a new piece. Even though I know I will
make changes later in the process, I still need an initial plan
to work from.
starts with the story the client tells me, as well as their
wishes and preferences. I collect all of this information
and create the design for the embroidery from there.
For my original creations, inspiration comes first,
and that’s influenced by the things I’m attached to or
particularly fond of at that moment. There’s always
a phase I’m in or something I feel more interested in.
Those phases come and go, but sometimes they mix.
It is a delicious craziness that ends up reflected in my
work. For drawing, I usually go digital. Sometimes I
sketch new designs by hand and sometimes I mix the two
techniques. My style is a reflection of who I am, including
my experiences and my passions. I look for inspiration in
books, photographs, everyday objects, plants, etc., which
means everything around me inspires me in some way.
Today, I have chosen six incredible Brazilian women who
have inspired me, both as an artist and as a woman. They
create amazing embroidery work, in addition to being
wonderful teachers who have dedicated themselves to
making the art of embroidery accessible to everyone who
wants to learn it.
Please take some time from your day to check out the
work of Marina Dini, Renata Dania, Camila Gomes Lopes,
Vanessa Israel and Laís Souza from Clube do Bordado

Ana
(instagram/clubedobordado) and Andréa Orue from
My work consists mainly of original creations and
Primavera de 83 (instagram/primaverade83).
custom orders. For the custom orders, I develop designs

26 Stitch Life
My project to make
COSY HOME
I was inspired by five words when creating this
pattern: autumn, cosy, inside, home and warm.
The Cosy Home pattern portrays the autumn leaf
lifecycle that starts with the end of summer and the
shortening of the days. When the leaves start to
change colour, all we want to do is stay at home, put
on warm socks and get cosy on the couch.
One of my favourite seasons of the year is
autumn. I love the colours, and it’s the perfect
weather for sipping warm tea and getting cosy on
the couch.
EMBROIDERY
Feeling inspired by this, I dove into the
development process for this project by doing some
rough layouts and mixing some elements and feelings
that remind me of autumn, like an autumn colour
scheme, leaves, a warm house and cosiness. My goal
was to achieve a look that could bring visual comfort
and cheer people up in these difficult times we are
living through. I hope others enjoy stitching this piece
as much as I did.
Stitch Life 27
 Cosy home
Ana Clara Piccolo

YOU WILL NEED: THREADS:

• Beige linen fabric or a beige linen cushion Anchor Stranded Cotton
cover (30 x 30cm)
• 15cm or 17cm embroidery hoop with screw 00129 00146 00216 00306
• Scissors x1 x1 x1 x1

• Needle, size 7 or 9
• Fabric pen (preferably one that vanishes with 00339 00363 00380 00933
x1 x1 x1 x1
heat or water—I’ve used the Pilot
Frixion Pen)
• Anchor Stranded Cotton Mouliné
embroidery floss
• Cushion pad

STITCHES:
Chain stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)
Satin stitch (see Stitch Library page 104)
Long and short stitch (see Stitch Library page 106)
Stem stitch (see Stitch Library page 105)
Straight stitch (see Stitch Library page 107)
Fishbone stitch (see Stitch Library page 109)
Lazy daisy stitch (see Stitch Library page 106)
French knot (see Stitch Library page 105)
Split stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)

28 Stitch Life
 EMBROIDERY

Stitch Life 29
 Cosy home
GETTING STARTED
Transfer the design onto the fabric (see page 102).
Centre the hoop securely over the design.
DOWNLOAD PATTERN
TEMPLATE AND KEY

The template shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

30 Stitch Life
To embroider the little house: 1
1. Roof: With two strands of #00146, use chain

EMBROIDERY
stitch to fill in the roof of the little house.

2. Chimney, windows and heart: With two strands of 2

#00146, use satin stitch to fill in the chimney, the
two windows and the heart of the little house.

3. Door: With two strands of #00363, use satin

3
stitch to fill in the little door.

Tip: To get better definition with the satin stitch, you

can start by outlining the design using backstitch and
then fill in the shape with satin stitch.

Stitch Life 31
 4. House: Using two strands of #00129 and long and
4
short stitch, fill in the walls of the little house.

To embroider the acorns: 1

1. Top part: Fill in the top part of the acorn,
following the format of the design, using chain stitch.
Here, we used three strands of #00380.

2. Bottom part: Using three strands of #00933 and

2
long and short stitch, fill the bottom part of the
acorn. One tip: start by contouring the shape using
split stitch and then fill it in.

32 Stitch Life
3. Stem and little details: With three strands of
3
#00380, use split stitch to embroider the stem of

EMBROIDERY
the acorn and the two small details on the bottom
side of the acorn.

The little yellow seeds: 1

1. Using two strands of #00306 and satin stitch,
embroider the yellow seeds, following the format
of the design. For the small detail, use one straight
stitch with two strands of #00380.

To embroider the little orange leaves: 1

1. Leaf: Using two strands of #00339 and stem
stitch, embroider the leaf, following its shape.

Stitch Life 33
 2. Stem and little detail: With four strands of
2
#00380, use straight stitch to embroider the stem
and the small detail on the middle of the leaf.

Branch 01: 1
1. With three strands of #00306, use stem stitch to
embroider the stem and straight stitch to stitch
the twigs.

Branch 02: 1
1. With three strands of #00339, use stem stitch to
embroider the stem and straight stitch to stitch
the twigs.

34 Stitch Life
Branch 03: 1
1. To stitch the stem of this branch, use three

EMBROIDERY
strands of #00339 and stem stitch. After that, with
three strands of the same colour, embroider the
leaves using satin stitch.

Branch 04: 1
1. With three strands of #00363, use stem stitch to
embroider the stem of this branch. Then, with the
same colour, use fishbone stitch to stitch the leaves.

Branch 05: 1
1. Using stem stitch and three strands of #00216,
embroider the stem of this branch. For the leaves,
use lazy daisy stitch.

Stitch Life 35
 Branch 06: 1
1. With three strands of #00216, use split stitch to
embroider the stem and the twigs of this branch.
Finally, sew the small details at the end of each twig,
making a French knot.

Branch 07: 1
1. Using split stitch and three strands of #00216,
embroider the stem of this branch. Then, with the
same colour, use satin stitch to fill the small circles at
the end of the twigs.

Branch 08: 1
1. With three strands of #00216, use stem stitch to
embroider the stem of this branch. Then, with the
same colour, use satin stitch to stitch the leaves.

36 Stitch Life
Branch 09: 1
1. To stitch the stem of this branch, use three

EMBROIDERY
strands of #00216 and stem stitch. After that, with
three strands of the same colour, embroider the
leaves using satin stitch.

To embroider the little brown dots: 1

1. With three strands of #00380, use a French knot
(here, you can wrap the thread around the needle
two to three times) to embroider all of the brown
dots in the pattern.

Finishing:
You can embroider directly on a ready-made cushion
cover (just like I did) or you can create your own
cushion from scratch. For this:

1. Measure out a square on your fabric and cut it

out. It should be 5cm larger than your cushion pad.

2. To make the back of the cushion cover, cut a

rectangle that is half the width of the square you
just cut and the same height. Cut another rectangle
that is two-thirds of the width of the square, again
keeping the same height.

3. Fold over on one of the rectangle sides to create

a hem and sew a straight stitch down it.

4. Lay both rectangles on top of the square, right

sides together, and pin it all the way around, ready
to sew.
Stitch Life 37
 5. Sew along all four sides and backstitch when you
come to where the back pieces overlap.

This will ensure that the opening is secure. When

you’ve finished sewing, cut off the end of each
corner. This will ensure that the points are sharp and
well-shaped.

6. Turn the cover the right way around and push out
each corner. Insert the cushion pad into your cover.

Your cushion is now complete!

38 Stitch Life
 EMBROIDERY

Stitch Life 39
 Cathy Eliot
meet the designer...

@cathyeliot

About me
I live in Cambridge, England, and have been doing
embroidery since my aunt taught me when I was very
little. Textiles was my favourite subject at school, and
I got back into it about five years ago. The first thing
that I made when I started stitching again was a little
purse for a Secret Santa present, embroidered with
some grasses and flowers.
I’m lucky enough to now have my own studio space,
but I also like to sit on the sofa in the evenings with the
television on in the background while I work. I also
really like illustrating, so I’m trying to sketch more,
especially outdoors. Although, in cold or bad weather,
this does become more tricky!

About my work
I like to create quite detailed designs. I would describe
my work as botanical and delicate. People have also kindly
said that I use beautiful colour palettes. Embroidery can
be very calming and meditative. Freestyle embroidery
allows you to draw with the thread, so you can be really
creative with it.
I usually sketch out my design onto paper first, using
photos for reference. The design usually changes as I’m
stitching, depending on how the stitches are behaving,
what colour threads I have, or how the shapes are fitting
together.
Nature inspires me most—plants, flowers and gardens
are endlessly changing and full of a variety of colour,
texture and pattern. I would love to visit Forde Abbey and
gardens on the borders of Devon, Dorset and Somerset.
Their Instagram is so magical: @fordeabbey.

Cathy www.cathyeliot.com

40 Stitch Life
My project to make
WOODLAND TABLE LINEN
This embroidered illustration captures a winter’s night in
a quiet woodland, where a reindeer dreams among the
pine trees and fairytale mushrooms spring up around her
in the snow. It is mainly stitched in two very subtle shades
of light grey, with some silver sprinkles for the
Table runner and napkin
EMBROIDERY
stars twinkling above the forest. The elements of the
design are flexible, so you could move around the trees,
mushrooms, leaves, or even add in some more deer.
Flexibility and creativity are such joyful elements of
freestyle embroidery!
Stitch Life 41
 Woodland table linen
Cathy Eliot
The table runner featured here is 45 x 150cm and the napkins are 45 x 45cm.
The design can be scaled up or down to fit the size of your materials.

SIZE: table runner - 45cm x 150cm THREADS:

napkins - 45cm x 45cm Anchor Stranded Cotton Anchor Metalic

YOU WILL NEED: 00234 00398 00400 00301

x4 x1 x1 x1
• 1 table runner
• 4 napkins
•
•
Scissors
Embroidery needle, size 7–9
tip
• Embroidery hoops, 1 small (4"), 1 large (7") Most knots are usually just a result of the thread
• Water-soluble fabric pen twisting itself up as you stitch. If you find you keep
getting tangles, every so often, hold the hoop and
fabric up, letting the thread hang down (with the
STITCHES: needle still attached) and it will unspin itself !
Stem stitch (see Stitch Library page 105)
Metalic thread can be tricky to work with and get
Split stitch (see Stitch Library page 103) tangled very quickly, so only use short pieces
(about 20cm long) at a time for the best results.
French knots (see Stitch Library page 105)
Chain stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)
Seed stitch (see Stitch Library page 108)
Cross stitch (see Stitch Library page 100)
Satin stitch (see Stitch Library page 104)

42 Stitch Life
 EMBROIDERY

Stitch Life 43
 Woodland table runner
& napkins
GETTING STARTED
Print the design and place it behind your fabric.
Using either a lightbox or a window, trace
the design through the fabric using a washable
fabric pen.

Fit your hoop snugly around the fabric.

44 Stitch Life
NAPKINS
Mushrooms

EMBROIDERY
DOWNLOAD PATTERN
TEMPLATES

The template shown here is not to scale.

Please download for accurate size.

Mushrooms 1
1. Use two strands of #00234 to stem stitch the
outlines. On the curves, use smaller stitches to make a
nice, smooth curve.

2. The decorations on the mushrooms are done

2
with two strands of #00398, using French knots,
split stitch, seed stitch or cross stitch, but feel free to
use your imagination and decorate the mushrooms
however you wish!

Stitch Life 45
 NAPKINS
Trees
The template shown here is not to scale.
Please download for accurate size.

Trees 1
1. Using two strands of #00234, stem stitch the
snowy outline.

2. Use two strands of #00398 to draw the straight

2
lines of the branches. These can simply be a single
stitch. (If you have enlarged your design, you can use
split stitch to create the branches).

46 Stitch Life
NAPKINS
Leaves

EMBROIDERY
The template shown here is not to scale.
Please download for accurate size.

Leaves 1
1. Using two strands of #00234, stem stitch the
stems of the leaves.

2. Using two strands of #00398, use split stitch and

2
straight stitch to create the needles. You do not
need to follow the pattern exactly here. Draw the
needles randomly to create a full, bushy effect.

Stitch Life 47
 NAPKINS
Deer
The template shown here is not to scale.
Please download for accurate size.

Deer 1
1. Outline the deer using two strands of #00234
in stem stitch. Next, use two strands of #00398
to create her features. Her antlers are done in split
stitch, the inner ears are a single daisy chain stitch,
the eyes are a very small split stitch, the nose is satin
stitch, and the mouth is, again, a very small split
stitch.

48 Stitch Life
Snow 1
1. On all the napkin designs, use one strand of

EMBROIDERY
#00398 to stem stitch the gentle lines of the snow.
Then use one strand of #00400 to create a shadow,
following underneath the line of the light-grey snow.

Stars 1
1. The stars are created with a single strand of silver
thread by making tiny crosses randomly dotted
above the main design.

Stitch Life 49
 TABLE RUNNER

The template shown here is not to scale.

Please download for accurate size.

50 Stitch Life
Table Runner 1
1. To make the pattern large enough for the table

EMBROIDERY
runner, print out the design on a couple of sheets of
paper, line up the design and sellotape it together.

The techniques and thread colours are all the same

for the runner as for the napkins—except where
you have used two strands of each thread, you now
use three, and where you have used one strand, you
now use two.

The moon is made using three strands of #00234

and stem stitch, with a couple of small stitches to
add texture.

FINISHING
Dab water onto the fabric where you have used the
water-soluble pen (I use a paintbrush to do this)
until the pen fades completely. Leave to almost dry,
then, while still damp, give it a good iron.

When washing, rinse carefully by hand in cold water,

using a delicate washing liquid.

This design could be done in many different colours.

I also tried a sample using a dark-grey thread on
a very pale pinkish fabric (dyed naturally using
blackberries!) Alternatively, use the patterns to
stitch onto stockings, cushions or wall hangings to
add a woodland feel to your textiles this winter.

Stitch Life 51
 Jenny Billingham
meet the designer...

@f lynn_and_mabel
About me
I’m an embroiderer living in Northampton, England. I
got started with embroidery in January of 2020, when
I stitched a simple cacti outline in a range of colours. I
immediately fell in love with the process and have been
doing embroidery ever since. Although I’ve always
had a passion for textiles and thought embroidery was
beautiful, it’s only recently that I’ve had the time to try it
out and create my own designs.
All of my embroidery work is created from
home. I love to listen to music or put the TV on in the
background as I stitch the evening away. It’s especially
lovely in the winter when you can get cosy and
comfortable under a blanket or in the summer when you
can sit out in the sunshine and fresh air. When I’m not
working on a new embroidery design, I love to spend my “Colourful, playful,
time cooking and baking. Making cakes is always great
fun—and eating them afterwards is even better! original, distinctive.”

About my work My design process begins with sketching out potential

I would describe my work as colourful, bold, bright, playful,
original and distinctive. Using simple stitches to create
pretty patterns and unique designs is what I love to do. In
particular, I have a thing for rainbows, florals and stars, so
you’ll see lots of those motifs in my designs.
One of my favourite things about embroidery is that
you can pick it up and put it down whenever you like. It’s
very easy to add to a design whenever you’ve got a couple
of moments to spare, and it can always be transported,
altered and adapted. Embroidery designs can range from
designs by hand. I then turn them into digital artwork using
my iPad. I’ve always had a passion for drawing, so I actually
enjoy the process of designing my hoops as much as I do
stitching them.
I find an abundance of inspiration for my work in
nature, the great outdoors and my wonderful children.
There are so many inspiring creators online. I follow lots
of incredible makers on Instagram. A few who particularly
stand out to me are @stellaandwolf (jewellery)
@knittyknots (embroidery) and @thehandmadeflorist

Jenny
very delicate to super bold, which means you can really (felt flowers).
express yourself through your embroidery work. It’s also a
very relaxing and therapeutic craft.

52 Stitch Life
My project to make

NEEDLE
EMBROIDERY
WOODLAND WALKS breeze. This textured and tonal woodland design
There’s something about a woodland walk in autumn. combines a range of stitches and colours to create the
The leaves changing from green to an incredible display perfect autumnal embroidery.

PUNCH
of vibrant colours. Orange, red, brown and gold. Acorns
and toadstools underfoot, a mist in the air and a blustery

Stitch Life 53
 Woodland walks
Jenny Billingham

SIZE: 7-inch hoop THREADS:

Anchor Stranded Cotton
YOU WILL NEED:
• Tracing paper 00873 00022 00326 00361 00314
• Water-soluble fabric marker or pencil x1 x1 x1 x1 x1

• 30cm square of natural-coloured fabric

• 7-inch embroidery hoop 00311 00907 00891 00236 01018
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
• Embroidery needle
• Felt
• Scissors 00896 00306 00862 00379 00903
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1

STITCHES:
00380 00355 00371 01014 00300
Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 102) x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
Fishbone stitch (see Stitch Library page 109)
Chain stitch (see Stitch Library page 103) 00904 00393 00397 00387
x1 x1 x1 x1
Split stitch (see Stitch Library page 103)
Satin stitch (see Stitch Library page 104)
Straight stitch (see Stitch Library page 107)
Long stitch (see Stitch Library page 106)
Short stitch (see Stitch Library page 106)
French knot (see Stitch Library page 105)

54 Stitch Life
 EMBROIDERY

Stitch Life 55
 Woodland walks
GETTING STARTED
Transfer your drawing onto the fabric. Centre the
hoop over the design and secure, ready for stitching. DOWNLOAD PATTERN
Pull the fabric taut. TEMPLATE AND KEY

The template shown here is not to scale.

Please download for accurate size.

56 Stitch Life
1. Satin stitch the small orange flowers in three
1
strands of #00326. Using split stitch in #00862, sew

NEEDLE
EMBROIDERY
the stem of the plant, taking the stitches up onto the
orange flowers. Do this just around the base to look
like tiny leaves. Continuing with #00862, fishbone

PUNCH
stitch the individual leaves along the stem. Add
three straight stitches of gold #00300 to each of the
orange flowers.

2. Split stitch the outline of the red parts of the 2

toadstools using two strands of #00022. Then fill
them with long and short stitches. Start at the top
with #00022 and graduate the colour as you go.
Use #01014 in the middle and #00896 towards the
bottom. Use two strands of each. Remember to
keep your stitches close together and try to stagger
their lengths to create seamless colour blending. Use
six strands of #00397 to add single French knots for
the white details on the top of the toadstools.

3. For the underside of the toadstools, use long and

3
short stitches in three strands of #00387, but this
time, go across the design rather than top to bottom.
Work the stitches down the right-hand side of the
stalk, then use three strands of #00361 to add a
deeper tone to the left side. Blend the stitches as
before. Use three strands of #00300 to add straight
stitches to the underside of the toadstool. Space the
stitches a few millimetres apart.

Stitch Life 57
 4. Use chain stitches to create the top of the acorns.
4
Use six strands of #00379. Stitch these randomly.
For the bottom of the acorn, use satin stitch in three
strands of #00355.

5. For the flower, satin stitch each of the petals in 5

#00306 using three strands. Then add two straight
stitches to the base of each petal in six strands of
#00311. Finally, use six strands of #00380 to add
French knots to the centre of the flower.

6. Split stitch the stem of the plant with two-tone

6
leaves. Use two strands of #00903. After, add single
chain stitch leaves in two strands of #00371. For the
leaves, satin stitch each side. Use three strands of
#00907 and #00904, one colour on each side of the
leaf.

58 Stitch Life
7. Backstitch the stem of the heart-leaf foliage in
7
two strands of #00236. Fishbone stitch the leaves

EMBROIDERY
in three strands of #00873 and #01018, alternating
the colours.

8. Backstitch the stems of the small orange and 8

yellow berries using three strands of #00393. Then
add a mix of French knots in #00891 and #00314.

FINISHING 6
To finish your design, use the inner ring of the hoop
to trace a circle onto a piece of felt. Cut this out and
set to one side. Centre your embroidered design
in the hoop and pull the fabric tight. Cut away any
excess material, leaving a 2.5cm border. Thread a
needle with machine thread and tie a knot at the end.
Cut enough thread to go around the whole hoop.
Sew a circle of running stitches around the hoop and
gather the fabric. Tie a knot to secure. The felt circle
can be glued or sewn onto the gathered fabric to
cover and protect the stitching.

Stitch Life 59
 Jenni Davis
meet the designer...
hopeandharthq
About me
I’m a freestyle hand embroiderer living in London, England.
I was about ten years old when I first began to embroider.
It's so long ago that I can’t remember exactly what my first
design was, but I’m sure it would have included flowers.
My mum was very into cross stitch in the 90s, so she gave
me her book about embroidery and cross stitch. It had
every stitch you could think of in it. This book became
my everything. Even to this day, I still go back to it for
reference. Although I would say I am self-taught, I did study
textile design at university, and the designs I created during
my studies were heavily influenced by hand embroidery and
bead work.
My sewing style and technique were always quite
traditional until I suffered a baby loss a few years ago. I
wanted to create an embroidered image of my sonogram,
so I set out to make one. It developed into a new style that
was very different to what I had done before. Today, three
years later, I finally feel like I’ve perfected it. While I still
stick to very traditional methods with my patterns, I now
take a more modern approach in my overall style.
About my work
I work in two very different styles. One focuses on
delicately recreating intricate baby scans in hand
embroidery, and the other is mostly bold botanical or
architecturally inspired patterned pieces.
They both have their place in the world, and I adore them
equally. If I had to sum up my work in just a few words, I
would say it is unique, delicate, intricate, beautiful, bold,
colourful, and monochromatic. I feel my patterns have a
very playful tone to them.
60 Stitch Life
In the past, I had a dedicated studio space for my work,
but since having my daughter, I now work from home
and around her schedule when she’s not at nursery. My
favourite thing about this embroidery is that it’s so flexible.
You can take it pretty much anywhere with you.
I’ve always been a very creative, crafty person, so
when I’m not working or running around after my toddler,
you can find me drawing, painting, knitting, crocheting, or
simply reading a book.
In particular, I truly love the technique I have developed
for the sonograms. It enables me to replicate
the textures of the baby’s image, making it look very
realistic when compared to the real thing.
When it comes to my creative process, everything
starts on my iPad. For me, it’s simply more convenient, and
the fact that it’s more environmentally friendly is a great
bonus. I generally don’t put time limits on my designs. I’ve
worked on some patterns for over a year before I was fully
happy with them, while others have been finished in twenty
minutes. As soon as I feel inspired, I sketch the design out
and see where it goes.
Going for walks is another great source of inspiration
for my work. I’m forever taking photos of flowers or leaves
I like the look of while exploring the city. Living in London,
there are so many new areas to explore and photograph.
In particular, I seek out interesting architectural details to
J
incorporate into my designs.
I really love the designs by @wmorrisandco.
My project to make
FLORAL WREATH
The design I have created for this collaboration is a
muted botanical wreath that perfectly complements
any seasonal decor.
This design is for the autumn/winter edition, so
nature’s colour palette is very muted. I’ve chosen
pastels and dusky tones with just a hint of bold berry
colours. I’m always heavily influenced by colours first,
so these wintery tones were my starting point. The
botanical design came later. Textures are an important
element of my designs, so it felt very natural to include
a variety of stitches to create a textured effect.
NEEDLE
EMBROIDERY
I’ve truly loved working on this collaboration. The
colour palette isn’t one I would traditionally use, so it
PUNCH
was wonderful to briefly explore a new direction—
and I’m so in love with the final piece! It really
encouraged me to think outside of my usual process,
and I really enjoyed that aspect.
Anchor embroidery threads are so beautiful, from
the colour choices to the way it just glides through the
fabric. It’s a lovely product to work with.
Stitch Life 61
 Floral wreath
Jenni Davis
This floral wreath was inspired by the cool pastel tones of winter. Icy mornings at sunrise with
crisp red berries.
A perfect addition to your Christmas decorations or to just add a touch of winter décor to
your home across the season.

SIZE: Finished size - 20cm THREADS:

Anchor Stranded Cotton
YOU WILL NEED:
• Heat-erasable pen
00875 00216 00311 00358 00308
• 20cm embroidery hoop x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
• 10cm embroidery hoop
• Embroidery needle, no.5
00969 00231 00043 01031 00160 00977
• 30 x 30cm off-white linen x2 x2 x1 x1 x1 x2

• Scissors
• Cotton thread
• 20cm circle of felt for backing tip
Sewing the woven wheels near the end of
STITCHES: the piece will keep them looking their best
Woven wheel (see Stitch Library page 109) as they won’t be accidentally pulled by
another thread.
Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 101)
Fishbone stitch (see Stitch Library page 109)
Satin stitch (see Stitch Library page 104)
Stem stitch (see Stitch Library page 105)
French knot (see Stitch Library page 105)
Running stitch
Blanket stitch

62 Stitch Life
 EMBROIDERY

Stitch Life 63
 Floral wreath
GETTING STARTED
Transfer your design using your heat-erasable pen. Secure
your 10cm hoop in place at the centre of your fabric with
DOWNLOAD PATTERN
the template facing down. Turn your fabric around so the
TEMPLATE AND KEY
pattern is facing up and secure your 20cm hoop in place.
Make sure it’s central to your first hoop and fits within the
template.
358 (3) 969(3)
Stem Stitch 969(3) 308 (3)
218 (6)
Back Stitch 358 (3)
218 (6) Fishbone Stitch
Satin Stitch
Fishbone Stitch 308 (3)
Stem Stitch 358 (3)
231(6) Stem Stitch
Woven Wheel
Stitch
875 (6)
Fishbone Stitch

311 (6)
French Knot
Stitch
875 (6)
Fishbone Stitch

358 (3)
Stem Stitch 311 (6)
French Knot Stitch

1031(3)
231 (3) 218 (6)
Satin Stitch Fishbone Stitch

1031 (3)
Back Stitch
311 (6)
French Knot Stitch

43 (2) 977 (6)

French Knot Woven Wheel
Stitch Stitch

358 (3)
311 (6)
Split Stitch
French Knot Stitch

875 (6)
The template shown here is not to scale. 977 (2) Fishbone Stitch
Please download for accurate size. 160 (2) 218 (6)
Satin Stitch Fishbone Stitch

64 Stitch Life
1. Firstly, working with three strands of the
1
dusky pink floss (#00969), start outlining the

EMBROIDERY
flower using backstitch.

Fill in the flower with satin stitch.

2. Once complete, add detailing with three strands 2

of amber (#00308), starting from the centre and
fanning out. You don’t want to fill the shape, just
add depth. Repeat with three strands of dark brown
(#00358).

3. Using six strands of yellow (#00311), fill in the

3
centre with French knots.

Stitch Life 65
 4. For the next flower, repeat steps 1–3 by filling it
4
with three strands of ice blue (#01031) and adding
depth with three strands of grey (#00231).

5. Moving onto the branches. Use three strands 5

of dark brown (#00358) and work the stems with
split stitch. Sew the leaves, working in a loose
fishbone stitch with six strands of either sage green
(#00875) or dark green (#00218), depending on
the placement.

6. The larger leaves are sewn in a tight fishbone

6
stitch using all six strands of either sage green
(#00875) or dark green (#00218), depending on the
placement.

66 Stitch Life
7. Using satin stitch with two strands of floss, start in
7
the centre. Stitch the first five petals using light blue

EMBROIDERY
(#00160). Move onto the next five petals using the
darker blue (#00977). Once finished, complete the
remaining petals using light blue (#00160).

8. Complete with a French knot in the centre of the 8

flower using six strands of yellow (#00311).

9. Using six strands of yellow (#00311), fill in the

6
centre with French knots.

Once the centre has been filled, work a woven

wheel stitch to create your rose in either darker
blue (#00977) or grey (#00231), depending on the
placement.

Stitch Life 67
 10. Use three strands of dark brown (#00358) and
10
work the stems with a split stitch. Sew the berries
in red (#00043), working a French knot with two
strands and one or two wraps around the needle.
Add as many as you feel is needed to fill the space.

11. To finish, run a warm hairdryer or iron over the 11

surface of the embroidery to remove the template.
Cut the fabric around the outer hoop so you have
around 2.5cm left.

Mark the fabric at the centre of the hoop with a star

and carefully cut along those lines.

12. Next, using your cotton thread, sew a

12
running stitch to gather the outer section of
the fabric together.

68 Stitch Life
13. Stitch the fabric from the middle of the hoop
13
so it attaches to the gathered trim. Make sure it’s

EMBROIDERY
secure, but don’t pull too tightly as you could pull
the fabric out of the hoop.

14. Place your hoop on the felt and make an outline 14

to create your backing template. Cut out the felt.

15. Finally, place the felt over the back of your hoop
15
to make sure it’s a good fit. Trim as required and
attach with a blanket stitch.

Stitch Life 69
 Anchor Studio
Over the years we have designed hundreds of beautiful
embroidery patterns and charts in the Anchor studio,
ranging from cross stitch to freestyle and tapestry to
long stitch.
The colder winter months are perfect for staying
cosy inside and stitching, but we think the next best
thing is curling up with a good book, so what better way
to combine the two than with this sweet cross-stitched
bookmark. Designed by our in-house designer Joanne,
this book mark features a snowy garden scene and
winter flowers and makes the perfect placeholder for
your latest page turner!

Joanne Aston
About me
I live in the UK and have worked with Anchor for many
years, designing some of their most popular cross stitch
and tapestry designs. My designs cover both traditional
and contemporary themes and use a wide range of hand
embroidery techniques.

70 Stitch Life
Project to make

STUDIO
CROSS STITTCH
BOOKMARK

ANCHOR

Stitch Life 71
 Bookmark
Joanne Aston

YOU WILL NEED: THREADS:

• 14-count aida cross stitch fabric Anchor Stranded Cotton
• Medium-sized hoop
• Tapestry needle, no. 24 00303 00001 00397 01005 00046
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
• Scissors

For the Bookmark: 00906 00375 00373 00372 00264

• Needle x1 x1 x1 x1 x1

• Fabric scissors
• Piece of felt approx. 26 x 12 cm (we 00266 00268 00862 09159
x1 x1 x1 x1
used dark green)

STITCHES:
Cross stitch (see Stitch Library page 100)
Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 101)
French knots (see Stitch Library page 105)

72 Stitch Life
 ANCHOR STUDIO
DOWNLOAD CHART
AND KEY

The chart shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.
Stitch Life 73
 MAKING THE BOOKMARK:
1
Once you have completed your cross stitch, neaten
it up by trimming loose threads and ironing out any
creases in the fabric.

1. Trim your cross-stitched piece down to size by

cutting along the third line of holes (in the aida) from
the edge of the green cross-stitched border.

2. When you’ve finished trimming each edge, you

2
will have left a small amount of aida fabric with two
rows of holes between the cut edge and the green
border.

3. Fray the raw edge of the aida by removing the

3
threads from each side, but only up to the next line
of holes. You should have a frayed edge of approx.
2mm and one row of holes remaining in the aida all
the way round the edge.

74 Stitch Life
4. Trim the piece of felt so it is approx. 2cm larger in
4

ANCHOR STUDIO
length and width than your stitched piece of aida.

5. Pin the stitched aida piece on top of the felt in at

5
least three places, ensuring it’s as straight as possible,
with approx. 1cm of felt showing around each edge.

6. Following the row of holes that remain around the

6
edge of the aida, stitch the aida to the felt backing
with a neat running stitch using two strands of
thread.

Stitch Life 75
 7. Once you have stitched around all four sides,
7
remove the pins and neatly trim the felt edge closer
to the fringed edge of the aida to finish!

Note: You may find that the felt back has moved
slightly when you stitched the aida on top, so this
allows you to neaten all your edges once more.

76 Stitch Life
 ANCHOR STUDIO

Stitch Life 77
 Project to make
HOME SWEET HOME

78 Stitch Life
Home sweet home

ANCHOR STUDIO
Joanne Aston

Size on 14-count fabric: 18 x 18cm THREADS:

Alternative to Marlitt
Anchor Marlitt Anchor Stranded Cotton
YOU WILL NEED:
00815 00063
x1 x1
• 14-count white aida 38 x 38 cm
00819 00100
• Medium-sized hoop x1 x1
• Tapestry needle, no. 24 00832 00185
x1 x1
• Scissors
00834 00189
x1 x1
STITCHES: 00846 00400
x1 x1
Cross stitch (see Stitch Library page 100)
00848 00313
3/4 cross stitch (see Stitch Library page 101) x1 x1
00858 00097
Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 101) x1 x1
French knots (see Stitch Library page 105) 00864 01003
x1 x1
00894 00059
x1 x1
01012 00292
Introducing Anchor Marlitt thread: x1 x1
Anchor Marlitt is a strandable 4 ply loosely twisted 01053 00168
embroidery thread with a lustre second to none! It’s x1 x1

made from 100% Viscose rayon giving it a soft and 01066 00187
x1 x1
silky touch and a spectacular high sheen. Available in
01069 00075
90 beautiful shades in 10 m skeins, Anchor Marlitt is x1 x1
suitable for all types of freestyle and counted thread
01079 01046
embroidery and can be stranded down to a single x1 x1
Ply where necessary. The brilliance of Anchor Marlitt 00300
Metallic
makes it an alternative to Stranded Cotton where
additional sheen or lustre is required in a design.

Stitch Life 79
 Home sweet home
GETTING STARTED DOWNLOAD CHART
Centre the hoop securely over the fabric AND KEY
(see page 100).

Co
A29ML18-000

© MEZ Needlecraft GmbH 2021

The chart shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

80 Stitch Life
 ANCHOR STUDIO

Stitch Life 81
 Vivienne Powers
meet the designer...

@the_vivsters
About me
The first thing I ever made was an owl cross stitch calendar
at infant school. Since then, I have taught myself. I really
got into cross stitch when I discovered MacStitch software,
which gave me complete freedom to create. It helps me to
achieve easy-to-follow charts using beautiful colours. I hated
using graph paper because it was difficult to amend designs.
I work at home in my studio, where I draw inspiration from
watching wildlife in the garden. I also collect English stamps
as I think they are perfect pieces of miniature art.

About my work
I love using bold colours and making charts that are easy
to use. This means as few single stitches and fiddly bits
as possible, and no more than 30 colours. For me,
designs should be bright and have vivid colours that
are perfectly balanced.
There are so many people who inspire me, such as Sanna
Annuka, El Gato Gomez, Mary Blair, Georges Barbier, J.C.
Layendecker and William Morris... but this is just scratching
the surface.

Vivienne
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Vivsters

82 Stitch Life
My project to make

CROSS STITCH
COSY CABIN

Stitch Life 83
 Cosy cabin
Vivienne Powers

YOU WILL NEED: THREADS:

• Zweigart or Yorkshire aida or textured light-grey Anchor Stranded Cotton
fabric to give the rustic look.
• Medium-sized hoop 00310 00359 00273 00403 00861
• Round-end embroidery needle, no. 24 x1 x1 x1 x2 x1

• Scissors
00267 00266 00255 00216 00217
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
150 stitches wide x 100 stitches high

DESIGN FINISHED SIZE: 00683 00922 00850 00001 00900

x2 x1 x2 x2 x1
14 count: 10.7w x 7.1d inches (27.2w x 18.1d cm)

CANVAS SIZE: 00235 00848

x1 x1
Allow about 5 inches (12cm) all around the
finished size for the frame.

THREAD/FLOSS:
Threads come in 6 strands. These should be divided
into 2 sets of 3 strands for whole stitches and single
strands for back stitches.

STITCHES:
Cross stitch (see Stitch Library page 100)
Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 101)

84 Stitch Life
 CROSS STITCH

Stitch Life 85
 Cosy cabin
GETTING STARTED
Centre the hoop securely over the fabric
(see page 100).

DOWNLOAD CHART
AND KEY

10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150

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a a a a m m m m m m m a Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c c P P P O O O c c c a a a Ù Ù Ù Q Q Q O O O a a a l l l L L L L L ] ] ] ] > ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] d d d d > d ] ] ] L L L L L L L L   a a     a a     a a        a a c c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù > > > c Ù Ù Ù c c a a Ù a a a a a a m a m a m a m a a a
a a a a m m m m m m m a Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c c P P P P P O c c c c c a Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Q O O O O O a l l l l l L L L L d d d d d d d ] d d d d d d d ] d d d d d d d d d d d L L L L L L L                          a Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c c > > > c c Ù Ù Ù a a Ù a a a a a m a a a m a m a a a m a
a a a a m m m m m m m a Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù P P P P P O c c c c c a Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Q O O O O O a l l l l l L L L L ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] > ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] L L L L L L L                         z a Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù > > > > > c c Ù Ù Ù c a a a a a a a a m a m a m a a a a a
a a a m m m m m m m m m c c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù P P P P P O c c c c c a Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù Q O O O O O a l l l l l L L L L d d d ] d d d d d d d d > 9 > d d d d d d d ] d d d d L L L L L L L              a a      a a   z a Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù > > > > > Ù c c Ù Ù a a Ù a a a a a a m a m a m a m a a a
a a a m m m m m m m m c c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Q z z z z z l > > > > > z P P P P P a c c c c c L z z z z z P L L L ] ] 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ] ] > 9 a 9 > ] ] 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ] ] L L L L L L L       a a      a a      a a  z z z c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù > > > > > Ù Ù c c a a Ù a a a a a m a a a m a m a a a m a
c c c c m m m m m m m c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù Q z z z z z l > > > > > z P P P P P a c c c c c L z z z z z P L L > ] ] 9 9 a 9 a 9 9 ] > 9 a a a 9 > ] 9 9 a 9 a 9 9 d d > > L L L L        a a                z z z c c Ù Ù Ù c L fi fi fi fi fi L Ù Ù c c Ù a a a a a a a a m a m a m a a a a a
80 c c c c c c c c m m m Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c Q z z z z z l > > > > > z P P P P P a c c c c c L z z z z z P > > > d d 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ] 9 a a a a a 9 ] 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ] ] > > > L L L                        z z z z z c c Ù Ù Ù L fi fi fi fi fi L Ù Ù Ù c a a Ù a a a a a a m a m a a a m a a a
c c c c c c c c c c Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c Q Q Q z z z l l l > > > z z z P P P a a a c c c L L L z z z P P P > > ] ] 9 9 a 9 a 9 9 ] ] a a a a a ] ] 9 9 a 9 a 9 9 d d > > > > > L            a a   L   a a    z z z z z Ù c c Ù Ù L fi fi fi fi fi L c Ù Ù a a Ù a a a a a m a a a m a m a a a m a
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c Ù Ù Ù c c Q Q Q z z z l l l > > > z z z P P P a a a c c c L L L z z z P P P > > d d 9 9 a 9 a 9 9 ] ] a P a a a ] ] 9 9 a 9 a 9 9 ] ] > > > > > >   a a        a a   L   a a   z z z z z z z Ù c c L L L fi fi fi L L L c a a Ù a a a a a a a a a a m a m a a a a a
c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c c c Ù c c Ù Q Q Q z z z l l l > > > z z z P P P a a a c c c L L L z z z P P P > > ] ] 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ] ] a a a a a ] ] 9 9 9 9 9 9 9 ] ] > ] > ] >    a a           L L L      z z z z z z z Ù Ù c L L L fi fi fi L L L c c Ù a a Ù a a a a a a m a m a a a m a a a
Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c c c c c c Q Q Q Q Q z l l l l l > z z z z z P a a a a a c L L L L L z P P P P P > d d d d d d d d d ] d a a a a a ] ] ] d d d d d d d ] ] ] ] ] ]                L L L     z z z z z z z z z Ù c L L L fi fi fi L L L Ù c a a Ù a a a a a a a a a m a m a a a a a
c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c c c c c Q Q Q z l l l l l > z z z z z P a a a a a c L L L L L z P P P P P > ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] a a a a a ] ] ] ] ] ] d ] ] ] ] > ] > ] >         a a     L L L L L    z z z z z z z z z Ù L L L L L fi L L L L L a a Ù a a a a a a a a a a m a m a a a a a
c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c c c c c c c Q z l l l l l > z z z z z P a a a a a c L L L L L z P P P P P > d d d d d d d d d d d a a a a a d d d d d d d d d d d > ] > ] >         a a     L L L L L   z z z z z z z z z z z L L L L L fi L L L L a a Ù a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >               L L L L L L L  z z z z z z z z z z z L L L L L fi L L L L L Ù a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c c c c c c c > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > >               L L L L L L L z z z z z z z z z z z z z L L L L L L L L L L a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a
Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c Ù c c c c c c O O O P O P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P O O P P P O P P O O P P P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O P P O P P O P O O P P O P O P P P O P O O P
90 Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c c c O O P O P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P O O P P P O P P O O P P P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O P P O P P O P O O P P O P O P P P O P O O P
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c P O P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P O O P P P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O P P O P P O P O O P P O P O P P P O P O c c
c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c c c O P O P P O O P P O P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P P O P P O O P P O P O P P O O P P O P P O P O O P P O P O P P P c c c c c
c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c c c c P O P P O O P P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P O O P P O P O P P O O P P O P P O P O O P P O P O P c c c c c c c
c c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c c c c c c c c P P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P O P O P P O O P P O P P O P O O P P O c c c c c c c c c c
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c P O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P O O P P O P P O P O O c c c c c c c c c c c c c
c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c Ù c c c c c c Ù c c c c c c c c c c O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P O P P O c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c
Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c Ù c c c c c c O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O P P O P P c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c
Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù Ù Ù c c Ù Ù Ù c c c c c c c O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c
c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c
100 c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c c

© 2021 Cozy Cabin - Vivienne Powers

The chart shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

86 Stitch Life
 CROSS STITCH
1 2

3 4

Stitch Life 87
 Clare Bray
meet the designer...

@climbinggoatdesigns

About me
My name is Clare Bray, and I’m a cross stitch designer
from Dorset in the UK. I design modern, colourful cross
stitch patterns, stitchalongs, and cross stitch kits in a wide
variety of themes, including pet memorials and animals,
sport, bright rainbows, accurate astronomy, and Christmas,
amongst many others. I’ve been crafting in some form since
I was a child. In addition to making recycled cards, knitting
clothes for my toys, and doing origami, I also did various
children’s tapestry and cross stitch kits.
I got into cross stitch as an adult through my volunteer
work for the charities Post Pals and Love Quilts UK, for
whom I designed charity calendars. Love Quilts UK makes
beautiful cross stitch quilts for seriously ill and disabled
children in the UK. Each square is stitched by a volunteer
“I love to create
cross stitcher and then quilted together by a volunteer quilter.
I spend most of my non-working time looking after and
colourful, modern
having fun with my wonderful elderly toy poodle Jessie.
I love being outdoors in nature as much as possible, and I’m
designs that bring joy
lucky enough to live near the beach and the New Forest on
the south coast of England.
into people’s lives”
I draw my patterns digitally, which is something I really
enjoy. Usually, I become completely absorbed in refining,
changing, redrawing and tweaking the colours of a design
until it’s exactly how I want it. For me, creating pictures
is relaxing, creatively fulfilling, and a journey of discovery.
Like all designers, I have far more ideas than I could ever
produce. I also have a physics degree, so my passion for
astronomy often flows into my designs.
About my work Cross stitching makes people happy, often in difficult
I love to create colourful, modern designs that bring times of their lives, and I want to be part of that as much
joy into people’s lives, and I’m lucky enough to do this as I can. I’m very inspired by some of my friends who are
from home while looking out on my beautiful garden. bedbound and much too ill to work. I find it tough to run
After getting involved with Love Quilts UK as a calendar a business whilst dealing with my long-term illness, but
designer, I inevitably wanted to cross stitch a square. Even seeing them get through each day, year and decade whilst

Clare
though my own health was deteriorating rapidly, stitching staying positive and loving is incredibly inspiring.
a tiny bit of my square each day and seeing it grow made
me feel like I was achieving something. After completing
a few squares, I moved onto designing my own patterns
for others, which set me on the path to opening my cross
stitch design shop.

88 Stitch Life

My project to make

COLOURS OF AUTUMN
For this project, I wanted to create a cute and fun
design that incorporates the colours and motifs of
autumn. The design is based on the outdoor joys of
CROSS STITCH
this season, with its rich colours, wildlife, fruit and,
of course, crunching through those golden
autumn leaves!

Stitch Life 89
 Colours of autumn
Clare Bray

SIZE: THREADS:
Size in stitches: 101 x 134 Anchor Stranded Cotton
Size on 14-count fabric: 7.21 x 9.57 inches
or 18.32 x 24.31cm
00002 00010 00046 00047 00234
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
YOU WILL NEED:
• 14-count aida cross stitch fabric 00240 00242 00244 00310 00323
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1
• Medium-sized hoop
• Round-end embroidery needle, no. 24
• Scissors 00324 00326 00330 00359 00362
x1 x1 x1 x1 x1

STITCHES:
00387 00403 01045 01046
Cross stitch (see Stitch Library page 100) x1 x1 x1 x1

Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 101)

90 Stitch Life
 CROSS STITCH

Stitch Life 91
 Colours of autumn
GETTING STARTED
DOWNLOAD CHART
Centre the hoop securely over the fabric
AND KEY
(see page 100).

50 40 30 20 10 10 20 30 40 50

         
                             
                                   
                                         
                                             
                                         
        
60                                   
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                                                                             
                                                                              
                                                                                

50                                                                                
                                                                          
                                                                       
                                                       
                                          
                                      
                                  
                 
                       
              
                             
            
                          

40 

 
  






  






 
    

     
    
    
    
    
                     
                             
                               
                               
                           
                              
                                    
                                  
    
30
                           
                              
                               
                              
                         
                         
                         
                        
                            
                            

20                              
                                      
                                           
                                                   
                                                        
                                                         
                                                            
                                                          
                                                             
                                                              

10                                                       
                                           
                                     
                                            
                                                  
                                                        
                                                               
                                                                
     

       

                                                  
                                                                  
                                                            
                                                    
                                       
                                   
                              
                                              
                                                
                                                  
                                       
                                     
 
10                                          
                                            
                                                
                                                     
                                                      
                                                       
                                                        
                                                            
                                                                  
                                                                            

20   
                                                                              
                                                                                  
                                                                       
                                         
                      
              
   
      
             
                      

30                               
                                       
                                                
                                                    
                                                     
                                                   
                                                                      
                                                                 
                                                                   
                                                                      
   
40                                                                 
                                                         
                                                         
                                                 
                                                 
                                         
                                 
                    
                     
              
     
50
       
                      
                           
                                 
                                       
                                             
                                                           
                                                            
                                                              
                                                                

60                                                                     
                                                                      
                                                                    
                                                                 
                                                            
                                                   
                                   
                       

70

Page 1 Colours of Autumn ©Climbing Goat Designs

The chart shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

92 Stitch Life
 CROSS STITCH

Stitch Life 93
 Tatiana Romero
meet the designer...

@mimaletalila
About me
I am Venezuelan and live in Mexico City. I have been
crafting since I was a child, but I started to cross stitch
about 12 years ago when a co-worker introduced me to
it. Since then, I have taught myself. I started by searching
on the Internet for cross stitch tutorials and the best
materials to use. I spent a lot of time reading instructions
on designers’ websites and magazines. I practised a lot. All
of my friends and family have some of my embroidery
from those early days!
When I design, I do it in my small embroidery area,
a minimalist space decorated with pale colours and with
only a few things displayed. I like everything to be properly
stored out of sight. I like to embroider on the living room
sofa or on the bed listening to the TV.
I love nature. I have a photo album with pictures that
I take of all the flowers, butterflies and animals that I see
outdoors. I am also a bird watcher, and I like to walk and
“Anything in nature that
keep a written record of the birds that I’ve seen. I also
like sewing and writing.
I think I can capture in
cross stitch inspires me.”

About my work
I work with cheerful, colourful palettes following modern
and cosy designs that allow me to add new cross stitches
to my designs. I believe that cross stitch can still be a part
of modern crafts. I enjoy seeing how each stitch builds
up the design. I love the details that make the skill of
embroidery perfect. My style is focused on what I like to
enjoy in my real life—nature—in harmonious and happy
the colours that represent it. I make a pencil sketch that
I colour with crayons so that I can study the colours
that I want to focus on. Finally, I take it to the digital
design programme that I use. Throughout the process,
I’m constantly correcting details.
Anything in nature that I think I can capture in
cross stitch inspires me. When I first started, I was also
captivated with Blackbird designs. I fell in love with the
subtlety of their colour palette and the use of nature in

Tati
colours.
When I begin a new design, I focus on a motif and their designs: www.blackbird-designs.com

94 Stitch Life
My project to make

CROSS STITTCH
WINTER IS HERE

Stitch Life 95
 Winter is here
Tatiana Romero

SIZE: THREADS:
Design area: 12.70cm x 21.74cm (5.00" x 8.56") Anchor Stranded Cotton
Stitches: 80 x 137 stitches

00001 00028 00145 00147

YOU WILL NEED: x1 x1 x1 x1

• 25cm x 40cm (10" x 15") piece fabric

16-count aida, off-light-blue colour 00266 00268 00273 00860
x1 x1 x1 x1
• Medium-sized hoop
• Round-end embroidery needle, no. 26
00862 00870 01037 01040 00861
• Scissors x1 x1 x1 x1 x1

Backstitch lines
STITCHES:
Whole cross stitch
00001 00145 01041 01086
Backstitch (see Stitch Library page 101) x1 x1 x1 x1

Anchor Lamé

00301
x1

tip
I find it easier to leave the backstitch to
the end. Then, finally, I make the stitches
with metal threads.

96 Stitch Life
 CROSS STITCH

Stitch Life 97
 GETTING STARTED
Centre the hoop securely over the fabric
(see page 100). DOWNLOAD CHART
AND KEY

The chart shown here is not to scale. Please download for accurate size.

98 Stitch Life
 CROSS STITTCH

Stitch Life 99
 [3] [4]
GETTING STARTED WITH CROSS STITCH

The squares on a cross stitch chart correspond to

the grid created by the holes in the fabric. Each
coloured square represents a single cross stitch.
Sometimes symbols are also included. Use the chart
key to match the thread colours to the design.

Prepare your fabric by ironing it gently. Fold it in four

to locate the centre. It is helpful to mark the centre
with a pin or small stitch. Then, find the centre
square of your chart. This is where you should begin
stitching. One square of the chart represents one
[4]
stitch of the design. [5]
Use a frame or embroidery hoop to keep an even
tension while sewing. [8]
Cut the thread to no more than 50cm in length.
Anchor Stranded Cotton embroidery thread is made
up of six individual strands. Separate the number of
strands needed as indicated on your chart.

Work stitches of the same colour close together

and do not move to areas that are more than 2.5cm
away. Work sideways—from left to right or right to
left—and always stitch and complete the cross in the
same direction. Complete the cross stitches and then
add backstitch if shown on the chart.

How to sew cross stitch

[8]
1. Cross stitch is worked in rows going from left to
1

right. Beginning at the back of the fabric, bring your

[10]
needle up through a hole towards the front. Then
[11]
pass your needle through a hole diagonally opposite
from where you started. This makes a half-cross
stitch (/). Make a second half-cross stitch by bringing
the needle back up through the hole that is directly
below the one you last used. Continue stitching
along the row.

100 Stitch Life

[11] [14]
2. Return back along the row to make a series of
2
half-cross stitches in the other direction.

STITCH LIBRARY
PUNCH LIBRARY
NEEDLE
NEEDLE
CROSS STITCH
PUNCH
STITCH
Fractional stitches

Cross stitch

Half-cross stitch

¾ cross stitch

¼ cross stitch

How to sew backstitch

Backstitch is a single line of stitches used to

add definition to patterns and shapes.

Stitches are usually worked within the main holes

of the fabric, but if you need to outline a shape in
a smaller area, you can make smaller stitches through
the weave.

Stitch Life 101

 GETTING STARTED WITH FREESTYLE

Iron the fabric and place it over the printed pattern.
Trace the design using a pencil or water-soluble
fabric marker. Laying it onto a lightbox or against
a window will help you to see the design clearly
through the fabric.
Use a frame or embroidery hoop to maintain an
even tension on your fabric while stitching. Ideally,
stitch with a 50cm length of thread. Anchor Stranded
Cotton thread is made up of six individual strands.
Separate as required to use the number of strands
stated on the chart/key.
Follow the chart and key, placing the various colours
and stitches. Work stitches of the same shades that
are close together at the same time. Do not move
to areas that are more than 2.5cm away as this
makes subsequent stitching difficult and the thread
may show through. Ensure that you completely
cover the drawn design on the fabric when stitching
as this may also show through.
Follow the step-by-step photos to complete your
freestyle embroidery projects.

Backstitch

This is a single line of stitches used to add definition

to patterns and shapes.

102 Stitch Life

Chain stitch

STITCH LIBRARY
LIBRARY
NEEDLE
STITCH
Chain stitch is a series of loops that form a 

FREESTYLE
chain-like pattern.

PUNCH
CROSS
STITCH
Split stitch

In split stitch stitching, the needle splits the thread of

the previous stitch before it, creating the next stitch.

Stitch Life 103

 Satin stitch

Work a series of parallel straight stitches to completely fill an area.

104 Stitch Life

French knot

STITCH LIBRARY
LIBRARY
NEEDLE
STITCH
French knots are small, dot-like stitches that look like small beads.

FREESTYLE
PUNCH
CROSS
STITCH
Stem stitch

This stitch is often used to outline shapes or create strong lines.

Stitch Life 105

 Lazy daisy stitch

Worked in a similar way to chain stitch, lazy daisy is also known as detached or single chain stitch.

Long and short stitch

Combine long and short stitches to fill in a shape and blend colours

106 Stitch Life

 STITCH LIBRARY
LIBRARY
NEEDLE
STITCH
FREESTYLE
PUNCH
CROSS
STITCH
Straight stitch

Straight stitches can be arranged in groups to make simple shapes, such as flowers, leaves and
geometric designs.

Stitch Life 107

 Fly stitch

Also known as Y-stitch, fly stitch can be worked in rows or individually.

Seed stitch

Evenly scatter small straight stitches to fill an area.

108 Stitch Life

Woven wheel stitch

STITCH LIBRARY
LIBRARY
NEEDLE
STITCH
Sometimes called woven rose stitch, the weaving can be done very tightly to create thick, built-up

FREESTYLE
petals, or it can be woven loosely for a softer, flatter effect. Begin by making an odd number of spokes
of a wheel using straight stitch. Then, weave around, in and out of the spokes until the area is full.

PUNCH
CROSS
STITCH
Fishbone stitch

Ideal for making leaves or feathers, these stitches cross each other at the centre, creating a dense
middle section. Begin with a single straight stitch to mark the centre and then work diagonally from
either side, crossing over the centre stitch until the area is filled.

Stitch Life 109

 LIBRARY
STITCH LIBRARY
NEEDLE
STITCH
FREESTYLE
PUNCH
CROSS
STITCH
Whipped backstitch

This creates a well-defined, smooth line, ideal for lettering and outlines. Start by creating a line of
backstitch and then weave in and out with a second piece of thread.

110 Stitch Life

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Contact us: https://anchorcrafts.com/en/contact

Stitch Life 111

Stitch Life

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