Innholdsfortegnelse for Summer 2025 i CrossStitcher

WE DON’T KNOW anyone who can resist bringing home a few seashells or pebbles from a walk on a beach. It is so easy to get absorbed when you are walking along the waters’ edge, spotting interesting bits and bobs swept in by the tide. An unusual shell, or even better a pebble with a hole through it, is a real prize to tuck in your pocket. They make an inspiring theme for our homes too. With this in mind, we asked designer Durene Jones to inspire us with a stitched shell collection to frame. We hope you like our cover project (starting on page 24), and how the favourite shells are stitched individually and added to the compartments in a beautiful, special frame. The coastal theme continues with a wonderful…

WEDDINGS SUMMER IS A season for weddings, so we’ve dusted off the confetti to find some fabulous makes for the happy couple… WHO Emma Congdon is the designer of this pretty Just Married - Customisable Wedding Cross Stitch Pattern. The design only uses five colours so is perfect if you want to swap those to suit the colour scheme of the couple. It also includes a full alphabet and letter set to allow you to customise it. It measures 42 stitches wide x 51 stitches high. www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Stitchrovia WHAT It Must Be Love is a new Bothy Threads kit worked on 14 count Ice Blue Zweigart aida using pre-sorted stranded cottons. The design uses cross stitch, backstitch and French knots and the kit also includes beads, sequins and a clear stitch diagram…

Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 67 high x 67 wide Design size: 12.5x12.5cm (47⁄8x47⁄8in) Stitch time: 7 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials Sampedro White 14 count aida; 16x16cm (6¼x6¼in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Ship’s wheel charm• Yellow mini buttons, x 4• Wooden drink stirrers, x 2 Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com Make a… hanger Step 1 WORK the design in the centre of the aida, using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch and French knots. Step 2 SEW the four small yellow buttons onto the corners of the mini sampler, and the ship’s wheel to the front of the beach hut. Step 3 TURN the unstitched aida around…

For the summer issue we have designed a bonus mouse for you to make as a card or keepsake for a summer birthday. This is not part of the Mouse’s Year, which will be back next issue (424), with the seventh mouse – July Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 46 high x 46 wide Design size: 8.5x8.5cm (31⁄4x 31⁄4in) Stitch time: 5 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. How to… join our Stitch-A-Long Our Mouse’s Year monthly calendar runs from January 25 to December 25, with a bonus design in this issue, that is not part of the bigger sampler. Over the year we will be bringing you 12 seasonal designs, plus this bonus design for summer, that can be used for cards and keepsakes for…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 48 high x 38 wide Design size: 9x7cm (3½x2¾in) Stitch time: 7 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. If you find these designs too cute to part with, you could always frame and hang them as a set of mini pictures instead! Make an… aperture card Step 1 WORK using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch, and one strand for the backstitch as indicated on the chart. 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…

For Melanie Couffe, colour has always been more than just an aesthetic choice – it’s part of her family history and the thread that ties her creative life together. Born in the UK to a French mother and English father, Melanie grew up between two cultures that shaped not only where she lives but how she creates. Now based in France, she pours this cross-cultural blend into every part of her business Tom & Lily Creations – from vibrant blackwork patterns to her signature hand-dyed threads and fabrics. Looking back Melanie can see that creativity runs deep in her family. Across generations, relatives have expressed themselves across a vast number of creative industries. “Colour and crafting are in our DNA,” Melanie says. “Everyone used it in their own way–it’s always…

Designed by: Maria Diaz Max. stitch count: 49 high x 39 wide Design size: 9x7cm (31⁄2x2¾in) Stitch time: 61⁄2 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. We used Zweigart Light Blue 14 count aida for all of our animal cards Before mounting your cross stitch in a card, iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles or creases TURN TO PAGE 23 FOR HOW TO MOUNT YOUR WORK IN AN APERTURE CARD Pull out this collection to add to your stitching library of designs! Materials For each card • Zweigart Light Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/503, 15x11cm (6x41⁄4in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Card blank, with a 10x8cm (4x31⁄8in) rectangular aperture Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com 8 CARD AND FABRIC PACK…

THE CHALLENGE • 14 count white aida• 7 shades of DMC stranded cotton (shown above)• Two beads or buttons for the centre THE RULES • Create a biscornu with a summer theme• The design must be no larger than 50 x 50 stitches• Only the materials above can be used• Be creative as possible! Biscornus are a stalwart item in many a cross stitcher’s workbox. So this month, we’ve invited three designers to create a biscornu that’s suitable for the summer. Bright colours were the order of the day, so they also had to stick to only the seven shades of stranded cotton we selected for them. Check out their beautiful results below – we’ve included a pattern for each design so you can stitch your favourite! We hope this…

THE ESSENTIAL KIT YOU’LL NEED TO START STITCHING FABRICS Aida is the ideal choice for cross stitch beginners – it is a block-weave fabric, which is divided into squares with a grid of holes. Each cross stitch is worked over one square. Aida comes in a range of sizes which are called counts. So 14 count means that there are 14 squares to the inch and this will make 14 cross stitches. Aida also comes in 16, 18 and 20 count. The larger the number, the more stitches to the inch and so the smaller the design will stitch up. Evenweave is a woven grid of threads in a finer count. Each stitch is usually worked over two threads, so a 28 count evenweave with each stitch worked over two…

ISSUE 424 JULY 2025 On sale 10 June Inside this month ♥ Green Fingers: summer greenhouse scene ♥ Berry Nice: pretty strawberry box pincushion ♥ Flower Power: beautiful summer blooms cushion ♥ Sunny Side: Cute sunshine-themed card set YOUR EXCLUSIVE KIT! Your kit contains everything you need to make a nautical pincushion… STOCKISTS WANTED! If you are an independent stitching shop, and would like to stock CrossStitcher magazine, please email NikkiM@warnersgroup.co.uk for more details.…

Country Life Homebodies and anyone dreaming of country living are going to love Countryside Cross Stitch by Tania Santarelli. Celebrating the beauty of nature and country life through a collection of delightful patterns, the book features designs inspired by farm life, gardens and various hobbies, aiming to bring you joy and creativity as you stitch. It focuses on simplicity, with most patterns created mainly using only whole cross stitches and minimal backstitching, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced stitchers looking to beautify their homes. Countryside Cross Stitch by Tania Santarelli, published by Tuva Publishing, ISBN 9786057834843, is out now! SEW-CIAL CIRCLE TIME TO TREAT yourself to some mega stitching goodies! Bothy Threads have announced the release of their great-value 2025 Bothy Sew-cial Club box, featuring an exclusive cross…

For this summer issue, we have brought you three floral kits on 11 count aida for those wanting to progress their cross stitch skills by working a larger project. All the kits are by Trimits, and all have flowers as a theme. Bicycle has a finished size of 41.5x31cm, Lilacs is 32.5x39.5cm, and Floral Heart is 28x28cm. Bicycle and Lilacs are both fully stitched, whereas the Floral heart is not. We suggest you use a frame to secure your aida while stitching. All three kits contain white 11 count aida, and all come with stranded cotton, needle and pre-sorted thread, plus a chart and key. Three lovely designs available: Bicycle – a pretty floral scene with a bicycle in front of a house selling buckets of garden flowers. Ref: GCS189…

Hullo! I’m not sure if you suffer from the same affliction, but there’s a particular kind of optimism that strikes me when I’m packing for my summer holidays. A kind of bold, beautiful self-delusion that says, “I will read my book, finish this cross-stitch project, do yoga every morning, and fit in all the sights, sounds and activities available! How relaxed I shall be!” This kind of thinking sits next to “I’ll pack a set of fancy clothes, just in case”. This summer, I’m off on a camping adventure for just under a week, nothing extravagant. The goal is to unplug, enjoy nature, spend time with good friends, and do whatever I’m drawn to in the moment. So naturally, my brain tells me I should pack three-quarters of my hobbies…

Designed by: Cheryl McKinnon Stitch count: 20 high x 50 wide Design size: 4x7.5cm (11⁄2x3in) Stitch time: 4 hours This design was stitched on 32 count evenweave over two threads of fabric. Make a… zipped purse Step 1 FOLD the evenweave in half lengthways, bringing the raw edges together. On one side, measure up 1cm (3⁄8in) from the fold, and start stitching the bottom row of the design at this point. Use two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one strand for the backstitch and French knots. Step 2 FOLD over the top of the stitched side of the evenweave onto the wrong side by 1.25cm (1⁄2in). Press the fold in place. Working from the outside of the purse, place the fold on top of the closed…

Designed by: Durene Jones Max. stitch count: 39 x 40 small; 40 x 85 large Max. design size: 7x7cm (23⁄4x23⁄4in) small; 15.5x7cm (61⁄8x23⁄4in) large Stitch time: 42 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. *See ‘The Key’ on page 79. Extract a favourite shell motif to stitch separately as a mini picture or card How to… finish your printer’s tray TRIM each design carefully to fit, making sure the stitching is in the centre, and removing one row of aida at a time to get a perfect fit. Place each design in the tray and then, using double-sided tape or spray adhesive, stick the designs in place. Materials •Zweigart Ice Blue 14 count aida, ref: Z03706/0550; 46x46cm (18x18in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Printer’s…

We asked our fans on Facebook, “How do you like to organise the threads in your stash?” DELENE KERR Mine are all wound onto bobbins. I keep them in a double-sided plastic container which takes the full set of DMC. The threads are arranged in colour and then in number order. I can carry the box with me and know I have all the colours that I will need together. For a project, I pull the required bobbins and keep these in a smaller container and when the project is finished, slot them back in the bigger box LYNN WILLMORE In my drawers. I don’t use bobbins or floss drops for DMC threads as I’d rather spend the time stitching. I personalised the two bottom sets of drawers with scrapbook…

Prize crossword Across 1 The ---Roundabout, classic kids TV show (5) 8 Type of embroidery with cutwork, often using white thread (9) 9 Crash together with force (7) 10 Beg (5) 11 Very unusual (4) 12 Narrow Norwegian sea inlet (5) 17 Mount ---, stiff backing used for framing embroidery (5) 18 Small mountain? (4) 22 Miley ---, US singer (5) 23 BBQ favourite made of seasoned meat (7) 24 Hot water bath used in delicate cooking (4,5) 25 In poor taste or slightly sticky (5) Down 1 Freddie ---, Queen’s legendary frontman (7) 2 Art exhibition space (7) 3 Group of singers (5) 4 French cheese (4) 5 Undead creature that feeds on blood (7) 6 Concur (5) 7 Woman about to be married (5) 13 Jam container (3) 14 Eat (7) 15 Doomed…

THREAD STORAGE CABINET I was gifted a thread cabinet and am now super organised, my threads are kept in number order so I can easily find what I need. I have gotten very good at instinctively knowing which drawer to find a specific colour – I can do it with my eyes closed. TABLET Using a tablet allows me to stitch from a digital file rather than printing off my patterns, it’s so easy to zoom in and see the detail. Plus, you can’t accidentally rip or lose a page! ITCHY STITCHY THREADS I mix and match my threads depending on the project, but am now using Itchy Stitchy’s Stranded Cotton. It is 100% Egyptian cotton and is so lovely and soft to use, the pastel colour range is amazing!…

Pay just £59.99 annually and receive three exclusive sets of Spring Stranded Cotton Collection threads as a welcome gift. EXCLUSIVE OFFER! NOT AVAILABLE ELSEWHERE! bit.ly/CROS-SPRING25 SCAN ME *T&Cs Apply: Print subscription with x3 spring threads available to UK addresses when paying Direct Debit or Continuous Card Payment (CPA). Colour of threads may vary. While stocks last. Print copies will be mailed to you when released. Offer ends 21.06.2025…

MERRY STITCHMAS EMMA CONGDON [David & Charles] Deck the halls with 24 contemporary patterns from regular CrossStitcher designer Emma Congdon. This modern take on festive stitching offers easy-to-follow colour charts, step-by-step instructions, and photos to inspire your creativity. It’s a more modern and fun alternative to traditional cross-stitch books, providing quick gift ideas and ensuring a joyful crafting experience that will delight for years to come. PAINT WITH THREAD: IN THE GARDEN EMILLIE FERRIS [David & Charles] Emillie Ferris’s second book celebrates embroidery through thread painting, a technique that creates realistic effects with long and short stitches. This richly illustrated guide offers a step-by-step introduction, advice on materials, and nine exclusive garden-inspired patterns featuring her signature motifs such as flowers, birds, and butterflies. It includes high-quality iron-on templates for easy transfer, presented…

Dive into a world of creative patterns, expert tips, and inspiring projects that will keep you entertained during the spring months. MASTER YOUR CRAFT: Elevate your skills with expert tips, step-by-step tutorials, and insider secrets. Create stunning masterpieces with the guidance of seasoned stitchers. PERFECT FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS: Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting, CrossStitcher Magazine caters to all. Find projects that match your skill and style in your stitching paradise. Why should I choose digital? A digital subscription is a super money-saving, inflation-busting option! The ideal choice if you’re looking for even more exclusive cross stitching content. Indulge in your ‘stitching passion wherever you are. Remember, you’ll own the issues you purchase! Take a look at all the great offers we have waiting for you… bit.ly/CROSPM SCAN…

Designed by: Faye Walsh  Max. stitch count: 42 high x 42 wide  Max. design size: 7.5x7.5cm (3x3in)  Stitch time: 5 hours each These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Zweigart Platinum 14 count aida, ref: 3706/770; 20x20cm (8x8in) x 3• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Wooden embroidery hoop; 10cm (4in) diameter x 3 Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com You can buy a pack containing 4in wooden hoops and the aida needed to create your three teacup designs on page 10, or go to www.willowfabrics.com to order How to… frame your work in a hoop Step 1 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…

The colours of this design coordinate nicely with a plain wooden frame Designed by: Emma Congdon Stitch count: 139 high x 141 wide Design size: 25.5x25.5cm (10x10in) Stitch time: 75 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. This design would also make a great cushion cover, and the finished cushion would be ideal to add a cosy touch to a campervan or caravan! Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida; 50x50cm (191⁄2x191⁄2in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Frame with a 30.5x30.5cm (12x12in) aperture• Mount board to fit frame  Materials available from www.willowfabrics.com How to… frame a picture Step 1 CUT a piece of white mount board to fit inside your frame. Place your design centrally over the mount board and pin…

Penny lives in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan in Canada. Her city straddles two provinces, Saskatchewan and Alberta. She’s been subscribing to CrossStitcher for five years now and confesses to be completely hooked on cross stitch, and can be found stitching most days… “I started doing embroidery when I was younger,” Penny recalls. “The first project I remember working on, was a peach-coloured apron that my Mom ironed a pattern onto and I embroidered. I think I still have that apron too. I was also in a youth group that had an embroidery club. I then found a cross stitch kit that I enjoyed doing it and have been hooked on cross stitch ever since. After that, I dove into the cross stitch world, I just like seeing the pattern evolve. “What I…

Travel through a world of flavours with our charming kitchen herbs sampler! Celebrate the freshness of classic herbs grown in the garden, from chives to parsley and dill. Capture the essence of each herb using blending threads and intricate French knots. This project is perfect for those who want to create a special sampler for their kitchen while challenging their stitching skills. It would also make a wonderful gift! Designed by: Amanda Butler Stitch count: 178 high x 118 wide Design size: 32.5x21.5cm (123⁄4x81⁄2in) Stitch time: 47 hours This design was stitched on 14 count aida fabric. Materials • Sampedro White 14 count aida;50x40cm (191⁄2x153⁄4in)• Stranded cotton as listed in the key• Size 24 tapestry needle• Frame with a 34x24cm (133⁄8x91⁄2in) aperture• Mount board to fit frame Materials available from…

SHOW OFF WHAT OR WHERE YOU STITCH… WE’D love to see what or where you stitch on your break. Send to crossstitcher@warnersgroup.co.uk with TEA BREAK as the subject. If you’re featured you’ll receive a mystery prize! ISSUE 421’S TEA BREAK WINNER “I’ve been enjoying working on a CrossStitcher cake alphabet letter on my teabreaks, which I’m going to use to mount as a card and send to my sister Sarah on her birthday!” Kay Parsons, Northumberland My ice cream chart does not have a key, so that you can use up odd ends of stranded cotton leftover from other projects “Summer is the nicest time of the year for most. We are lucky enough to live close to the coast, and so it was inevitable that one of our children…