Innholdsfortegnelse for Ultimate Cross Stitch Toys 22 i Ultimate Cross Stitch Toys

Welcome to this extra special collector’s edition of Ultimate Cross Stitch, we’re overjoyed to bring you this fabulous and fun toys themed issue and we hope you love it as much as we do. We’ve chosen designs that will sing out to you and remind you of the toys you played with as a child and which you can now recreate in stitches to gift to your own children or grandchildren. If you’re celebrating a new baby in the family and want to decorate the nursery, there are heaps of ideas here. We love the helicopters mobile, the must-stitch birth sampler and the jungle mobile – they’ll make gifts that’ll be treasured forever. There are designs for older kids too, from cute bag charms to adorable mice-in-a-box, they’re never too…

Worked mainly in whole cross stitches, with just a little backstitch to add detail, stitching this fun design will be a breeze. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or looking to take on your first larger project, this sampler is ideal for stitchers of all abilities, so why not grab your tools (or needle and thread, as we like to call them!) and try it out? Choose to stitch the whole chart, or simply pick out motifs to create super-cool cards and tags for birthdays and more. In fact, you’d better keep this crew of customisable robots somewhere safe, as they’re sure to come to your rescue on more than one occasion. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white…

Teddy bears are so important to children, and they’ll usually have a favourite that they take everywhere with them. They love nothing better than dressing up their favourite teds and using their toys to create a teddy bears’ picnic like the one in this scene. This make-believe story is so wonderful for the kids – and fun for the grownups too. That’s why most children would love to receive this adorable picture as a gift to hang on their wall, as they live out the enjoyable scene over and over again using their imaginations. Lesley’s design is full of bright colours and fun little details too, which will make it a joy to stitch. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle…

Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 2-10 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Level: Beginner/advanced beginner You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring a maximum of 15x15cm (6x6in) for most designs “I’ve included all sorts of designs you can use for a variety of occasions in this set, from birthdays and thank yous to weddings and graduations.” Jane Henderson, designer Tip These mini motifs are small enough to pop in your handbag, so you can work on them when you’re out and about Tip Tr y using metallic threads to add a touch of sparkle to your bear designs 3 gift ideas 1Repeat stitch your favourite selection of bears designs to create…

Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 3-5 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Level: Beginner You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida 12cm (4_in) high x desired width Extras: Buttons and bag of choice Baby blocks ABC key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 33 high x 31 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 6x6cm (2_x2_in) These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton “This ABC will make a nice name plaque to go above a baby’s cot, and you can always change the colours to suit the paint and wallpaper in the nursery.” Katriel Costello, editor Tip These toy blocks are the right size to make great gift tags – just stitch the appropriate initial…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 12x12cm (4¾x4¾in) for each design Extras: Medium-weight iron-on interfacing, felt of your choice from local craft stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 4-6 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots Level: Beginner/advanced beginner How to make the puppets When your stitched piece is complete, cut the aida fabric, as shown. Using pinking shears, cut two pieces of felt, bigger than the stitched piece. By hand or using the sewing machine, stitch the completed motifs onto one piece of the felt fabric. Using matching thread, whip stitch two pieces of felt together, leaving the bottom side unstitched. Tip Use felt fabric in bright, bold colours for…

Folk art is beautiful to look at and these cute little Russian dolls are no exception. Line up these pretty dolls in a row, as we did here, or make them each up separately into single decorations. These dolls also make adorable cards, particularly for loved ones with a keen interest in Russian culture, although proper fans may insist you call them Matryoshka dolls. Whichever name you know them as, we’re sure you’ll be thrilled to recreate them in stitches. Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 2-9 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch Level: Beginner You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring a maximum of 20x15cm (7¾x6in) for each design Extras: Backing fabric, Kreinik…

Your materials With just a few essentials, you’ll be all set to stitch straightaway… Fabrics You’ll need either aida or evenweave for your design: Aida Great for: Beginners, as it has regular woven blocks and obvious holes. Aida is stiffer than evenweave so keeps its shape better. 14-count is the most common. Bad for: Fractional stitches. If you stitch a design with fractional stitches on aida, you’ll have to make an extra hole in the fabric, using a sharp needle. Evenweave Great for: Fractional stitches and a neat finish. This fabric is softer than aida, with a finer weave and more threads per inch – 28-count is the most common. On evenweave, you work a cross stitch over two threads of the fabric, so you have a central hole spare…

Durene’s sweet nursery scene is such a delight to stitch, complete with pretty wallpaper in the background, and the cutest teddy waving hello. Taking centre stage though is the charming rocking horse, decorated in a bold, bright folk art style. We love the way the border of this design echoes the decorative elements of the horse, creating a beautiful backdrop that ties the piece together. Using a variety of techniques and plenty of clever shading, this would make a great project for beginners who may be looking to expand their stitching skills. Perfect as a gift for someone special, or for your own little one’s nursery wall, give it a go! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric:14-count white aida…

Children always seem fascinated with dinosaurs, it must be because they are so enormous and so ancient. And yet, thanks to the wonderfully preserved dinosaur bones that survive to this day, we have quite a good idea of what they looked like. We’re not convinced the dinosaurs in Lucie’s sampler would scare too many people if they walked the earth today – they are far too cuddly to be menacing. Lucie’s colourful dinosaur alphabet is stitched on 28-count white evenweave and, although quite large, this dino design is simple to stitch and suitable for stitchers of all abilities. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring 53x46cm (20¾x18¼in) Extras: Frame of your choice with a minimum aperture…

Lesley’s bears are big and strong but cuddly too, as they dangle a little ted on their knee. This adorable collection of bear cards is just right to celebrate dad, on Father’s Day, on their birthday, or just because. Worked in a total of 23 shades of cotton on 28-count evenweave fabric, the designs are stitched in cross stitch and backstitch with just a couple of French knots, so they are suitable for intermediate stitchers. Quick to stitch, you could work one of the greetings for your own father, and help the younger ones make one for their dad too. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Extras: Square aperture cards…

There must be a hundred ways to enjoy an afternoon in the garden, so we’re celebrating with these adorable cards featuring teds carrying out our favourite outdoor activities. From potting pansies to relaxing in a deckchair, they’re just right for gardening grandparents and green-fingered friends. You could even stitch one to wish a colleague well in their retirement, or if your dad’s handy with a lawnmower, treat him to a card for Father’s Day. They’re quick and easy to stitch and make the perfect project to complete in an afternoon. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 15x15cm (6x6in) for each design Extras: Square aperture cards of choice from local stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count clear plastic canvas measuring 10x10cm (4x4in) for each design Extras: Wooden dowel rods, paint, cord and cardstock of choice from local stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 4-6 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, backstitch Level: Beginner “Each smiling little helicopter has a personality all of its own and together they make a lovely mobile to hang from a bedroom ceiling.” Hannah Erskine, charting assistant Helicopters key MAXIMUM STITCH COUNT 35 high x 41 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 6.5x7.5cm (2½x3in) These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton…

With four fab fish and even a stitchy box to keep them in, this game will be a pleasure to create and entertain. Help little ones hook a fish or two, developing hand-eye coordination and catching something fun as well. Worked on 14-count white aida in simple stitches, this game will be a breeze for you to make and it shouldn’t take long to finish. This is a fantastic gift idea too – customise the colours and number of fish to suit. No rainy day or school holiday will be complete without this cheery game. It’s sure to become a well-loved childhood treasure for the little ones in your life. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida…

What little one doesn’t love dressing up, especially when it’s as their favourite animal? Keeping kids occupied at a birthday bash can often be tricky, but these masks are a great way to get their attention. You could put on some face paints to match the masks or even have a petthemed party. Worked in whole stitches and backstitch only, these straightforward designs are a great way to get kids stitching, plus the sturdy plastic canvas is the ideal canvas for little fingers to learn on. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count clear plastic canvas measuring 15x20cm (6x8in) for each design Extras: Ribbon of choice from local stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 10-12 hours each Type of…

This traditional toy box design is a fun picture to stitch because it will bring back memories of yesteryear. Although the modern toys that kids have to play with these days are great, we still have a soft spot for old-fashioned toys, especially soft toys and wooden toys like alphabet blocks and train sets. From the rag doll to the soldier, the drum to the doll’s house, these classics should still find a place in any nursery. The design uses whole cross stitch and fractionals, plus some backstitch for added detail. Complete the backstitch once you’ve finished the whole stitch for the smoothest finish. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 35x42cm (14x16_in) Extras: Frame and…

You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 3in wide 14-count white aida band cut to the required length Extras: Backing fabric of choice from local stores Stitching Factbox Stitching time: Approx 3-4 hours each Type of stitches: Cross stitch, backstitch, French knots Level: Advanced beginner Working the backstitch The backstitch is worked in one strand of dark grey thread. Check the chart to make sure you have the correct placement of the stitches. Always make sure you have an even fabric tension, so that the thread sits neatly and is neither too loose or too tight. Dangle your needle regularly so that the thread untwists itself. How to make a French knot 1 Bring your needle up through the fabric.…

Three little teds sit in a row, dressed in finery, ready for a day filled with play. Wearing a sailor suit, a polka dot dress and a smart bow tie and waistcoat the three bears are great friends and like nothing better than playing with their boat, building blocks and drum. This adorable row of heirloom teddy bears is stitched on 14-count white aida using a palette of 31 different shades of stranded cotton in whole cross stitch, fractionals and backstitch. It will make a wonderful present for a new arrival. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white aida measuring 38x56cm (15x22in) Extras: Frame and mount of your choice with a minimum aperture of 25x43cm (10x17in) Stitching Factbox…

This beautiful baby sampler will make a unique gift to hang in pride of place in a nursery. It’s a sweet picture, featuring all of baby’s soon-to-be favourite toys, including bunny and teddy, with plenty of space at the bottom of the design to stitch the baby’s name, birth date and weight. Birth samplers are great projects to work on, as you know the baby’s parents will treasure them. This is a decent size to make a fine display on the nursery wall, but it doesn’t take too long as there aren’t many fractionals to work. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave, measuring 37x44cm (14½x17¼in) Extras: Backing fabric, dowel rod and ribbon of choice Stitching Factbo…

This fun design will appeal to your inner child, especially if you remember train journeys as being incredibly exciting events. If you were the kind of child who wondered where the train went after you got off and would maybe invent stories about each passenger – where they were going and why, then this design will sing out to you. Young imaginations can come up with such fantastic tales, so we hope you and your children have lots of fun making up stories about these friendly characters. The different animals in each carriage are very loveable but our favourite has to be the gorgeous elephant with his spotty bow! You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring…

There’s nothing children love more than toys, and they are the perfect thing with which to decorate a birth sampler. And what a great excuse to cast your mind back to the days of the classic playthings we loved as children – charming wooden soldiers, stuffed vintage toys, faithful teddy bears and a dazzling spinning top. Lucie wanted everyone to be able to enjoy this sampler, so she kept the design simple, using only whole stitches, and she has kept the colours to traditional tones to evoke a delightful sense of nostalgia. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 28-count white evenweave measuring 46x42cm (18x16½in) Extras: Frame and mount of your choice with a minimum aperture of 31x27cm (12¼x11in) Stitching…

Worked in bright primary colours, both of Diane’s eye-catching alphabets are sure to win over children of all ages. As each letter is added on behind the main vehicle, you can easily make the finished design as long or as short as you like, depending on how you choose to use it. You could create a fun birthday card with a single initial, patch a name onto a pencil case like we have, or even make a personalised sign for a toy box or bedroom door. Whatever your level of stitching expertise, it’ll be easy to whizz through each motif and you’ll be full steam ahead in no time at all. You will need Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle Fabric: 14-count white…