Alphabet sampler

Download the plan as a PDF here.

Design size: About 20.5 x 19.5cm

Gather your supplies 50cm square piece of Zweigart Floba 25-count evenweave fabric in Natural (colour 53); DMC Linen thread 2 skeins of L223; 1 skein each of L778 and L3013; size 24 tapestry needle

Tree of hearts

Design size: 50 x 24cm

Gather your supplies 80 x 55cm piece of Zweigart Floba 25-count evenweave fabric in Natural (colour 53);   DMC threads: two of 321 (Stranded Cotton) and one of E703 (Light Effects Jewels) plus gold metaalic thread; size 24 tapestry needle

Stockists
DMC Linen, Metallic and stranded cotton threads; Zweigart Floba 25-count evenweave fabric in Natural (Article No. 3988.140.53), Radda, (02) 9559 3088 or email cservice@radda.com.au
Framing by Raymond’ s Framing, (02) 9955 4435.

General instructions
Note:
Refer to instructions and graph for your chosen project to check variations to the following:

1 Finish the raw edges of the fabric with a zigzag stitch on the sewing machine or whip-stitch by hand to prevent fraying while you work.

2 Each square on the graph represents a cross-stitch and each symbol represents the correct colour to use.
3 Mark the horizontal and vertical centre lines on the graph and baste the centre lines on the fabric. Don’ t use dark colours to baste on light fabrics as the dye can rub off onto the fabric. Start work at the centre.

4 An embroidery hoop keeps the fabric taut while you stitch, thereby keeping your stitching even. A hoop is not essential, but you may prefer to use one. If you use a hoop you will be working with a stab-stitch making each half cross-stitch in two movements.

5 Following the graph and using a tapestry needle, embroider the motifs in cross-stitch working each cross over two fabric threads (for linen) or one fabric square if using Aida using two strands of cotton or as specified for each project. Always work the cross-stitches in the same direction.

6 When all cross-stitching is complete, work any outlines in backstitch using one strand of cotton, unless otherwise specified.

7 Always press the embroidery from the wrong side with the right side of the work face down on a well-padded surface, such as a folded towel to avoid flattening the stitches. Place a damp cloth over the embroidery and press with the flat of an iron – don’ t sweep the iron back and forth, as this will distort the fabric and your stitches.

8 When you have completed the project and you are ready to have it framed, ask the framer to use a mat board as this will keep the glass from resting on your embroidery. Alternatively, if you prefer not to use a mat board, the framer may be able to use spacers to prevent the glass from touching your embroidery.

TIP: To avoid distorting your fabric, use a “ stick and stab” method. Pull the threaded needle straight up through the fabric then push it straight down through the fabric to maintain an even tension.

TIP: Begin stitching by coming up through the fabric to the right side. Leave a 2cm tail on the wrong side, catching the tail with the first few cross stitches. To end the thread, run the needle under a few cross stitches on the wrong side then, for a neat finish, clip the thread closely.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens December 2005

NOTE: You will need the FREE Acrobat Reader to download this PDF.
Visit www.adobe.com

If you still have trouble, just post in a $1 stamped self addressed C4 sized envelope to:

Christmas cross-stitch, Better Homes and Gardens,
Private Bag 9600 North Sydney NSW 2059