Immediate Media - Modern Folk-Art Cross Stitch: 50+ Designs, 11 Projects, 15 Bonus Gift Ideas

Publisher: Amy Barrett-Daffin

Creative Director/Editorial Compiler: Gailen Runge

Acquisitions Editor: Roxane Cerda

Managing Editor: Liz Aneloski

Cover/Book Designer: April Mostek

Production Coordinator: Zinnia Heinzmann

Production Editor: Alice Mace Nakanishi

The projects are from the following magazines, all from Immediate Media Company Bristol Ltd: Cross Stitch Crazy (Boho Chic, Strike a Balance, 50 Folk-Art Designs and Gift Ideas)Cross Stitch Gold (General Instructions, Lively and Seasonal*, Words of Wisdom)The World of Cross Stitching (Birds and Berries, Bold and Beautiful, Bright and Beautiful, Bright As a Button, Cosy and Colourful, Crazy Like a Fox, King of the Jungle)

*Original project title in magazine: Bright and Beautiful

Published by C&T Publishing, Inc., P.O. Box 1456, Lafayette, CA 94549

Crazy Like a Fox

Combine two top trends in one designthe ornate detail of folk art and our favourite woodland animal, the fox!

DESIGN BY DURENE JONES

Factbox

Stitching time: Approx. 30 hours

Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch

Ease of stitching: Beginner

KEY

SHOPPING LIST

Fabric: Charles Craft 14-count light oatmeal aida, measuring 28 23cm (11 9)

Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key

Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle

Extras: Frame of your choice with a minimum aperture, measuring 22 27cm (8 10)

WHETHER ITS DECORATING the side of a vintage gypsy caravan or embroidered onto a bohemian-style dress, traditional folk art is a style weve long admired. With its whimsical, decorative details, it works perfectly in cross stitch, so we couldnt wait to bring you this fabulous folky fox design by Durene Jones!

Worked in just twelve nature-inspired shades, this quirky project is suitable for stitchers of all abilities. Those with a bit more experience will fly through the whole cross stitches that make up the main body of the fox, then you can concentrate on adding all those beautiful backstitched details. Each intricate little flower is brought to life in a single strand, so make sure to follow the chart carefully. You may find a magnifier will be useful.

Weve framed our finished piece, but you could easily make up your design as a cosy cushion.

For all printable patterns or digital content: https://tinyurl.com/11463-patterns-download

For all printable patterns or digital content: https://tinyurl.com/11463-patterns-download

TOP TIP

Only a few fractional stitches are used in this pattern, for the foxs nose and eye, so youll whizz through it on the rustic-effect aida!

Bright As a Button

Embellished with vintage buttons in all shapes and sizes, these retro blooms make a striking summer cushion.

DESIGN BY DIANE MACHIN

Factbox

Stitching time: Approx. 30 hours

Type of stitches: Cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, French knots, buttons

Ease of stitching: Intermediate

KEY

SHOPPING LIST

Fabric: Zweigart 14-count white aida, measuring 37 37cm (15 15)

Threads: Stranded cotton as listed in the key

Needle: Size 24 tapestry needle

Extras: Backing fabric and various coloured button sizes of your choice from local stores

THERES NO EASIER WAY to add a splash of colour to your home than with a new cushion, and we think this design is particularly lovely for the new season. Inspired by the mid-century modern period, its a celebration of stylised florals, combining bold shapes and colours with delicate backstitch detail.

What makes this cushion special is the addition of colourful buttons to each bloom. Once youve finished the stitching, youll have great fun searching through your button tin or thrifting buttons from vintage clothing to add those all-important finishing touches! Use our image as a guide, or make your own style choices to create a cushion thats unique!

Youll use whole cross stitch, fractionals, backstitch, and French knots to work this design; but as there is a lot of white space in between the blooms, its still a manageable project for most stitchers. A border of yellow fabric sets off the stitching a treat!

For all printable patterns or digital content: https://tinyurl.com/11463-patterns-download

For all printable patterns or digital content: https://tinyurl.com/11463-patterns-download

For all printable patterns or digital content: https://tinyurl.com/11463-patterns-download

TOP TIP

Theres a lot of white space, so be careful not to trail your threadsespecially the backstitchat the back.

How to Embellish and Make the Cushion

Using buttons from your stash, position them carefully on the stitched piece using the chart and key as a guide. Attach your buttons using a complementary thread shade, fastening off securely at the back of the work.

Trim your stitching to 31 31cm (12 12). Cut two panels of backing fabric measuring 31 9cm (12 3) and pin in place at sides of the stitching, right sides together. Sew with a 1.5cm () seam allowance and press open the seams. You may want to use a zipper foot on your sewing machine for this stage as your buttons might get in the way.