| The project includes details of several attractive stitches, ideas on what to make and some photos of both the finished articles.
Fabric: You can stitch into any kind of mesh/even weave fabric - this could be anything from a piece of fine canvas to a doormat. For this project you'll need a 10cm x 10cm square of canvas with 13 threads per inch. Mark a square in the centre with 30 threads on each side - approx. 6cm x 6cm.
Threads: Choose threads appropriately - consider weight, thickness, strength, texture, colour…. Three safe threads to try - stranded cotton, perle, and traditional "tapestry" wool. For this project you'll need one skein each of stranded cotton, perle #3 and tapestry wool. The samples are worked in green (DMC500), red (DMC304) and blue (DMC336)
Stitches: Stitches are to be found in any good embroidery book. The practice piece includes a few square stitches - make into a tree decoration, a card or a little picture. Choose your stitch carefully according to whether your piece of stitching is merely decorative or needs to be more hard-wearing. Generally, the plainer, shorter stitches are stronger than the longer, decorative stitches.
Instructions: Fill your square with as few or as many variations as you like. Combine more than one colour of thread for added variety, or stick with the one colour for a classy, elegant look. If you have gaps at the end, consider stitching a few small beads in the spaces, or leave some canvas bare deliberately - the white showing through a colour can be very effective.
The Finished Article: Frame your work in a small greeting card, or perhaps in a window made of thicker board which could be framed. If you prefer, you could make a small cushion and hang it on your Christmas tree. Use your leftover scraps of thread to make a small tassel.
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