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I Can Cross Stitch

Easy Stepâ"by-Step Instructions 16 Fun Designs

Annie's

Lesson 1

Floral Flair

Jazz up any backpack, bookbag or purse with this Floral Flair design. Only four colors are used, which makes this an ideal first cross-stitch project.

MATERIALS

• 7" x 7" piece 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

[love] 602 cranberry, med.
• 605 cranberry, vy. lt.
/ 743 yellow, med.
@ 807 peacock blue

STITCH COUNT: 21H x 21W

DESIGN SIZE: 1½" x 1½"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS: 2" x 2" fuchsia felt White craft glue Pin back

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched design to one square from stitching on all sides. Center flower on felt square and glue in place; allow to dry completely. Glue pin back to center on back of felt; allow to dry completely.

Lesson 2

Dream Box

You can never have too many places to store treasures and trinkets, so this pretty box is perfect for a dresser or bedside table. Get creative with your paint and ribbon colors and make the box your own. Make one for your best friend too.

MATERIALS

• 6" x 7" piece 14-count white perforated paper from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC½

# 600 cranberry, vy. dk.
[??] 603 cranberry
• 605 cranberry, vy. lt.
[??] 743 yellow, med.
* 3834 grape, dk.
@ 3835 grape, med.
/ 3836 grape, lt.

STITCH COUNT: 33H x 49W

DESIGN SIZE: 2 3/8" x 3½"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

3½" x 4¾" x 3½" unfinished wood box
Antique white craft paint
Paintbrush
9" x 12" sheet coordinating scrapbook paper
Glue stick
18" length 1½"-wide coordinating ribbon
White craft glue

Trim stitched piece to one square from stitching on sides except in curves and center; see photo for details.

Paint box using craft paint; allow to dry completely; add a second coat if desired and allow to dry. Using box bottom as a template, cut scrapbook paper to size and glue in bottom of box. Using box top as a template, cut scrapbook paper to size and glue in top of box lid.

Glue one end of ribbon at middle of box back; wrap ribbon around box and trim ribbon to fit. Glue remaining end in place using craft glue.

Position stitched design on box lid top and glue in place using glue stick. Decorate box lid as desired.

Lesson 3

Itty-Bitty Memo Board

Keep track of photos, notes and schedules on this adorable memo board. Fun little critters will hold important papers in place while teaching you to add backstitch to projects.

MATERIALS

• Five 6" x 6" pieces 14-count white perforated paper from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

* 310 black
@ 602 cranberry, med.
/ 605 cranberry, vy. lt.
X 666 red, bt.
[??] 743 yellow, med.
3 907 parrot green, lt.
[??] 3765 peacock blue, vy. dk.
• blanc white

STITCH COUNT

Ladybug: 11H x 8W

Bee: 12H x 12W

Dragonfly: 15H x 15W

Butterfly: 15H x 15W

Caterpillar: 6H x 13W

DESIGN SIZE

Ladybug: 7/8" x 5/8"

Bee: 7/8" x 7/8"

Dragonfly: 1 1/8" x 1 1/8"

Butterfly: 1 1/8" x 1 1/8"

Caterpillar: ½" x 1"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Backstitch over one square using one strand 310.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

9" x 12" piece coordinating scrapbook paper

Five ½"-diameter self-adhesive magnet circles

Elmer's CraftBond Extra-Strength Glue Stick

12½" x 12½" metal note board in lime green (KE7807S-LI) from JoAnn Fabric & Crafts

2 yards ¼"-wide white grosgrain ribbon (optional)

Trim stitched design to two squares from stitching on all sides.

Cover back of each stitched piece with glue stick and adhere to reverse side of scrapbook paper; trim scrapbook paper along perforated paper edge.

Peel backing off one magnet and press in place on scrapbook-paper side of one design.

Repeat for remaining magnets and design pieces.

Weave ribbon through holes along memo board edge if desired. Place design pieces in place on memo board.

Lesson 4

Polka Dot Explosion

Surround your favorite photo with colorful polka dots with this easy-to-stitch frame design. Stitched on perforated paper, you can easily trim it out and glue your favorite photo in place.

MATERIALS

• 10" x 10" piece 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

@ 600 cranberry, vy. dk.
X 602 cranberry, med.
• 605 cranberry, vy. lt.
/ 743 yellow, med.
3 807 peacock blue
[??] 907 parrot green, lt.
[??] 970 pumpkin, lt.
* 3835 grape, med.

STITCH COUNT: 58H x 58W

DESIGN SIZE: 4¼" x 4¼"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

Premade white frame with 4" x 4¼" opening
4½" x 4½" piece white cardstock
Glue stick
Repositionable glue dots (optional)

Trim stitched piece to fit opening of frame, centering design. (Note: Stitched model was trimmed to six squares from stitching edges.) Glue stitched design to white cardstock with wrong sides facing; trim cardstock to match stitched piece. Trim photo to fit within stitched border; glue photo in place or hold in place with removable glue dots. Insert into frame.

Lesson 5

Woodland Trio

Add a trio of woodland cuties to your room decor with this set. Only cross stitches are used, but colors are carefully blended and shaded to create a trio of adorable furry and feathered friends. Simply finished by gluing them into hoops, these projects will be hanging in no time.

MATERIALS

• Three 9" x 9" pieces 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

@     434
brown, lt.
[??] 436 tan
[??] 470 avocado green, lt.
~     648
beaver gray, lt.
/     739
tan, ul. vy. lt.
[??] 743 yellow, med.
[??] 744 yellow, pl.
[??] 801 coffee brown, dk.
[??] 807 peacock blue
*     844
beaver gray, ul. dk.
$     907
parrot green, lt.
+     947
burnt orange
3     970
pumpkin, lt.
# 3781 mocha brown, dk.
• blanc white

STITCH COUNT

Owl: 52H x 42W

Raccoon: 52H x 43W

Fox: 53H x 45W

DESIGN SIZE:

Owl: 3¾" x 3"

Raccoon: 3¾" x 3 1/8"

Fox: 3 7/8" x 3¼"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

Three 5"-diameter wooden hoops White craft glue
1 yard 3/8"-wide green grosgrain ribbon

Press stitched pieces from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Unscrew top screw on outer hoop and remove inner hoop. Center one stitched design in inner hoop; position outer hoop in place with screw at top and adjust design as necessary. Tighten top screw to secure hoops together, straightening and adjusting stitched designs as necessary to keep centered.

Carefully trim away excess fabric along back of hoop edge.

Apply a small bead of white craft glue to area between outer and inner hoops on back and smooth glue in place with finger; allow to dry completely.

Repeat for each hoop and stitched design.

Cut ribbon into three 12" pieces. Thread one length through screw at top of each hoop and knot at top.

Lesson 6

Holiday Jingle

Decorate your family's Christmas tree or give a one-of-a-kind gift to a friend or family member with these cute ornament designs. Whether you stitch the elf, the penguin or both, you will be proud to hang your handiwork for every holiday season.

MATERIALS

• Two 8" x 8" pieces 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

*     310
black
3     321
red
[??] 352 coral, lt.
[??] 666 red, bt.
/     741
tangerine, med.
[??] 801 coffee brown, dk.
#     815
garnet, med.
X     904
parrot green, vy. dk.
[??] 905 parrot green, dk.
~     948
peach, vy. lt.
• blanc white

STITCH COUNT

Elf: 55H x 50W

Penguin: 57H x 52W

DESIGN SIZE

Elf: 4" x 3 5/8"

Penguin: 4 1/8" x 3¾"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

Backstitch over one square for bottom corners of Penguin's eyes using one strand blanc. Backstitch over one square using one strand 310.

BACKSTITCH INSTRUCTIONS

blanc corners of penguin's eyes

310 remainder of backstitch

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

9" x 12" piece red glitter felt
Pinking shears
White craft glue
24" length 1/8"-wide white satin ribbon
Six 3/8" silver jingle bells

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Carefully trim stitched pieces to 1/8" from backstitched border on all sides and following curve at bottom. Using template on page 28, cut two pieces of felt to size. Center one stitched design on one piece of felt; glue in place. Allow to dry completely. Repeat with remaining piece of felt and stitched design.

Cut ribbon into two 12" lengths. Thread three jingle bells onto one length of ribbon and slide bells to center of ribbon; knot ends of ribbon together. Glue ribbon to back of one ornament, centering knot at top; allow to dry completely. Adjust bells so that they sit atop ornament. Repeat with remaining bells, ribbon and ornament.

Lesson 7

Monogram Door Hanger

Personalize your door with this fabulous monogram design surrounded by a rainbow chevron pattern. A simple finishing technique uses cardboard from a cereal box and glue to create this unique beauty.

MATERIALS

• Two 8" x 8" pieces 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

[??] 666 red, bt.
[??] 704 chartreuse, bt.
/ 741 tangerine, med.
• 743 yellow, med.
* 801 coffee brown, dk.
[??] 807 peacock blue
@ 970 pumpkin, lt.
3 765 peacock blue, vy. dk.
[??] 3835 grape, med.

STITCH COUNT: 56H x 56W

DESIGN SIZE: 4" x 4"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss. Personalize by stitching desired initial (see page 33), centered in open area in center of door hanger.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

Two 4" x 4" pieces thin cardboard (Stitched model uses cardboard from a cereal box.)
5" x 5" piece coordinating cotton fabric
12" length ½"-wide yellow rickrack trim
White craft glue

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Carefully trim stitched piece to ½" from stitching on all sides. Place stitched piece facedown on a tabletop; place one piece of cardboard on back of stitched piece, centering within stitched area. Trim cardboard if necessary to fit within stitched area. Carefully apply glue around edges of cardboard piece and wrap excess Aida fabric to back; press to glue in place. Allow to dry completely.

Place cotton fabric facedown on tabletop; place remaining piece of cardboard on back of cotton fabric. Carefully apply glue around edges of cardboard piece and wrap excess cotton fabric to back; press to glue in place. Allow to dry completely.

Place back piece (cotton fabric) on a tabletop with exposed cardboard facing up. Place one end of yellow rickrack at top left corner and other end of yellow rickrack at top right corner; glue in place. Center and glue crossstitched front piece to backing with wrong sides facing and aligning edges. Press to adhere; allow to dry completely.

Lesson 8

Birdsong Tote

Wow all of your friends with this colorful and fun tote bag featuring a trio of sassy birds in a garden of tall flowers.

MATERIALS

• 13" x 13" piece 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

[love] 666 red, bt.
X 741 tangerine, med.
[??] 743 yellow, med.
• 745 yellow, lt. pl.
@ 807 peacock blue
# 817 coral red, vy. dk.
/ 907 parrot green, lt.
3 947 burnt orange
[??] 970 pumpkin, lt.
* 3765 peacock blue, vy. dk.

STITCH COUNT: 95H x 94W

DESIGN SIZE: 6 7/8" x 6¾"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

Backstitch over one or two squares as indicated on chart using one strand 807.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

Prefinished 13" × 13½" denim tote
8" × 8" piece lightweight fusible interfacing
Four 5/8"-wide red buttons
DMC blanc floss
15" × 15" piece white muslin or cotton (press cloth)

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched design to 14 squares from stitching on all sides. Using a tapestry needle, carefully fringe four rows around all sides of stitched design. Center interfacing on reverse side of stitched piece and fuse in place following manufacturer's instructions. Remove backing from interfacing and center design on front of tote bag; fuse in place following manufacturer's instructions and using a press cloth. Refer to step-by-step instructions below. Attach one button in each corner using four strands of floss.

Using a tapestry needle, carefully remove threads to separate threads of Aida.

Carefully pull threads to remove rows of Aida.

Center interfacing on reverse side of stitched piece and fuse in place.

Remove backing from interfacing.

Center design on tote bag front and fuse in place using a press cloth to protect your stitching.

Lesson 9

Flower Power Pillow

Bring a bouquet of flower power to your room with this fun pillow. This design is bursting with blooms in bright, fun colors. The project is ambitious, so try to stitch one flower at a time.

MATERIALS

• 14" x 14" piece 14-count white Aida from Wichelt Imports Inc.

• One skein each DMC® six-strand embroidery floss

• Size 24 tapestry needle

DMC®

* 600 cranberry, vy. dk.
3 602 cranberry, med.
[??] 605 cranberry, vy. lt.
• 743 yellow, med.
@ 807 peacock blue
[??] 907 parrot green, lt.
[??] 970 pumpkin, lt.
# 3835 grape, med.
/ 3836 grape, lt.

STITCH COUNT: 108H x 108W

DESIGN SIZE: 7¾" x 7¾"

INSTRUCTIONS: Cross stitch over one square using two strands of floss.

FINISHING MATERIALS & INSTRUCTIONS:

Two 22" x 22" pieces white fleece
8¾" x 8¾" piece lightweight fusible interfacing
1½ yards fusible hem tape
1½ yards coordinating 1"-wide grosgrain ribbon
16"-square pillow or pillow form
White sewing thread or white craft glue

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Carefully trim stitched piece to 1" from stitching on all sides. Trim interfacing to fit within trimmed design as needed. Fuse interfacing to wrong side of stitched piece following manufacturer's instructions.

Remove paper backing from interfacing and center stitched design on one piece of fleece; fuse in place, following manufacturer's instructions and using a press cloth. Refer to step-by-step photos on page 36.

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Excerpted from I Can Cross Stitch by Elizabeth Spurlock. Copyright © 2014 Annie's. Excerpted by permission of Annie's.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
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