1. Eye = small French knot in #310 black
2. Bill = straight stitches in #310 black
3. Green on bird = #890
4. Rest of bird = #844
5. Leaves, branch, and stems = #890
6. Stamens = straight stitches in #3803
7. Pollen at ends of stamens = small French knots in #676
8. After stitching red on head and throat of bird, go back in with a red blending filament and stitch complete X's over the red floss for a touch of realistic irridescence. Use either Balger® #031 crimson, or Rainbow blending thread #617 red.

This little cardinal perches on holly leaves.        Back to "Free Charts"

Detail of owl's eyes.
(See note under symbols, at right.)

Shown at 200% of actual size.

Use 1 strand Wildflowers or 2 strands Waterlilies for all stitching. use two strands floss to backstitich hands or stain stitch heart. Cross stitches in cuffs may be done in the color of your choice.

If using the small Bird in Hand charm, you may wish to coat it with a clear finish before attaching within the hand area. We tied it on with a small bow, using magenta floss.

Backstitching of scroll and vine.

© 1998 Charland Designs Inc.

© 1979, 1991 Nancy Spruance. All rights reserved.

Color numbers listed are for DMC 6 strand embroidery floss and are suggestions only.

Stitch count is 17 high.

Try this design on a pastel fabric like mint green, light rose, or lavender. French knots may be added to the tail starting with four around the center square. Add around these knots for the desired effect.

The bunnies may be any color from navy blue to light gray (blend DMC 452,453, and white).

This version of my Bunnies Border appeared previously in a calendar of designs produced by the Greater Dallas Chapter EGA.

Design by Tisha A. Kuntz & Carolyn Hotchkiss © 2000 Too sisters. All Rights Reserved

DMC:
3346 815

Anchor:
257 46

Madeira:
1504 0513

Stitch Count: 39 x 33

Design Area:
2.75" x 2.4" at 14 count
2.5" x 2.15" at 16 count

NB:
Use two strands of thread to work all cross stitches.
Use one strand of black to outline dragon. Eye is worked using a black French knot.
Use one strand of green to finish border detail.

Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half, then in half again, marking the centre crease with a short length of thread. You may remove this thread after you have worked the first few stitches.

We recommend that you use a frame or embroidery hoop to work your design. Should you decide to use a wooden hoop, then bind the inner ring with white cotton tape. This will grip the fabric firmly and prevent the hoop from marking the fabric.

Cut your threads to approx 50cms which is the correct working length. Pull out however many strands you need (usually two), let them untwist then recombine them before threading your needle - The threads will not tangle and knot so easily and your work will have a more even appearance.

Each square on the chart represents one 'block' of aida fabric. If the design allows, then start your stitching at the centre. If not, then carefully count out the “blocks” from the central marker thread.

To start a new thread - take the needle down about 1" away from your starting point then work the first few stitches over this thread before cutting off any excess.

Please don’t knot your threads - this will give your finished work an uneven appearance and may make it difficult to frame.

To end off a thread - weave it under 3 or 4 stitches at the back of the work before cutting off neatly.

Cross stitches may be worked either individually or in rows, but all the top threads must lie in the same direction. This gives your work a neat, even appearance.

Don’t trail your threads over unworked areas at the back, these may show through to the right side. It is better to end off the thread and begin again.

TAKE YOUR TIME! Stitch carefully and you will not have the sheer frustration of unpicking and restitching. It is much kinder on the nerves and much more relaxing to work at a steady, even pace!

© Charlotte Elizabeth Designs 1997 - Design by Christine Crawley

DMC:
815 2842 472 936 470Back Stitch 3371

Anchor:
46 Metallic Gold 213 246 256Back Stitch 382

Madeira:
0513 Metallic Gold 1414 1508 1410Back Stitch 2004

Stitch Count: 31 x 31

Design Area: 2.25" x 2.25" at 14 count

NB:
Use two strands of thread to work all cross stitches.
Outline design using one strand.

Find the centre of your fabric by folding it in half, then in half again, marking the centre crease with a short length of thread. You may remove this thread after you have worked the first few stitches.

We recommend that you use a frame or embroidery hoop to work your design. Should you decide to use a wooden hoop, then bind the inner ring with white cotton tape. This will grip the fabric firmly and prevent the hoop from marking the fabric.

Cut your threads to approx 50cms which is the correct working length. Pull out however many strands you need (usually two), let them untwist then recombine them before threading your needle - The threads will not tangle and knot so easily and your work will have a more even appearance.

Each square on the chart represents one 'block' of aida fabric. If the design allows, then start your stitching at the centre. If not, then carefully count out the “blocks” from the central marker thread.

To start a new thread - take the needle down about 1" away from your starting point then work the first few stitches over this thread before cutting off any excess.

Please don’t knot your threads - this will give your finished work an uneven appearance and may make it difficult to frame.

To end off a thread - weave it under 3 or 4 stitches at the back of the work before cutting off neatly.

Cross stitches may be worked either individually or in rows, but all the top threads must lie in the same direction. This gives your work a neat, even appearance.

Don’t trail your threads over unworked areas at the back, these may show through to the right side. It is better to end off the thread and begin again.

TAKE YOUR TIME! Stitch carefully and you will not have the sheer frustration of unpicking and restitching. It is much kinder on the nerves and much more relaxing to work at a steady, even pace!

© Charlotte Elizabeth Designs 1997 - Design by Christine Crawley

Stitch Count: 56 x 56

Design Area: 4" x 4" at 14 count

NB:
Use one strand of black thread to work all blackwork stitches.
Solid black square symbol is cross stitch using two strands of black thread.

Blackwork is reputed to have been introduced into Britain by Catharine of Aragon when she married Henry VIII in 1509. It was first used for dress decoration, particularly on the full sleeves of ladies gowns. Eventually, this intricate form of needlework was used on household items, bed linens, cushions etc. Many of the traditional geometric designs are based on Moorish tile patterns, the various lace-like filling patterns reflecting its Arabic influence.

Blackwork was, as its name suggests, originally worked in black thread, with the occasional use of gold or silver thread to give added interest. Designs were first outlined with stem, back, chain or Holbein stitch and then filled with the intricate lace-like patterns.

Today, although any colour thread may be used, the integrity of the technique has generally been preserved. However, broader effects can be achieved by clever use of threads, varying the thickness of the threads, the density of the patterning - giving subtle effects of light and shade. Outlining may be partially or totally omitted, allowing the patterning to break free from its previous restraints.

The two basic stitches used are back stitch and Holbein stitch. A combination of both may be used in the same piece, use each as appropriate for the given design.

The fabric should be an evenweave with easily countable threads, a size 24 or 26 tapestry needle being the most suitable. Care must be taken not to carry the thread behind any unworked areas of the design as shadowing may occur.

© Charlotte Elizabeth Designs 1997 - Design by Christine Crawley

  
Add a thread fringe here along the bottom.

Grid Size: 30 W  x  60 H
Cloth Count: 14
Design Area: 2.14" W  x  4.29" H   ( 30 x 60 stitches )

Color Key
Symbol DMC Anchor Coates Strands Description
310 black
608 br orange
701 christmas green - lt

Grid Size: 30 W  x  46 H
Cloth Count: 14
Design Area: 2.14" W  x  3.29" H   ( 28 x 45 stitches )

Symbol DMC
310  black
971  pumpkin (pumpkin)
970  pumpkin - lt (part of pumkin eyes)
712  cream (ear edge)
353  peach flesh - lt  (inside ear)
703  chartreuse (eyes)
760  salmon (nose)
318  steel grey - lt
307  lemon   (yellow part of pumpkin eyes & mouth)

From My Heart Mini Sampler
Copyright(c) Debbie
Jan 2000

Model Stitched over 2 threads on 28 ct White Lugana
Chart at 150% - Actual Finished Size = 2 3/4 x 3 1/4"

              3687 - Mauve

              3689 - Mauve Lt

               3685 - Mauve Dk

                367 - Pistachio Grn Dk

              Use 2 strands DMC floss for cross stitches
              Use 1 strand for BS
              The x in the middle of the row of large hearts is for placement of the heart charm

              Chart not to be posted, copied, kitted, or sold without my permission
              Thanks  Debbie  :  )
              From My Heart Designs  http://westwood.fortunecity.com/millen/681/index.html

© 1986 Nancy Spruance. All rights reserved.

Color numbers listed are for DMC 6 strand embroidery floss and are suggestions only.

Stitch count is 15 high.

Click on the picture on the left for a full size photo of the design for reference while stitching.

SKILL LEVEL REQUIRED: Beginner/Intermediate

MATERIALS LIST:

The design is worked on 25-ct. cream Dublin linen and features Waterlilies silks from the Caron collection.

Threads - 1 skeins each Waterlilies: Cafe Au Lait, Opal

Stitch Count - 42 x 42

(Stitch diagrams by: Pat Taff, Golden Thread Designs, 1616 Murray, Wichita, KS 67212)

Note: All stitch diagrams follow the stitch through its progression and show the actual threads of the fabric.

The outside diamond border is worked in Algerian Eye Stitch using two strands of Cafe Au Lait. (See figure 1.) Pull each leg of the stitich in order to create a hole in the center of the stitch. These eyelets are then connected with Back Stitches using ONE strand of the Cafe Au Lait. (See figure 2.) Be careful not to drag the tail of your silk across any of the center in the eyelets as you travel.

the daimond shape motifs are worked in Diamond Eye Stitch using two strands of Opal. (See figure 3.) Pull each leg of the stitch gently in order to create a hole in the center of the stitch.

The filigrees in the center are worked using ONE strand of Cafe Au Lait in Basck Stitch. (See figure 2.)