WELCOME TO OUR STITCH-ALONG

This is the seventh part of our new stitch-along design. Over the next year we will be bringing you twelve seasonal designs that together will become a complete sampler, finishing with the December 2018 issue.

THE KEY

ALL THE symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread codes beside them. The key also tells you the different stitches used in the design. The closest column of thread codes listed next to the chart symbols is the thread brand that’s used in the design. Similar colour matches are listed alongside it. Where no close match can be found, you may have to use a different brand of thread for that shade.

HOW TO JOIN OUR STITCH-ALONG

STITCH-ALONGS CAN take many different forms – in our case we’re unveiling a new chart in each issue between January and December, with a border design in our Summer issue. As you add to your design you’ll start to see your sampler take shape!

To join our mystery stitch you will need a 100x20cm (39½x8in) piece of Zweigart Blue 14 count aida, ref: 3706/503, to complete the design. The finished size will be 492 high x 59 wide plus the border edge, which gives you a finished size of 90x11.5cm (35½x4½in). The twelve rectangular designs, one for each month of the year, will all be the same size. You’ll be stitching them in one column, working down the fabric, leaving one blank square between each month.

So that you can buy just a metre of fabric for this sampler, you will only have only 5cm (2in) above and below the finished design, so you should count carefully before you begin stitching.

Post your progress on our Facebook page at www.facebook. com/CrossStitcherMag or you can email us at crossstitcher@ dennis.co.uk with your stitch-along photos and we will add them to our SAL Pinterest board.

THE CHART

EACH square on the chart represents a single cross stitch. Start from the centre of the design and your fabric. The centre of our charts are indicated by arrows at the designs’ edges. To find your fabric’s centre, fold it in half and into quarters.