Make a… Santa cushion
Step 1
TAKE a look and you’ll see that the numbers need to be spaced out so that each division is the same size, whether it has a single number or a pair. Use our spacing guide on the chart to make up each number correctly. If you stitch all 24 numbers you will need 2m of aida band, and a larger cushion. We chose to stitch just enough numbers to fit around our 33cm (13in) cushion. Measure your cushion and then work out how many numbers you will need to fit both the front and the back. Cut the aida band to fit around the cushion, adding on 2.5cm (1in) for joining.
Step 2
SEW
your numbers using two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch. The backstitch divisions also need to be added in two strands. On aida fabric backstitch the ‘Days Until Christmas’, in two strands of stranded cotton. Fold the long edges in, and catch stitch together to form a strip with the words in the centre. Bend around to form a circular belt loop, and catch stitch the ends together. Slip over the end of the aida band.
Step 3
CUT your Santa trim so that it fits across the bottom of your Christmas fabric, and then repeat for the other piece. Pin it in place. Stitch across the top edge of the fur trim, joining it to the fabric. To make your cushion, place your two cotton rectangles right-sides together, and stitch around the outside, joining them together with a 1.25cm (½in) seam allowance, but leaving a gap on one side for turning. Turn to the right side. Tease out any fur caught in the seam. Fill with pad, then sew up the gap.
Step 4
CUT out your buckle from the black felt, using the template given as a guide. Slip the buckle on the aida band. Wrap the aida belt around the cushion and once you are happy with the size, sew the ends together on the wrong side. You can now slip the buckle and the belt loop back and forward to the correct date.