Make a… biscornu

Step 1 COMPLETE

all the stitching for the top of the biscornu following the chart and working in the centre of the aida. Use two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch and French knots, and two for the outer backstitch row. For the bottom of the biscornu, stitch as the top, or stitch just the outer backstitch row on the chart in two strands as we have done.

Step 2 TRIM

both fabric pieces, leaving a 1.25cm (⁄in) seam allowance. Fold the seam allowance to the reverse, so the outer backstitch line is on the edge of both fabrics. Press the folds and points in place. Using a pin, join a corner point on the bottom fabric to the middle point on one side of the top.

Step 3 USE

stranded cotton in the same colour as the outer backstitch row, to sew the top and bottom of the biscornu together using whip stitch. To do this, take your needle under a border stitch close to the pin on your bottom fabric, and then go up and through the corresponding top stitch. Pull together as you work – the needle and thread should go cleanly through the stitch without snagging the fabric below. Take your needle down through the next top stitch and under the corresponding stitch at the bottom. Continuing making stitches in this way until you reach the first corner. You will need to mould the fabric around the corner each time you reach one, holding it in place until it is stitched.

Step 4 FIND

the midpoint on the next side and mark it with a pin. Place this against the corner on your bottom fabric, and check that the midway point matches up with the next corner. The success of your biscornu will depend on the accuracy of matching each corner and midway point together.

Backstitch

Step 5 STITCH

six out of the eight sides together, then stu… the biscornu firmly with stu†ng or cotton wool, and sew up the remaining sides. Sew the buttons in the centre of the top and bottom, passing the needle through the biscornu to stitch both in place. French Pull up knots the thread and finish securely.