Sign of Freedom

This red, white and blue wall hanging isn’t just for the Fourth of July; you can hang it year-round or bring it out for Veterans Day, Presidents Day or any time you want to show your appreciation for our American heritage of freedom.

Skill Level: Beginner Materials

• 20" x 10" piece 28- count summer sky hand- dyed Jobelan from Wichelt Imports Inc.* • One skein each Classic Colorworks

Hand Dyed Cotton Floss* • Size 24 tapestry needle *See Where to Find It on page 62.

Classic Colorworks Hand Dyed Cotton Floss

DMC® Alternatives Listed in Parentheses* X cupid (321) mermaid’s fin (336) *DMC® alternatives are not one-to- one equivalents to the floss suggested by the designer. To achieve results pictured, use floss listed in the first column. Stitch Count: 200H x 53W Design Size: 141/4" x 33/4" Instructions: Cross stitch over two threads using two strands of floss. Backstitch over two threads using one strand of floss.

Finishing Materials & Instructions

• Coordinating cotton fabrics: 10" x 21" piece star print; 12" x 22" piece patriotic print; 12" x 22" piece solid color (for backing) • 14" x 4" piece Warm & Natural® cotton

batting • Mat board: 4" x 14"; 51/2" x 151/2";

71/2" x 171/2" • 71/2" x 171/2" piece foam core board • Classic Colorworks cotton floss: cupid • One skein each DMC® pearl cotton #5:

815, blanc, 336 • Patriotic charm pack from Faithwurks

Designs* • Extra-sticky framing tape • Tacky glue *See Where to Find It on page 62.

Press stitched piece from reverse side, straightening as much as possible. Trim stitched piece to 1" from stitching on all sides.

Attach charms using two strands of floss and referring to photo for placement.

Glue batting to 4" x 14" mat board. On back of mat board, run framing tape along all four edges. Center stitched piece on batting and fold excess fabric over edges to reverse side, pressing fabric onto tape to secure. Miter corners; add a dot of tacky glue inside the “pocket” at each corner and press firmly so glued corners lie as flat as possible.

In the same manner but omitting batting, cover 51/2" x 151/2" mat board with stars fabric; cover 71/2" x 171/2" mat board with plain backing fabric; and cover 71/2" x 171/2" foam core board with patriotic print fabric.

Run sticky tape along all four edges on reverse sides of mat board covered with backing fabric and foam core board covered with patriotic print. Add a large X of tape from corner to corner on the back of each piece for extra hold. Place pieces together taped sides facing; press firmly.

Run tape along edges and add a large X on reverse side of piece covered with star print fabric. Center on top of patriotic fabric; press firmly.

In the same manner, attach tape to reverse side of stitched piece; center on top of star print fabric; press firmly.

Measure around edges of central stitched panel, star-print panel, and backing panel. Make twisted cording* from pearl cotton #5 long enough to go around edges, using 815 around stitched panel, blanc around star-print panel, and 336 around outermost edges.

Using 336, make additional cording for a hanger as shown, leaving a 2" tassel on each end. Attach hanger at top right and left corners.