Hive Sweet Hive

Create a lot of buzz around your stitching with this adorable beehive design created using a myriad of eyelet stitches. The project also includes spring’s first guests, the bumblebee, at each corner. The bees are stitched with full cross stitches and backstitches, but they appear to be buzzing off the layered stitching.

Skill Level: Intermediate Stitch Count: 203H x 196W Design Size: 71/4" x 7"

Materials

• 14" x 13" piece 28- count raw natural Cashel linen from Zweigart®

• One skein each DMC® or Sullivans® USA six-strand embroidery floss

• One skein DMC® Pearl Cotton #12

• One skein DMC® Pearl Cotton #8

• One spool Kreinik Blending Filament

• One spool Kreinik Cord

• One package Mill Hill Petite Seed Beads

• Mill Hill Applique beading needle #40221

• Size 26 tapestry needle

Instructions

Cross stitch over one thread using one strand of floss or two strands blending filament. Where small symbols appear, work 1/4 cross stitch using two strands blending filament.

Backstitch using one strand of floss, pearl cotton # 8 or cord.

Work straight stitch using one strand of cord.

Work running stitch using one strand of cord for bee trails.

Work modified Algerian eye stitch over eight threads and partial Algerian eye stitch using one strand of pearl cotton #12.

Work rice stitch over two threads using one strand of floss.

Work bullion knot using one strand of floss for flower stems.

Attach beads for bee eyes using one strand 310/45053 and 1/2 cross stitch.