Make a… Christmas house

Step 1

STITCH two house sides and two gable ends. Leave at least 4cm (1½in) between each section. Use two strands of stranded cotton for the cross stitch and one for the backstitch.

Step 2

COMPLETE the stitching then cut around each section leaving about 2cm (¾in) of unstitched fabric around all edges. Using the stitching as a guide, cut two gable ends and two sides from cardboard, making sure they are exactly the same size as the stitching. The pink line on the chart shows the shape of the cardboard, but not the finished size.

Step 3

PLACE the cardboard shapes on the wrong side of the stitched house sections, wrapping the unstitched fabric around onto the back of the cardboard for each. Use double-sided tape to hold the fabric to the reverse side of the cardboard, or lace in place across the back.

Step 4

ENSURE all the sections have been assembled, then cut one 10x9cm (4x3½in) roof piece from card. Fold in half, lengthways, and then using double-sided tape, cover both sides with white felt.

Step 5

PLACE the assembled sides and gable ends in the correct order, holding each together with pins. Using a matching coloured thread, and working on the right side, sew each section to the next, using small, neat stitches down the adjoining edges.

Step 6

PLACE the roof on the assembled building, and then using small stitches, sew it in place. If you prefer, you can use a small amount of fabric glue to attach the roof. Cut a rectangle of cardboard to fit inside the bottom of the building, then add glue to the edges and push in place.