Stitching your… Mad Hatter’s Tea Party

Step 1

START stitching with your fabric turned landscape. Part 1 of the design is in issue 370 June 2021, and is the left section, and part 2 is in issue 371 Summer 2021 and is the middle section. You should start stitching 12cm (5in) in from the left side of your fabric, if you buy the recommended amount of fabric listed one page 70. Part 2 of the design which was in the last issue, is the middle section, and fits up against part 1, and the final part fits up against part 2.

Step 2

USE two strands for the cross stitch, one for the backstitch, and one strand for the French knots. Finally add the beads.

Step 3

DECIDE on framing – if you'd like to make your design into a hanger as we've done you'll need these items: a piece of fabric to back the design 25.5x68.5cm (10x27in), four pieces of 1.5cm (⅝in) wide ribbon, each 12.5cm (5in) long, and a piece of dowel longer than the width of your design.

Step 4

CUT off the excess aida around the edges of the design, leaving 25cm (10in). Fold this to the wrong side of the stitching, and carefully press in place. Fold each ribbon piece in half, and then working on the wrong side of the stitching, space the folded ribbon hangers equally across the top of the design with the cut ends facing inward. Sew the ribbon hanger ends firmly to the folded over aida seam allowance, taking care not to stitch through the cross stitch layer. Place the backing fabric over the reverse side of the stitching, and then catch-stitch around the edge, attaching the backing to the aida. Thread your dowel through your ribbon hangers. Add a string or cord to the dowel to display.

Press your work once completed. Place face-down on a soft towel and iron the back on a low setting