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 and one for the backstitch and French knots.
Step 2
STITCH the bottom of the biscornu in the same way as for the top.
Step 3
TRIM both fabric pieces, leaving a 1.25cm ( ⁄ in) seam allowance. Fold the seam allowance to the reverse, so the the outer blue 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 4
USE matching blue stranded cotton 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. Continue 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 5
FIND the midpoint on the next side and mark it with a pin. Place this against the corner on the 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.
Step 6
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. Pull up the thread and finish securely.
Designed by: Susan Penny Stitch count: 60 high x 60 wide (top and bo om)
Design size: 11x11cm(4 ⁄ x4 ⁄ in) Stitch time: 26 hours
These designs were stitched on 14 count aida fabric.