MAKE of the month Make a… decoration
Brighten your home with our strawberry hanging decoration that’s easy to assemble…
Step 1
TAKE 12.5x12.5cm (5x5in) of white 14 count aida. Complete the stitching for the top of the strawberry hanger following the chart and working in the centre of the aida.
Step 2
TURN the sides of the aida over and onto the wrong side of the stitching, leaving two blank squares around the design at the front. Finger press the folds in place.
Step 3
TAKE 20x14cm (8x5½in) of red felt. Go to the
CrossStitcher Digital Downloads Group on Facebook (bit.ly/3HTh6ZJ ) and find the templates for this project in Files. Use the template to cut out the pieces of felt for your decoration – one large backing piece and two shapes for strawberries.. Place the aida centrally on the felt backing. Catch stitch around three sides, attaching the aida to the felt. Stu lightly with toy stu ng, cotton wool or cut up tights. Catch stitch the fourth side closed.
Step 4
MAKE the two strawberries using the remaining felt shapes. Use one strand of green stranded cotton to stitch random French knots over both felt shapes for the strawberry seeds.
Step 5
MAKE a plaited cord to hang the strawberries, about 12.5cm (5in) long, using three lengths of all six strands of stranded cotton. Once plaited, tie a double knot at both ends. Make a second plaited cord in the same way, 15cm (6in) long, for the hanger.
Step 6
FOLD one of the felt shapes around into a cone shape with the French knots on the inside. Pin in place and then stitch down the side seam. Turn to the right side. Make a row of gathering stitches around the top of the cone. Stu , then insert one end of the plaited cord into the strawberry before pulling up and securing. Repeat with the other strawberry, adding it to the other end of the plait.
Step 7
THREAD your needle with three lengths of green stranded cotton, and go through the top of the strawberry to create a leafy fringe. Remove the needle and cut the threads so that you have 12cm ( ⁄ in) of green thread either side of the strawberry. Repeat several times for both strawberries.
Step 8
FOLD the plait holding the strawberries, and attached the fold just below the aida at the bottom of the hanger. Fold the other plait in half, and then attach this to the top of the hanger in the same way.