Last week I had the fantastic news that after 19 years I am to be an aunty again. I marked the occasion by making some cute little keepsake gifts for the family. Following a great response from you all I decided to make you a little ‘how too’ tutorial.  

I made a set of four, for the mother to be and grandparents but think they would also make amazing baby shower gifts or if you are a crafty expectant mum it could be a lovely way to reveal to everyone your great news.

Once you have an image you are happy with paste the jpeg in to a word document so that you can easily adjust the images to the size you require.  I used a 4”hoops so set the image to around 7 x 8 cm.  I recommend doing a test print on regular paper first to make sure it comfortably fits with your hoop. Once you are happy, copy and paste as many images as you required, making the most out of each sheet. 

To finish:

Trim around the edge of your work.
Line the inside of your hoop with double sided tape and fold the fabric in.
Fill the back of your hoop with wadding.
Glue a felt disk to the back and apply a weigh to secure whilst drying.

If you would like more information about finishing your work take a look at my 'how to frame in an embroidery hoop' tutorial.

So you have stitched you master piece and now would like to finish your work in to a beautiful cushion cover? I am lucky to have a fantastic mum to do my finishing but if you aren't so fortunate here is how to make a supper simple envelop cushion cover.

You will need: your finished stitching, your choice of backing fabric, scissors, pins, tape measure, sewing machine & a pillow to stuff your finished cushion.

All you need to do now is decide what to put in your beautifully coloured hoops! 
I 

Its so satisfying to see commissioned work come to print. Particularly following a big project. I have just completed my biggest yet, a set of seasonal bunting for the Spring 2015, Cross Stitch & Needle Work Magazine. I have just had a printed copy of the first Spring instalment fall through my letter box so thought now would be a good time to share with you the whole process in photos. Everybody working proses is different and mine continues to evolve.  I thought you may enjoy a little glimpse behind the scenes.....

1.Firstly wash and press your cross stitch work.

2. You will need to decide what shape and size you would like your bunting flags to be. My  flags are 11cm wide, 14cm high and  17 cm down the centre from top to tip.

Cut out two templates. The first template is the exact size of the flag .Make the second template the same size but with a half inch seam allowance. 

3. Use the larger template to measure interlocking. Iron the interlocking to the reverse of the work.

4. Use the larger template to cut out your chosen flag backing. Cut out your backing panels ready to stitch.

The cross stitch charts for my seasonal bunting will be available over the coming year in the Cross Stitch and Needle Work Magazine.  

If you haven't already, be sure to head over and like StitchKits Face book page for a chance to win this months Facebook Freebie. you have until January the 30th to enter.
Click on the image below. 

Hi everyone I hope like me you have all had a fantastic 2014. It has been a busy and exciting year for me. Here is a quick look at my inspirations, creations and important events in pictures.

I have recently cross stitched my ‘StitchKits’ logo to use as my online banner (see above for results:-). Hot of that success I thought  it would be fun to Cross-Stitch’ a QRC (Quick Read Code) of my site for use at fairs and such. I am so excited that it worked I thought I should share with you the ‘How To’ and results.
I made mine so that the scanner takes you to www.stitchkitslondon.co.uk but imagine how delighted a social media addict would be to receive one for their face book page or a friend with an Etsy shop? The applications are endless.

All you will need is:

• White cotton Aida. I used 14 count. 
  
• An Embroidery hoop to work in and display once finished. I used an oval hoop that is 9 x12.5cm. you can buy them on Etsy 
• Black stranded embroidery cotton ( I used DMC number 310) Stitched using two strands.
• Embroidery needle 
• Ruler and pencil
• Embroidery  scissors
• A good light and a little time.

1.       Firstly you need to generate a Quick Read Code. Do this on line. If you google ‘Generate QR code’ lots of free sites come up. This site is very easy to use: Generate 
Simply type in your URL. Press the generate button then download to your computer and Print.
I used my QC reader to double check the code was correct before I stared stitching.

2.       Next with a ruler draw in a grid to create your cross stitch Patten.

3.      Now you are ready to get stitching. It is less complicated than it looks. However be super careful to follow the pattern or your scan will take to some where you don’t want to be.
 If you have never cross stitched before dont worry it is easy. down load a comprehensive 'How To' guide at WhatDeliaDid

4.       To finish of I left a two stitch gap around the QRC and back stitched a boarder all the way around.

And Taadahh!

Over the last few years I have experimented with many different ways to mount my stitchy work. One of my favourite methods is to display work in embroidery hoops.
I think at last I have developed a fool proof method of doing this. I thought it was time to share what I have discovered. This tutorial is quickest, easiest, neatest method for displaying hoop art that I have come across.  (honestly its really easy) Just follow the simple steps below.

You will need:  Your lovely sewing & an embroidery hoop
Thick mount card (step 1)
Wadding (step 2 & 6)
Double side sticky tape (preferably 15mm wide) (step 4)
Fabric scissors (Step 3)
Card cutting Scissors (Step 1)
Copydex glue. This is a Latex based glue and is perfect for this job as it is good for sticking both card and fabric. It seems to dry quickly, is not messy to use and has a strong finish. (Step 7)
Ribbon for hanging.(Step 8)

2. Use your cut out as a guide to cut the wadding. I have used two layers of thin wadding on this project but it also comes in a thicker weight.

3. Next fix your work in place and cut around your work leaving around 1cm protruding from the hoop.  If you are nervous you could mark around where you are going to cut with an embroidery pen.

4. Now line the inside of your hoop with double sided tape. It is much easier not to try doing this is one piece. I start with two opposite sides, and then remove the protective layers before filling in the gaps.

5. With the sticky tape in place you can begin to secure the fabric in place. Working in a clockwork direction, pull the fabric taut with your left hand, whilst tucking it in with your right. Work your way all around the hoop.

7. Brush Copydex glue around the back edge of your card. Place the card in position. then apply a weight to make sure the surfaces adhere.

8. Your hoop is now finished. All that is left to do is personalise you work if required. Add ribbon for hanging, labels or a signature to the back so that everybody knows that it is your work.

9. Display and enjoy!!!

All images are property of Ruth Caig at StitchKits. Please use responsibly. Thank You