Maria has always had a
passion for needlecraft,
since learning to sew
as a child on her great-
grandmother’s Singer
machine. After art college
she landed a job as a
printer, which led to her
becoming DMC’s first
in-house designer. She
is now an independent
designer and lives in the
Midlands with her two
sons, Lincoln and Hudson.
Meet the designer
Maria Diaz
Carefree
beauty
Swing into summer with this joyful, flower-filled
scene by Maria Diaz – a lovely addition to any home
Stitcher’s guide
This design is worked on 28-count white
evenweave over two threads of the fabric
in 37 shades of cotton and one shade of
metallic thread. Cross stitch is in two strands
of cotton or metallic, with a few fractional
stitches for the lady’s eyes. Half cross stitch
is worked in two strands of cotton, and
backstitch defines the design in one strand
of cotton or metallic thread. This design is
suitable for experienced stitchers.
How to stitch the design
1
Find the centre of your fabric by
folding it in half horizontally and
vertically. Follow the arrows to find the
centre of the chart and start stitching
here, working your way outwards.
2
Work the cross stitch over two threads
of the fabric using two strands of
cotton or metallic. For every tiny symbol
on the chart, work a fractional stitch.
3
Work the half cross stitch using two
strands of cotton.
4
Work the backstitch using one strand
of cotton or metallic.
5
Check over your stitching and prepare
for framing.
“I wanted this design
to have a light, bright,
summery feel, so
have kept the thread
colours fresh and
pretty throughout.”
You will need
Fabric Zweigart 28-count white evenweave
measuring 52x44cm (20½x17¼in)Threads Stranded cotton as listed in the key
Needle Size 24 tapestry needle
Extras Frame and mount of your choice
with a minimum aperture of
36.5x29cm (14¼x11½in)FOR STOCKISTS’ DETAILS turn to page 59Lady on swing
Keep your work
looking neat by making
sure all your half cross
stitches lie in the same
direction
Stitch tip