“My little girl is into
fairies in a big way, and
I can’t wait to stitch this
pretty design for her. It
will look beautiful on
her bedroom wall.”
Zeena Moolla, Editor
How to work the half
cross stitch
Half cross stitch is used for the cloud detail in
the background of this design. It is worked in
two strands of blue cotton over two threads
of the evenweave fabric, just like the first arm
of a whole cross stitch. Therefore, you can still
use the loop method to start off neatly. When
finishing a length of thread, weave the end
under stitches of the same colour to secure it.
And for a neat, consistent finish, make sure all
the half stitches point in the same direction –
ours are worked from bottom-left to top-right.
How to add a personal touch
This summer fairy would make a beautiful
birth sampler, and is the kind of design that
children will still love as they reach an older
age. To add a baby’s birth details, use the
space at the top-left of the design, leaving
out the little ladybird and the clouds in the
background. Choose a simple backstitch
ABC with numbers from the many available
online (or use the one from our Wedding
sampler on page 54), then use graph paper
to plot out the details in pencil, so that you
can easily rub out any mistakes. You can use
other birth samplers for inspiration. Once
you’re happy, add the details in backstitch.
Cross Stitch Gold 9
Try not to pull your
backstitches too tight –
check regularly that
you have a nice
even tension
Stitch tip
Rose fairy
Cross Stitch Gold 9