Reading the chartCross stitch charts are printed on a black and white grid. Each coloured square and symbol represents a different thread colour.

The keyAll symbols that appear on the chart are listed in the key with their corresponding thread code alongside them. The key also tells you the different types of stitches used in the design. For example, this fl ower design uses whole cross stitches and backstitch.

Colour matchIn the key there are three columns of thread codes. They represent the same shades from three different brands of thread. You can choose whichever brand you like to stitch your design.

Our design has been stitched on 14 count aida

Design stitch count12 high x 7 wide

Design area2x1cm

Anchor DMC Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands

225 913 1212

301 744 0112

302 743 0113

Backstitch in one strand

403 310 2400all outlines and details

Flower

Whether you’re a fi rst time stitcher or you simply want to brush up on your stitching skills, you’ll fi nd all you need to know right here. Discover

how to read the charts and keys and then follow our simple step-by-step guide to the two basic stitches. We promise that you’ll be happily stitching in no time!

Now you can cross stitch your very own Pudsey Bear

using this step-by-step beginner’s guide…

Tip Aida fabricAida is the most common fabric used for cross stitch. It is referred to by its ‘count’ or ‘holes per inch.’ Each cross stitch should be worked over a single aida block.

Top Pudsey uses

simple whole

cross stitches

Right 14 count

aida fabric is ideal

for beginners

is proud to be supporting BBC Children in Need

Learn how to cross stitch

4 Always try to work from the centre of your

design towards the top fi rst and then from

the centre towards the bottom. When you have

completed the cross stitches, add the

backstitch details, as shown below.

Beginners start here!

2 Work from the centre of the chart and

fabric and bring your thread up to the

fabric’s surface to make your fi rst stitch. Make

a diagonal half cross over a single aida block.

1 Cut a thread length approximately 40cm

long. For your fl ower design, remove two

strands of thread from this thread length.

Thread your needle and tie a knot in the end.

Step-by-step backstitch

3 Bring your needle up an aida block

away from this stitch. Now pass it back

through the fabric at the same point as

your previous stitch.

2 Work your backstitch over one aida

block, either horizontally, vertically

or diagonally depending on the direction

shown on the chart.

1 To secure your thread before you start,

weave it through the back of your cross

stitches. Bring your needle up to the fabric

surface to make your fi rst backstitch.

Right Threads come

in hundreds of

delicious shades

Tip Tapestry needlesTapestry needles come in a variety of sizes. They have a large eye and a blunt tip, which means they slip easily through the fabric.

Below Use two strands of thread

for your cross stitches, unless the

key tells you differently

Tip Whole stitchThis is the stitch you will use most often. It’s made up of two diagonal stitches that are worked over the same aida block (X X X).

3 Make a second diagonal stitch to complete

the cross. It doesn’t matter which

direction your top stitches slant, but they must

all slant in the same direction. If they don’t,

your design will look uneven.

31

24

is proud to be supporting BBC Children in Need

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Tip Soluble CanvasDMC’s Soluble Canvas makes it easy to stitch Pudsey on just about anything. Simply tack it on to your chosen fabric, and when you’ve fi nished stitching, soak the fabric in hot soapy water and the canvas will magically dissolve!

Above This is how

Pudsey looks mounted

in an aperture card

Pudsey chart

Hand stitched cards always sell like hot cakes and are a great way to help raise funds for BBC Children in Need. Simply stitch Pudsey on to some aida fabric using the chart below, and mount

the fi nished design in an aperture card. You can even stitch it on to clothing and bags using special fabrics such as waste or Soluble Canvas, available from most craft shops. The possibilities are endless!

and help raise money for BBC Children in Need…and help raise money for BBC Children in Need…

Make your own hand stitched Pudsey Bear cards

Anchor DMC Madeira

Cross stitch in two strands

002 White 2401

013 349 0510

226 702 1306

298 972 0113

403 310 2400

1089 3843 1103

Backstitch in one strand

013 349 0510eye patch

226 702 1306eye patch

298 972 0113eye patch

403 310 2400all other outlines and details

1089 3843 1103eye patch

Pudsey

Our design has been stitched on 14 count aida

Design stitch count39 high x 28 wide

Design area7x5cm (2¾x2in)

is proud to be supporting BBC Children in Need