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Welcome to our brand-new stitching school! Every month we will be introducing you to a new stitch or technique so you can build on your skills and increase your repertoire. This time we're looking at tent stitch, the basis for most needlepoint designs. It is worked in rows and looks similar to half cross stitch. Once you've mastered it, you can make our lovely trio of cushions, inspired by the emblems of England, Scotland and Wales. The motifs are stitched on tapestry canvas using wool. Even if you’ve never tried your hand at needlepoint before, rest assured that it's quicker and easier than you might think. If you can cross stitch, then you can definitely do needlepoint: the main difference is that every part of the fabric is covered with stitches, essentially creating a new textile.
Make a cushion
Find the colours of wool needed. Then download the tapestry charts and print. Cut the tapestry canvas at least 10cm larger all round than the size of the finished design and place in an embroidery frame.
Measure and mark the centre of the fabric by sewing a line of running stitch along the horizontal and vertical axis, dividing the fabric into four quarters. This will help when following the charted design.
Start working from the centre of the design outwards. Thread a tapestry needle with a strand of wool in the appropriate colour and bring the needle from the back to the front of the work. Leave a short length of yarn at the back and make sure you trap this tail under the first few stitches to secure.
Following the chart and working in tent stitch, make one stitch for every coloured square (or symbol) on the char
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