Download and print the templates from sewmag.co.uk. Cut a square of Aida fabric large enough to fit the embroidery hoop, with excess. The design for the cross-stitch is worked from the diagram provided on the template download. Plot the design onto the embroidery hoop.

Snip a length of embroidery thread from the hank; don’t make it too long as the thread has a tendency to tangle. Separate two strands from the cut length. The thread is composed of six strands and is easily separated. Thread the needle and begin to stitch.

A cross-stitch is formed by passing the needle from the back of the work through the upper righthand hole of a square, leaving approximately 2.5cm of thread on the back. Hold the end in the direction that the stitches will be formed in and the thread will be caught when the other stitches are created. Pass the needle across the square to the lower left-hand hole of the square to the back, then vertically up to the left-hand top hole, out to the right side and across and down to the right-hand corner. This completes one cross-stitch.

Parts of the design are formed by just a half stitch which forms a diagonal shape to create the curved edges of the sun and parts of the pots and flower stems. The sun’s rays are made with long stitches fastened outside of the finished hoop size.

Place the completed embroidery between the two layers of the hoop and pull the edges firmly so that it is taut, using the screw to tighten the outer hoop around the fabric. Using strong thread, sew a running stitch around the edge of the fabric on the wrong side of the embroidery, pull the thread up tightly and fasten off securely. The excess fabric can now be trimmed away.