
Stitch
April/May 2025Each issue of Stitch magazine takes you on an exciting, creative, textile journey... bringing you traditional embroidery techniques and a wealth of creative contemporary ideas.
A Warm Welcome
Hello, Stitch readers! As we step into the heart of spring, with its promise of new beginnings and blossoming beauty, we’re delighted to present an issue of Stitch that reflects the vibrant energy of the season. This issue is filled with exciting projects designed to inspire you, challenge your stitching skills, and encourage you to explore the endless possibilities within the world of embroidery and textile art. In this edition, we’ve curated a collection of projects that celebrate the diverse techniques and styles that make stitching so wonderfully versatile. Whether you’re a seasoned stitcher or just starting your creative journey, there’s something here for everyone. First, we invite you to add a bit of whimsy to your stitching with our charming unicorn design, perfect for those who love fantasy and…
AVOID UPCOMING PRICE INCREASES and subscribe for JUST £27.99*!
DON’T MISS OUT! As a reader you already know what you have in your hands is the very best embroidery magazine for the avid stitcher. Enjoy more for less this new year and look forward to… • ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS with exclusive tutorials and expert demonstrations, taking your craft to the next level • FINDING INSPIRATION from upcoming and professional embroiderers alike • STAYING AHEAD OF THE CURVE with our latest embroidery discoveries • ENJOYING THE CONVENIENCE of having your copy delivered direct to your door Follow either the link or scan the QR code to claim your offer. bit.ly/SUB2STCH *T&Cs apply. Print subscription offer available to UK only when paying Direct Debit or Continuous Card Payment (CPA). Pay just £27.99 annually. Print copies will be mailed to you when released. Overseas…
Badger Brooch
FIND TEMPLATES FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 59 While adding a goldwork book to my library, I discovered a silverwork penguin brooch that inspired me to design something similar. I began thinking of other black and white animals—magpies, Friesian cows, zebras, pandas, orcas—but the badger stood out. Despite being mostly grey, its distinctive face and simple outlines made it perfect for silverwork, and I decided to create a brooch, or perhaps that should be a ‘badge’!? VIDEO TUTORIAL Ilke talks through her design. To watch, go to bit.ly/BadgerBrooch or scan the QR code! YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS: • Square of black faux suede, 18x18cm• Square of backing fabric (e.g. lightweight calico), 18x18cm• Pewter/dark grey kid or soft faux leather, 2x2cm• Gutermann Sew-All thread no.8 (grey)• Stranded cotton in grey, to…
Floral Crown
FIND TEMPLATE FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 59 Beautiful embroidery patterns for the modern embroiderer! In this pattern, I’ve used the traditional image of a flower garland but added a modern spin with bold lines, block colour, and various embellishments to create a piece that is not only fun to do, but lovely to look at afterwards too! YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS • For the background fabric: o White cotton drill fabric 10x10in• DMC threads: o Black DMC 310, Raspberry DMC 3832, Cranberry DMC 603, Light Coral DMC 352, Light Moss Green DMC 3819, Medium Yellow Green DMC 3347, White DMC Blanc• Embellishments: o Gold 3mm flat sequins o Coral/dark red 3mm glass seed beads EQUIPMENT • 6in embroidery hoop• Scissors• Fabric pen for pattern tracing• Embroidery needle size 10•…
Katy Horwood
Hello, please start by introducing yourself to our readers Hi, I’m Katy Horwood, I live in London and I’m the creator behind The Seductive Stitch. I studied Textiles at university (many years ago!), specialising in print and surface decoration. Afterwards, I launched my own clothing label, Love You Longtime, and for 10 years, my garments were stocked in TOPSHOP and ASOS. All my pieces were embellished and customised, so in many ways, I transitioned from print to embroidery early in my career - though I didn’t realise the connection at the time! After taking time out following the birth of my daughter, my career shifted more towards the marketing side, and hands-on creativity took a backseat. It wasn’t until the dark days of lockdown, when I was furloughed, that I…
Majestic Kingfisher
FIND TEMPLATE FOR THIS PROJECT ON PAGE 59 My kingfisher design started as a gift for a loved one, and as I worked on it, I realised it would make a wonderful project for anyone looking to create something special for a bird lover or a perfect piece to frame in their own home! The design incorporates a variety of embroidery techniques, from well-known ones like shading and French knots to the intricate art of goldwork. I hope you enjoy creating this piece as much as I did! YOU WILL NEED MATERIALS • Three size 12 embroidery needles• Yellow cotton drill/regular cotton fabric• Stranded cotton in blue, orange, yellow and dark brown• Bullion 47, bullion 27 and bullion 60• Pearl purl in gold (size 6)• Gutermann thread in yellow EQUIPMENT…