Christmas Cards - Jolly Santa

A round-cheeked Santa holding a bell, with a sack of presents and a robin perched on top: a Christmas card to stitch and then post or hand over yourself. The design is worked in counted cross stitch with a little back stitch outlining on 16 count Aida, a fine count that gives small stitches and crisp detail, so good light helps.

The piece of Velcro is used to brush up the Lana threads, making the hat trim, beard and bobbles soft and fluffy. The finished embroidery slips into the aperture of the cream tri-fold card, which folds shut behind it: all you need to add are scissors and, if you like, a small hoop.