Swirling Thistles

A mandala of thistles swirling around its centre: blue-green leaves, lilac flowerheads and pink berries, framed by a border of pale scrollwork. The stitching covers most of the surface and the outlines are worked in backstitch, so it suits someone who already has some experience of counted cross stitch.

The threads come ready sorted on the organiser, so you can start straight away without hunting for skeins; the beads go on at the end with a fine beading needle to add a little sparkle. A hoop or frame and small scissors make the work easier. The frame shown is not included: the finished square can be framed or made up into a cushion.