The Tudor Roses

A row of miniature portraits: Henry VIII and his six wives, each one recognisable by her court dress and by the name stitched above her. The long, narrow format suits a space above a door or along a hallway, and makes a good project for anyone fond of Tudor history.

The design is worked by counting the squares on the white fabric: cross stitch fills the figures, back stitch outlines them and forms the lettering, while French knots and beads pick out the jewels and trimmings. You will also need a hoop or frame and small scissors, which are not part of the kit; the picture frame is chosen separately once the stitching is done.