Under The Oak Tree

Two foxes curled up together in the grass beneath an oak branch heavy with acorns, surrounded by red toadstools, ladybirds and a butterfly: a warm woodland scene taken from a painting by Hannah Dale for Wrendale Designs.

The design is counted onto the speckled fabric, which stays partly visible and gives the background its depth. Alongside cross stitch you will work back stitch for the outlines and French knots for the small details, so it suits stitchers with a little experience. A hoop and a frame are not included: keep a hoop or frame to hand while you stitch and have the finished piece mounted to size afterwards.