Ramen

An izakaya scene with two happy faces over steaming bowls: signs, lanterns and chopsticks fill the background with small colourful details that are fun to stitch one area at a time. The design is full of shading, with 43 different colours, so it is worth sorting the threads onto a floss organiser before you start.

The 16-count Aida gives crisp stitch definition and a compact piece of work; if you are not used to higher counts, good light or a magnifier helps. Everything needed for stitching is in the kit, so you only need a hoop or frame and a small pair of scissors. The frame is not included: the finished square piece suits a mount or a decorative frame.