Santa

A detailed night-time Christmas scene: snow, a deep blue starry sky, lit lanterns on the fir tree and woodland animals gathering around Santa. With 57 colours and plenty of shading in the sky and the snow, it suits stitchers who already have some experience of counted cross stitch and of working from a black-and-white symbol chart.

Everything needed for the stitching is in the kit; you only need a hoop or frame, small scissors and good light. Aida 16 count is usually worked with two strands of stranded cotton, giving a close, fine finish. The frame is not included: the finished square piece is a good size for framing as a picture to hang up over the festive season.