Magic Hugs

A birth sampler to personalise: teddy bears, a hot air balloon and blue balloons are arranged around the central panel, where you stitch the baby's name and date of birth using the alphabet and numbers given in the chart. The cross stitch is worked by counting the squares of the Aida, while outlines and finer details are added in backstitch.

Everything needed for the stitching is in the box; the frame is not included, nor are a hoop and scissors. The fabric is larger than the design precisely to leave the margin you need to mount the work and frame it. It makes a thoughtful gift for a birth or a christening, and suits stitchers with little experience: the blocks of colour are generous and the shading gentle.