Baby Hug

A family portrait to stitch: a baby resting on a shoulder, worked entirely in sepia shades, with the outlines finished in back stitch. The lower band leaves room to add the name, the date of birth and the weight using the alphabet supplied, making it the classic birth sampler to give as a present or to hang in the nursery.

With only a handful of colours the stitching moves along quickly, even for those with little experience, though the pale shading does call for care in following the chart. A hoop or frame and a small pair of scissors are useful while you work; the frame and mount shown in the photo are not included and can be chosen once the piece is finished.