Front Cushion: Lovebirds

Two lovebirds cheek to cheek on a berry-laden branch, worked in cross stitch with thick yarn on a large-hole canvas where the design is already printed in colour. There is no counting involved: you simply follow the printed squares, and the work grows quickly, which makes it a good choice for first-time stitchers and for children working alongside an adult.

The kit makes only the front panel of the cushion cover: the backing fabric and the inner pad have to be bought separately. Once the stitching is done, sew the back panel around the edges and slip in the pad; the finished piece can also be framed instead.