Runner - Gnome and reindeer

A ready-made, hemmed table runner with the design printed straight onto the cotton: you stitch over the printed colours without counting, and the print washes out at the first wash, leaving only the embroidery. Alongside the cross stitch there are a few long stitches and some back stitch for the outlines, both explained in the instructions.

It suits stitchers with little experience, though the length calls for a little patience. Everything you need is in the kit, threads and needle included; a hoop or frame is handy to keep the fabric taut while you work. Once finished, it dresses the table or a sideboard over the holidays and can be washed as usual.