Runner red - Christmas Deers

The runner comes ready made and hemmed, so only the embroidery is left to do: the design is printed straight onto the red fabric and you follow it with the help of the large-square chart. After washing, the printed ink disappears and only the white stitching remains, which stands out beautifully against the red.

It is a long but straightforward project, suitable even if you have little experience with counted work, as there is no need to count threads along the whole length. Fabric, DMC threads and needle are all in the kit; a hoop or frame is handy to keep the fabric taut. Once finished, it dresses a Christmas table or a sideboard and can be washed as normal.