Decorative Wreath Hoop

What you will learn

• Counting a circular design
• Four colours
• Mounting in a hoop

Materials and tools

• 14-count Aida, 7 in (18 cm) square
• Tapestry needle size 24
• Floss: green DMC 702, dark green DMC 699, pink DMC 3326, red DMC 321
• 4 in (10 cm) wooden hoop
• Embroidery scissors
• Strong thread for gathering the back

Pattern chart

1. Cut the Aida at least 2 in (5 cm) larger than the design on every side. Fold it in half both ways and pinch to find the centre.
2. Find the centre of the chart using the arrows on its top and left edges.
3. Thread the needle with 2 strands and start with a loop start or by holding the tail under your first stitches.
4. Begin at the centre and work outward, one colour at a time. Count carefully from stitches you have already made.
5. Stitch the heart at the centre first.
6. Count from the heart to the nearest part of the wreath and stitch the ring in sections, one quarter at a time, checking against the chart's heavy grid lines.
7. Wash and press. Centre the design in the hoop with the screw at the top and tighten.
8. Trim the Aida to 1 in (2.5 cm) beyond the hoop, run a gathering stitch round the edge, pull it tight behind the hoop and knot.
9. Check the chart for missed squares. Finish all ends under the backs of stitches.
10. Wash, dry and press face down on a towel.

Tips for a neat result

• Every top leg must slant the same way across the whole piece.
• Tick off rows on a printed copy of the chart as you finish them.

Common mistakes and fixes

Check your result

• All crosses have the top leg slanting the same way.
• The stitch count matches the chart.
• The back is flat with no long carried threads.