Jayne Netley Mayhew Wildlife Artist & Embroidery Designer



All rights reserved. Artwork, Designs, Text (c) Copyright Jayne Netley Mayhew 2021



Stitch It
Please scroll down for some useful hints and tips and Jayne Netley Mayhew's Stitch Guide.





I have put together some ideas on how you can use a design, where if you wish you don't have to use the entire design, just a small part of it. By using a different count or changing the thread or stitch, the whole look of a design can look dramatically different.

Cross stitch charts are very versatile, I have met a lady who uses my charts to paint on pottery. Plus another who uses them as I have, using fabric in place of the thread!

Where a design is stitched on a 14-1 count Aida, you could use a 28-1 count linen. Even changing the count completely say to a 11-1 count is easy, the only thing you have to be aware of is that you will need extra thread and fabric.

The smaller the fabric count the larger the design. Less stitches to the inch. When stitching on a count below 14-1, I would use three strands of stranded cotton (floss), 14 to 16 counts, two strands, 18-1 and above, one strand.

Changing the fabric colour, where I have used black for example, which is hard on the eyes when stitching, will look equally good on another colour.

Cross stitch charts can easily be worked up as a tapestry in half stitch or cross stitch, using canvas and wool. Cross stitch worked in wool on canvas 6-1 count makes a absolutely fabulous rug!





Baby Blue Tits by Jayne Netley Mayhew
(c) Copyright 2021



Baby Bluetits Design

These gorgeous spring babies can be used in so many ways, from cards, coasters and pictures, the whole design as an insert for a tray.

Some with or without using only part of the design, a different count, Linen and Aida of cream and blue and have mounted them into some beautifully illustrated springtime cards.


For more Bird designs see my book 'Cross Stitch Animal Collection', in the section, Masters of the Air.



Baby Blue Tit
Design by (c) Jayne Netley Mayhew Copyright 2021



Baby Blue Tit
Design by (c) Jayne Netley Mayhew Copyright 2021



Baby Blue Tit
Design by (c) Jayne Netley Mayhew Copyright 2021





Harvest Mice Designs in Miniature & Baby Turtle Design



Harvest Mice Designs, 'Heading Home' and 'Look-out' have been stitched using one strand of stranded cotton (floss) on an 40-1 silk gauze, the pair mounted in Wooden Cabinet Handles (from Elizabeth R. Anderson, "Miniature Embroideries".) The other mounted on board, backed and framed.

Baby Turtle Design, these baby turtles have been stitched on two different counts. Felt is used for the reverse side. Complete the stitched cross stitch design, place the backing fabric, felt, behind the cross stitch, then carefully stitch the two together, as close to the edge of the cross stitch as possible, leaving a small gap for stuffing. Stuff and close the remaining gap. Trim away the excess fabric, one stitch away from the edge of the stitching.



'Heading Home' and 'Look-out' Harvest Mice, designs by Jayne Netley Mayhew



Stitched on 40-1 Silk gauze.



'Look-out Harvest Mouse' design by Jayne Netley Mayhew



Stitched on 40-1 silk gauze



'Baby Turtles' Design by Jayne Netley Mayhew



Stitched on 16-1 and 6-1 Aida



'Baby Turtle' design by Jayne Netley Mayhew



Stitched on 14-1 Aida





Jayne Netley Mayhew's Stitch Guide





Chart Example from Jayne Netley Mayhew's Cross Stitch Charts



Jayne Netley Mayhew's Charts
Charts are Black and White symbols.
Some of the Backstitch Lines and French Knots are shown in colour for clarity.



Jayne Netley Mayhew's Charts
The large chart designs are spread over A3 two to four pages.





Jayne Netley Mayhew's - How to Make a Cushion





Jayne Netley Mayhew's - Making up guides for Pincushions and Scissor Fobs