Patterns and projects

Tiny Heart

A 9 by 8 stitch heart in one colour. The ideal first chart: small, symmetrical and quick.

Beginner40 min

What you will learn

9 stitches wide by 8 high. On 14-count Aida that is about 0.6 x 0.6 in (1.6 x 1.5 cm). Each filled square is one full cross-stitch.

● Red, DMC 321 (46 stitches)

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.
Find the centre of the chart using the arrows on its top and left edges.
Thread the needle with 2 strands and start with a loop start or by holding the tail under your first stitches.
Begin at the centre and work outward, one colour at a time. Count carefully from stitches you have already made.
Stitch the two full-width middle rows first, 9 crosses each, using the two-pass row method.
Work upward to form the two bumps, then downward, removing one square from each end on each row until the single stitch at the point.
Check the chart for missed squares. Finish all ends under the backs of stitches.
Wash, dry and press face down on a towel.

I miscounted and the design is one square off

If it is only a few stitches, unpick them with the eye end of the needle. Check your count against a finished part of the design every few stitches.

Fabric shows through the crosses

Use 2 full strands and let the thread untwist so it lies flat.

Mount in a 3 in (7.5 cm) hoop, sew onto a card, or stitch it directly onto a gift tag of Aida.