Christmas Biscornu Ann’s Orchard Needlework finished size approximately 10cm x 10cm x 4cm
SUGGESTED MATERIALS (OR RAID YOUR STASH!)
28 count white Zweigart Cashel linen
Size 26 tapestry/cross stitch needle Size 10 short beading needle (optional)
Anchor stranded embroidery thread Red 5975 Dark Green 262 Light Green 261
Japanese seed beads size 11 White TOHO 122 Red Miyuki 1236 Green TOHO 380
Two larger beads approximately 8mm diameter
10grams polyester toy stuffing
Embroidery hoop (optional) © Emma Pavier 2018 Ann’s Orchard Needlework Biscornu Instructions www.annsorchard.co.uk This biscornu, despite it apparent complexity, is actually made from two quite simple cross stitch designs with some backstitch, whipstitch and beadwork The suggested materials may be substituted with fabrics, threads and beads from your own stash. How to Begin The biscornu is stitched on 28 count Cashel linen - there are 28 holes per inch of the linen and each stitch is made over two threads of the fabric to give 14 stitches per inch. Start by giving the linen a light iron to remove any creases. Zigzag with a machine or blanket stitch by hand around the edge to stop the linen fraying as you sew. Ideally fit your fabric in an embroidery hoop to keep it taut whilst stitching but this is not essential. It is best to work from the centre of each design to ensure they fit on the fabric. The centres are shown on the charts by two dotted lines. Find the centre of your fabric either by folding along the diagonals or measuring. Each coloured square of each chart represents a single stitch. Blank squares represent a space the same size as a single stitch. You may enlarge the chart for your own use but please do not share these copyrighted designs.
Stitching the Designs The designs are stitched using two strands of embroidery thread. Cut a length of about 60cm and holding it at one end twist slightly to separate the stands before pulling them apart one by one. Bring two strands back together and thread your needle. Starting at the centre of the linen bring your needle up leaving a short tail of about 3cm at the back of the fabric. As you stitch aim to cover this tail of thread to secure it firmly. You may make your cross stitches individually or working back and forth along a row in half stitches. There is no rule about which way you should stitch, that will come naturally, but always make sure the top stitches lie in the same direction for the neatest finish. To finish a thread simply weave it through the back of your work. You don’t need to fret over neatness on the back but it is a good idea to avoid long trails of thread as these will show through the linen.
Individual Stitches stitches in rows
Assembling the Biscornu Once the cross stitching is complete a line of backstitch needs to be worked around the edge of the both pieces of needlework. Again, stitch with two strands of embroidery cotton over two threads of the fabric. 2 1 3
Bring your needle up through (1) make a straight stitch passing down through (2) and repeat coming up through (3). Once all your cross stitch and backstitch is complete give both pieces of needlework a good iron to remove any wrinkles. Trim away the excess fabric to leave a border of 1 to 2cm around the outer edge. To prevent fraying zigzag by machine or blanket stitch the cut edge. Using just your fingers press the seam allowance under so that the backstitching sits along the fold line.
Thread your needle with two stands of embroidery floss in the same colour used for the backstitching. Secure the thread to the back of one of your pieces of needlework then bring your needle up through the centre of the backstitched border. Slip your needle under this central backstitch, align the corner of the second piece of needlework and pass the needle under the corner backstitch. Working under the backstitches, whip stitch the two pieces of needlework together. When you get to the corners you may have to prod and poke the seam allowance a bit to get the linen to turn.
The seed beads may be added as you whip stitch. Simply pop a bead on your needle and thread as you make a stitch. If you place the tip of your needle against the hole in the bead it will ‘jump’ on so no need to try and pick them up with your fingers! The chart provides a guide as to where to add the beads but it is entirely up to you how to space them. If the bead has a very fine hole you may need to switch to a beading or finer embroidery needle.
Stuff your biscornu once you reach the final quadrant. It will take about 10 grams of polyester toy filling but you could also use lavender or poly pellets. The biscornu will be quite full but you should be able to pull the final seam together and complete the whip stitching.
Finally, cut a long, single strand of embroidery floss. Fold it in half and thread your needle with the two cut ends. Pass your needle through the centre of the biscornu leaving a loop of thread hanging. Pass your needle back through the centre of the biscornu and through the loop of thread pulling tight to secure. Thread one glass bead onto your needle and then stitch through both the centre of the biscornu and bead several times to secure. Repeat with the second glass bead. Christmas Biscornu Chart One Ann’s Orchard Needlework finished size approximately 10cm x 10cm
Red Seed Beads Attached with a half cross stitch © Emma Pavier 2018 Christmas Biscornu Chart Two Ann’s Orchard Needlework finished size approximately 10cm x 10cm
White Seed Beads Attached with a half cross stitch © Emma Pavier 2018