Claire Crompton

Three-quarter cross stitches give more detail to a design and can create the illusion of curves. They are shown by a triangle within a square on the charts. These stitches are easier on evenweave fabric than Aida (see Fig 3). To work on Aida, make a half cross stitch from corner to corner and then work a quarter stitch from the other corner into the centre of the Aida square, piercing the fabric and anchoring the half stitch.

Fig 3 Working three-quarter cross stitch

Once all stitching is complete, mount into a card as follows. Lay the card right side up on top of the design so the stitching is in the middle of the aperture. Place a pin at each corner of the fabric and remove the card. Trim the fabric to within about 1.3cm (½in) so it will fit inside the card when it is made up

2 On the wrong side of the card, stick double-sided tape around the aperture and peel off the backing strip. With the stitching right side up, place the card over the design using the pins to guide it into position. Press down firmly around the aperture so the fabric is stuck securely to the card.
3 Place the card face down with the top of the design at the top. On the wrong side of the card, stick more double-sided tape around the edge of the middle section and peel off the backing tape. Fold in the left section to cover the back of the stitching and press down firmly. Fold in the right section to finish