Cherry Border

Cross-stitch a cherry border for your shelves.

Posted by Cath Kidston

About

This vintage border was a lucky flea market find that just needed a bit extra embellishment… and fortunately the delectable cross-stitch cherries fitter perfectly on to the embroidered scallops. I used simple metal upholstery tacks to fix the edging onto my shelf, spacing them evenly along the top edge.

Top tip If you aren’t lucky enough to find a similar scalloped edging, these cherries look just as tasty stitched on to a narrow band of plain linen.

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You Will Need (4 things)

  • Length of Scalloped Edging or hemmed fabric strip cut to length of shelf plus 5cm soluble canvas
  • DMC stranded cotton Embroidery Thread – 1 skein in each of the following colours: ecru (ecru); light green (320); dark red (355); dark green (520); red (817); pink (962)
  • Embroidery Needle
  • Tacking Thread

Steps (3 steps, 180 minutes)

  1. 1

    For each cherry motif, cut a 5cm square of soluble canvas and tack it centrally to a scallop or along the width of the fabric. If using a ready-made edging, work the motifs in the centre of the scallops. On a plain fabric, measure 8cm evenly between each cherry motif.

  2. 2

    The design is worked in cross stitch throughout using two strands of embroidery thread. Following the chart, work the pink and red fruits, then the white highlights and the dark red lowlights. Add the stalks and leaves in two shades of green.

  3. 3

    When the design is complete, trim away any excess soluble canvas. To dissolve the soluble canvas, carefully wash the border in warm soapy water following the manufacturer’s instructions. Rinse thoroughly, then allow to dry. Once dry, press well, adding a little starch of fabric stiffener if you like. Press under the side edges and tack in place along your shelf.