Stitch a charming handmade Marla doll to accompany you on all of your sewing adventures
DESIGNED BY SUSAN BATES
Shopping list
Zweigart* 28-count white evenweave measuring 31x21cm (12x8in) for each front and back piece Stranded cotton as listed in the key Size 24 tapestry needle Toy stuffing of your choice from local stores
*For stockists see page 82
FIONA, SENIOR TECHNICAL EDITOR
If you’ve not stitched using evenweave before this is the perfect opportunity to give it a go and make something fun for the family.
There’s more
This chart is from My Cross Stitch Doll by Susan Bates (RRP £16.99, David & Charles). All 20 of the uniquely styled dolls have names, so keep your eyes peeled for James who will be appearing in next month’s issue! For more information visit, www.david andcharles.com.
TOP TIP
If you keep an ort jar, you could use up the little bits of thread in place of toy stuffing if preferred
Factbox Great for gifting
Stitching Time
Approx. 30 hours
Type of Stitches
Cross stitch, backstitch
Ease of Stitching
Intermediate
Hailey READER PANEL
I’ve been looking forward to stitching these as I’ve had the book on my wishlist for a while. Marla would be great to stitch for my children so they can have her in their bedrooms as keepsakes – I can even personalise her with all of their favourite colours.
STITCH COUNT 118 high x 62 wide DESIGN AREA 14 HPI (28-count evenweave) – 21.5x11cm (8½x4½in) These designs were stitched using DMC stranded cotton on 28-count evenweave over two threads of the fabric
Meet Susan Bates
My aim was to design a set of dolls that would appeal to grown-ups as well as children. While you may not want to play with them as an adult, you could display them on a shelf as pretty keepsakes, or keep them on a shelf in your sewing room!
www.susanbates.co.uk
How to...make up the doll
SEW: Place the finished front and back pieces of aida right sides together, carefully matching up the edges of the stitched design. Choose a section of the doll that has a straight edge of about 4-5cm (1½-2in) – the leg or edge of the skirt are ideal – this will be left unstitched for turning and stuffing.
Start sewing using a small freestyle backstitch, 2-3mm (1/16in) away from the edge of the design, making sure the stitches are neat and even, and follow the outline of the doll. It is important to open
