We think it's fair to say that here at CrossStitcher HQ, we've a weak spot for cakes and biscuits. (There's always a box of treats in the office to munch between deadlines!) So, you can imagine how excited we were about transforming Scottish textile designer Gillian Kyle's iconic Tunnock's Teacake design into a cross stitch pattern. Oh yes.

In our June issue you'll find the pattern and all the making-up instructions for making a statement bag just like Gillian's printed beauties. Don't miss it, grab your copy from our online shop...

Hi! CrossStitcher and Cross Stitch Collection magazines are looking for home stitchers. 

We’re looking for neat stitchers who are able to turn pieces around to tight deadlines, but are also comfortable working on a variety of fabrics such as: evenweave, waste canvas on fabric or felt, perforated paper, plastic canvas and aida.

If you’re interested, please post us 1 - 2 unframed examples of your work, which we will return by RMSD.

Please also include your name, address, telephone number, email address and a brief paragraph about yourself, including your stitching experience and the approximate number of hours you’re available per week.

Click read more to find out how to apply...

Our seaside and summer-themed June issue has hit the shelves, bringing some sunshine to you regardless of the weather! This issue we've got some fabulous giveaways on offer, including charts and kits from Heritage Crafts, Bothy Threads, and Mouseloft, and Chiltern Craft & Design Show tickets.

To enter any of our giveaways, simply click on the links below:

Chiltern Craft & Design tickets

Elegance Lady kits from Heritage Crafts

Little Dog kits from Mouseloft

Summer scene kits from Bothy Threads

The closing date is 5 June, so don't miss out!

These cute pooch cards from our June issue (266) are perfect for dog lovers or simply anyone who is animal crackers! To help you achieve a professional finish, we've even designed this printable backing paper.

We’re looking forward to spending the majority of our balmy June days outside… with our stitching in one hand and a chilled lemonade in the other. Whet your summer stitching appetite with our June issue (266) and over 50 cross stitch patterns inspired by glorious hippy-chic trends. Flowers, retro cards, music... we've got it all!

Our cover star this month is Jan Constantine’s bloomin’ gorgeous Gypsy Heart cushion, stitched on refreshing white evenweave. A lovely detailed design to keep your fingers busy all summer long.

To help you get organised this season, your free gift is a prety pin tin (with a handy envelope of needles!) in two pretty collectable designs. Which will you choose?
CrossStitcher's June issue, on sale now.

Here’s a nifty idea! Why not cross stitch some butterflies to create your own 3D wall art? The secret behind this quirky idea involves using perforated paper and foam pads to make your stitched motifs really stand out! We've framed our collection of four winged beauties in an old frame backed with a scrap of patterned wallpaper to give it a vintage feel.

Find Sarah Cookland's full set of over 20 designs in our May issue (265) or download this extra butterfly today. A single motif like this would make a lovely 3D birthday card. Go on, get creative and give it a go...

Welcome to the glorious month of May, well almost. In issue 265, we're heralding the return of spring as our gardens start to fill with zesty blooms. Pay homage to the iconic floral cluster with Lucie Heaton's pretty roses bag, perfect for storing your stitching stash.

Talking of your stash, we've been inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee - and their delightfully organised sewing tables. Have you been watching it? Get your own crafty space organised with our colourful tiled book cover and cute trio of pincushions...

CrossStitcher's May issue - on sale 16th April. Buy from our online shop or in the iTunes app store.

There are a few things we just can't seem to get enough of bold contemporary cross stitch this season. Spring 2013 is all about bright palettes, bold shapes and stunning centrepieces. So, imagine our delight when needlepoint designer Felicity Hall created this corker-of-a-cushion for our April issue... 

Spring clean your stitching life with a trip to a Creative Crafts Show! It’s the perfect opportunity to stock up on all those hard-to-find supplies and get inspired for summer.

The Creative Crafts Show will be at King's Hall Complex, Belfast, from 18-20 April; Bath and West Showground, Shepton Mallet, from 25-28 April, and Manchester Central from 2-4 May. As well as countless shopping opportunities there will also be plenty of workshops, displays and demonstrations in everything from beading to blackwork, giving you plenty of opportunities to learn new techniques.