Assisi Holly & Poinsettia - Assisi Stitch stitch masterclass
NEEDLEWORKPATTERN READY TO DOWNLOAD, DESIGNED BY Faby Reilly Designs

This pretty Christmas ornament doubles as an introduction to the Assisi stitch, a cross stitch technique where pattern and background are inverted, ie the background is filled with cross stitch and the pattern left blank, therefore appearing in negative on the background fabric. The chart by Faby Reilly comes as always with an excellent tutorial for all stitches and techniques involved.

Like ancient Assisi needlework, dating back to the Renaissance and to the Italian city of the same name, the design is adorned with flourishes and outlines in Holbein stitch or Backstitch. Holbein stitch is a double running stitch where you fill in blanks on the way back in other to achieve continuous lines. As opposed to backstitch the design is reversible (stitching appears identical on both sides) which can be useful for certain projects.

Lastly, fractional cross stitch is used for extra detail in the outline of the small holly and poinsettia motifs.

The poinsettia patterns are enhanced with seed beads simulating the pistils of the flower.

The chart comes with an extra tutorial for framing the stitched piece.

The design is also perfect to be  finished into a Christmas ornament (see free tutorial), hanging from one of the angles, and embellished with a tassel or a few beads.

A tutorial is included with the chart for all specialty stitches.

A cross stitch pattern by Faby Reilly Designs.

>> see more Christmas Ornament patterns by Faby Reilly Designs

>> see all Specialy Stitch Masterclass patterns and guides by Faby Reilly Designs
 

Chart info & Needlework supplies for the pattern:
Assisi Holly & Poinsettia - Quick Challenge: Assisi Stitch

Chart size in stitches: 60 x 60 (wide x high)
Needlework fabric: Zweigart 28ct Cashel linen, white
4 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch - 11 x 11 cm
Stitches: cross stitch, backstitch, or Holbein stitch (double running stitch), fractionals (1/4 cross stitch; 3/4 cross stitch)
Chart: Two step color chart : with cross stitch only + with all stitches
Threads: DMC
Number of colors: 2
Other Supplies: Mill Hill sead beads (Gold (000557))

Themes: assisi stitch instructions, Christmas design, Red and White
 

>> see all Christmas Ornament patterns (all designers)

>> see all patterns using assisi stitch technique (all designers)

All patterns on Creative Poppy's website are printable and available for instant download.