Recently, I shared my previous cross stitch project, featuring colourful feathers. I liked the pattern so much that I ended up saving that set for a very long time. And when I finally picked it up, it didn’t turn out exactly as it looked on the packaging. It was cute, but the colours were different and not to my taste. So, I learnt my lesson: there’s no point in saving DIY sets for a special occasion! And for that reason, I decided to pick up another cross stitch set that I’ve been saving for a special day: one featuring four houseplants. Here’s how it went!

Contents of the set

As always, let’s start by having a look at the contents of the kit. It included a large embroidery hoop, a blank canvas, threads in assorted colours, a needle, and a threader. There was also a leaflet with the pattern. I bought that set in TK Maxx for £2.99.

Starting off – dark green and brown details

First, I reached for the brown yarn to sew the shelf and make sure the design is placed perfectly on the canvas. I also sewed the dark brown parts of the plant pots.

Next, I grabbed the light green thread and started embroidering the monstera plants and the hanging plant (not sure what plant it’s supposed to be?). Counting the squares of the hanging plant required full attention, but when I finished sewing, I could clearly see the design come to life.

Adding more details – orange and dark green

The first two colours were probably the most prominent from the whole pattern, but it’s the details that make the biggest difference. So next, I picked up the orange thread and added the centres of the small flowers on the hanging plant, as well as the pot of the third plant. Then, I used the dark green thread to sew the tiny leaves on the hanging plant. Sewing individual squares requires careful counting, but it didn’t take me long to complete that colour.

Further details – pink and green

Next, I used the vibrant green thread to sew the plants. The snake plant, the cactus, and the monsters were nearly finished. I also completed the leaves of the hanging plant – I really like how that plant turned out! I also used the pink thread to sew petals of the flowers – in hindsight, I wish I had swapped that thread for one in a darker, more vibrant colour. The flowers got a bit lost in the leaves.

Final touches – light brown and light green blocks

Finally, it was time to sew the last two colours. I started with the light brown thread and completed all plant pots. I was nearly there!

Using the light green thread, I added the outline of the snake plant and the spikes on the cactus. The spikes were a particularly nice touch! I’ve completed dozens of cross stitch sets by this brand, but it’s the first pattern that included horizontal, straight line stitches. Those spikes definitely added character to the final design. A few years ago I completed a cactus cross stitch project from a set by a different brand, and it used French knots for spikes. I’m horrible at making French knots, and much preferred the horizontal stitches!

And once again, a cross stitch project was successfully completed.

Final thoughts

I really love how this project turned out. Just like the feathers set, I kept this kit for a special occasion. But unlike the feathers, the colours of these house plants are very much to my liking!

Back in 2020, like many people stuck at home, I developed a passion for gardening – if you can call it gardening when you live in a tiny flat without a garden or even a balcony. In a one bedroom flat, I had something like 40 plants. Not all of them survived through the years, but I still have some that did, including two massive monsteras (slowly taking over my living room) and a snake plant. This cross stitch pattern was right up my street, and I’m glad it turned out so cute!

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• DIY