Penguins in a Bauble Christmas Plastic Canvas Cross Stitch Kit by Crafting Spark 206CS

Stitch Penguins in a Bauble, a set of four plastic canvas cross stitch motifs by Crafting Spark: four penguins in knitted hats and scarves inside blue baubles trimmed with holly, a star and a heart.

A little stitcher's folklore: the first glass Christmas baubles were blown in the 1840s, and many families still hand their favourite ornaments down from one generation to the next. Plastic canvas has been a crafter's favourite since the 1970s, because it holds its shape and turns stitching into ornaments without any framing.

Why this kit: four small motifs give you a finished piece at almost every sitting, so the project never drags; the plastic canvas keeps its shape, so there is no hoop, no ironing and no framing, just trim around each design; and two charts, one with the backstitch outlines and one without, keep the counting clear and easy to follow.

Kit includes: white 14-count plastic canvas, 100% cotton embroidery floss sorted on a numbered card, a needle, and two black-and-white charts, one with backstitch and one without. Stitches used: full cross stitches plus backstitch outlines. Not included: scissors and ribbon or cord for hanging.

Find the centre of each motif on the chart and on the canvas, then match each symbol to its numbered floss and work full cross stitches over one square of canvas. Add the backstitch outlines last. When a motif is finished, cut around it, leaving one empty square of canvas as a border so the edge stays strong, and thread a ribbon through the top to hang it.

Finished size: each motif measures about 9×12 cm (3.7×4.7 in). The four pieces can become ornaments, gift tags, magnets or bag charms. They look lovely hanging on the Christmas tree, along a garland or tied to a present, and make a thoughtful gift for Christmas lovers, teachers and Secret Santa swaps.