Black Cats Plastic Canvas Cross Stitch Kit by Crafting Spark 199CS

Stitch Black Cats, a set of four plastic canvas cross stitch motifs by Crafting Spark: four sleek black cats with green eyes and pink collars, sitting, stretching and playing.

A little stitcher's folklore: sailors once kept black cats aboard for luck, and in Scotland a strange black cat on the doorstep was said to bring prosperity. Small plastic canvas motifs make perfect travel projects: each one fits in a pocket and can be finished in a few relaxed sittings.

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, 6 colours of 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 7×11 cm (2.8×4.3 in). The four pieces can become ornaments, gift tags, magnets or bag charms. They look lovely on a bookshelf, a window latch or the fridge door, and make a thoughtful gift for cat owners and anyone who loves cats.