Stitch a hoop

1 Download and print the design template. Cut a 30cm square of plain fabric. Place carbon paper on top, coloured side down. Position the template over the carbon paper and draw over the design with a pencil, pressing firmly.

2 Put the fabric in an embroidery hoop, making sure it’s taut. Cut the excess to 5cm all round. Thread a needle with three strands of your desired colour of embroidery thread. Making sure to secure the thread on the reverse, work back stitch for the outline of the design and straight and cross stitches to indicate spines, using the guide to help you. Work satin stitch for filing the cacti flowers.

3 When you’ve finished embroidering, trim and tidy up the loose threads on the reverse of your design. Fold the excess fabric to the back of the frame. Work tacking stitches around it and tie the ends together. This will allow you to tighten the fabric if it becomes loose in the frame.