Stitch a picture

1. Locate and download the template. Start by stitching the embroidered ‘Souvenir’ design; transfer the motif to a scrap of white cotton or linen fabric, then place the fabric in an embroidery hoop, stretching it until it is taut.

2. Thread the needle with two strands of pink embroidery thread, then fill in the letter ‘S’ in satin stitch, using stem stitch for the thinnest parts. For the remaining letters, still using two strands of thread, embroider along the lines using split stitch.

3. When the embroidery is complete, remove the fabric from the hoop and press the piece with a hot iron on the wrong side, to remove any creases. Trim the fabric to a neat rectangle and fray the edges if desired.

4. Choose decorative paper pieces – in this case, the cover and first page of a paperback novel – and arrange on the canvas. If necessary, fold the corners of the paper over the edge of the canvas. When you are happy with the arrangement, hold the papers in place with a little glue.

5. Cut white net measuring 30cm square and position it on the work surface, then place the canvas face down on top. Stretch the net over the edges and staple along the sides, with the staples going into the wooden frame.

6. Apply glue to each corner of the embroidered fabric and position it on the front of the canvas. Cut strips of braid to form a frame around the embroidery and either glue or stitch these in place to hide the raw edges.