The American manufacturer of kits "Mill Hill" has long gained popularity among needlewomen all over the world. Simple and cute cross stitch and beading designs, supplied with detailed diagrams, are in demand among craftswomen of all levels.
Necessary tools and materials
The original Mill Hill kits come complete with everything you need to get started:
- based on perforated paper;
- with DMC threads;
- two needles - embroidery and beading;
- beads;
- treasures, that is, additional decorative elements in the form of beads, snowflakes, hearts, and so on;
- decorative buttons;
- magnets;
- instructions and diagram.
Additionally, you will only need small scissors. However, if the craftswoman only has a pattern on hand, she will have to buy all the materials and tools herself. Perforated paper for embroidery is impregnated with a special composition to give strength and density. This makes it look like thick cardboard. As a rule, the count, that is, the frequency of the holes, corresponds to the canvas Aida No. 14.
The paper can be cut with regular scissors, which is convenient when working on small items (Christmas tree decorations, magnets, bookmarks). The cut edges are easy to process. However, despite the advantages, this type of base is not very popular among Russian craftswomen.
Mill Hill produces and sells perforated paper not only in sets, but also as a separate product. The package contains two sheets measuring 22x30 cm.
Mouline threads from the French company DMC are the most popular among experienced craftswomen. The palette includes more than 465 colors and shades, which are periodically replenished with new names. The manufacturer produces not only plain cotton threads, but also melange and metallic ones.
Embroiderers appreciate the high quality of DMC products. The threads do not fluff, do not tangle and do not fade when washed. The color palette is always the same regardless of the production batch. This allows you to buy more threads during the work process, if necessary, without fear of a mismatch in shades. The only downside of DMC products is their price. The cost of one 8-meter skein is from 60 rubles.
Mill Hill cross stitch embroidery (patterns, descriptions and kit contents are described below) almost always involves the presence of additional decorative elements. Branded ceramic beads, seed beads, figured buttons, crystals, charms can be purchased not only in a set, but also separately. The cost of these accessories is quite high - about 350 - 450 rubles for one item.
For beginning needlewomen, the price of original materials and components, as well as the need for special searches, can become a significant obstacle in their acquisition. Below are alternative options for the base, threads and additional elements that can replace the original Mill Hill products.
| Name of material | What to replace | What product is it suitable for? |
| Perforated paper | Canvas | Paintings, panels |
| Linen, evenweave fabric | · decoration of household items (boxes, sachets, signs, etc.); · decoration of linen textiles (clothing, bed linen, tablecloths, napkins). | |
| Plastic canvas | · brooches;
· keychains; · magnets; · Christmas tree decorations; · souvenirs. | |
| DMC floss threads | Mouline threads from other manufacturers:
· Anchor (UK); · Gamma (Russia); · PNK named after Kirov (Russia); · Bestex (China). | For any work based on Mill Hill designs. |
| Mill Hill Beads | Beads from other manufacturers:
· Toho (Japan); · Miyuki (Japan); · Preciosa (Czech Republic). | · panels and paintings;
· decoration of boxes and caskets; · photo frames; · magnets; · Christmas tree decorations; · brooches. |
| Original decorative elements | Any decor available for purchase that matches the theme and appearance: buttons, beads, charms, etc. | For use with most Mill Hill products and designs. |
Schemes with description of works for beginners
Mill Hill cross stitch embroidery (the patterns and handicraft techniques used in its creation are available even to beginners) makes it possible to get a quick and visual result. On the other hand, the use of various embroidery techniques and additional decorative elements expands the technological arsenal of inexperienced needlewomen.
Pumpkin
To work on the plot "Midnight Pumpkin" measuring 12.7 cm x 12.7 cm, you will need the following materials and tools:
- dark blue Aida 14 canvas or perforated paper;
- floss threads 11 colors;
- beads 7 colors;
- decorative star button;
- embroidery needle;
- beading needle;
- small scissors.
Please note that beads No. 42033, 42034 and 42102 are smaller than the rest and take this into account when selecting materials yourself.
The work is carried out in the following order.
- Find and mark the center on the base and on the pattern. Start counted cross stitching from the center of the canvas.
- Consecutively embroider the pattern with a cross stitch using 2 folds of thread. Embroider with orange (721) and yellow (726) thread using 3 folds.
- Using a backstitch stitch and 2 strands of thread, create the outline of the pumpkin's eyes, nose and mouth.
- Embroider yellow stars with long straight stitches in 1 thread.
- Embroider the beaded areas on the pumpkin using a half-cross stitch and 2 strands of floss.
- Sew beads onto the background in the same way.
- In the upper left part of the image, sew on a decorative star-shaped button with triple yellow thread. The place of its attachment is indicated on the diagram by a black square.
New Year's toys
To make Christmas tree decorations, you need to prepare the necessary materials and tools:
- Perforated paper or plastic canvas. For the "spiral" - 35x49 cells. For the "ball" - 35x43 cells.
- Mouline threads: 9 colors for the “spiral” and 6 colors for the “ball”.
- Beads of 5 and 3 colors respectively.
- 2 needles – embroidery and beading.
- Charms in the shape of a heart and a Christmas tree.
- Small scissors.
Beads No. 02011 and 02099 are larger than the rest.
The production of Christmas tree decorations occurs in the following order:
- Using a cross stitch, embroider all the areas of the image indicated on the diagram. Embroider with 3 fold threads.
- Using a double thread and a half-cross stitch, embroider the beaded areas.
- Sew the charms with yellow thread in 2 folds: the heart to the "spiral", the Christmas tree to the "ball". The sewing places are marked on the diagrams with a black square.
- Carefully, so as not to damage the embroidery, cut the base with scissors along the contours of the Christmas tree decorations.
- Attach a hanging loop made of thread, beads, thin ribbon or other suitable materials to the back side.
Magnet
To make a Molly Moo magnet, you need to stock up on everything you need for work:
- perforated paper or plastic canvas 40x40 cells;
- with 5 colors of floss;
- small beads of 3 colors;
- needles for embroidery with threads and beads;
- heart-shaped button;
- a piece of felt or thick fleece the size of the canvas;
- magnet;
- Moment glue;
- with scissors.
The creation of a magnet occurs in stages:
- Cross stitch the corresponding sections of the pattern using 3 threads.
- Sew on beads using double threads of the indicated colors.
- Sew on a decorative button.
- Glue a piece of felt or fleece to the back side and let dry.
- Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out the cow figure along the outline.
- Glue the magnet.
Pomegranate
Mill Hill embroidery with pomegranate fruits can become a full-fledged interior painting, despite its small size. Like all previous works, it is made with a counted cross with the addition of beads and decorative elements according to the scheme.
For the painting "Pomegranates" you will need:
- dark blue Aida 14 canvas or perforated paper;
- floss threads 11 colors;
- beads 7 colors;
- decorative star button;
- embroidery needle;
- beading needle;
- small scissors.
It should be noted that the mark "petite" or "pet." in the name of the beads indicates its smaller size compared to the rest. This should be taken into account when independently selecting materials.
The work is carried out in the usual order:
- Embroider the image using a cross stitch with 2 strands of thread, starting from the center of the pattern.
- Embroider the beaded sections of the design using a half-cross stitch, also using 2 strands of thread.
Mill Hill cross stitch, creating a beautiful picture with pomegranates. - Sew a decorative button in the place indicated on the diagram.
Fish
A bright fantasy fish can become an element of interior decor, a Christmas tree decoration, a keychain or a magnet.
The work requires very few materials and tools:
- base made of perforated paper or plastic canvas 8 cm x 6 cm;
- 5 colors of floss;
- beads of 5 colors;
- a small button or bead for the eye;
- 2 needles for floss and beads;
- felt or thick fleece to match the canvas size;
- Moment glue;
- scissors;
- fittings depending on the purpose of the product (magnet, pendant, keychain ring, etc.).
It is recommended to embroider the fish in the following order:
- On a rectangular base, find the center and, starting from it, do the entire embroidery with 3-ply threads.
- Sew the beads on in a half-cross stitch, folding the thread in half.
- Attach the fish eye. In the original set, it consists of two elements - a flower-shaped bead and a small bead No. 42033. The bead is sewn in the middle of the flower, fixing it. This fitting can be replaced with a suitable button or sewn on a small bead.
- Glue felt or fleece to the back of the base.
- Using scissors, carefully cut the fish along the outline.
- Sew or glue additional fittings in accordance with the purpose of the product: magnet, pendant, keychain, and so on.
Ladybug
You can decorate your child's room with such a cute picture in the style of a children's drawing.
To work, you need to prepare the following materials and tools:
- light apricot Aida canvas No. 14, 71x71 cells, not counting allowances;
- floss threads of 9 colors;
- beads of 4 colors;
- 2 needles for floss and beads;
- scissors.
The work should be carried out in the usual order:
- Mark the center of the canvas and embroider the image with 2 strands of thread, moving from the center to the edges.
- Using backstitch, embroider the inscription with blue thread in 3 folds.
- Sew the beads on in a half-cross pattern using 2 strands of thread.
- Use small dark blue beads to make the antennae, paws and outline of the front part of the ladybug's head. Sew the beads in a full "cross" with a double thread of the same color as the inscription.
Secrets for Beginners
Mill Hill cross stitch embroidery (patterns, descriptions and kits of this manufacturer are presented in this article) has features that beginner needlewomen need to know about:
- All descriptions and keys to the diagrams are given in English, so translation will be required.
- All the floss threads included in the set are twisted into one skein. To make the work easier, they should be sorted by color. It should be taken into account that closely related shades of the same color are very common in Mill Hill designs. They will have to be determined by eye, checking with the key. For example, medium brown, dark brown, very dark brown.
- Beads also need to be sorted by color, but this is much easier than sorting floss. One package contains beads of contrasting, easily distinguishable colors.
- If the perforated paper is wrinkled, you can iron it.
- Contaminated paper cannot be washed like fabric canvas. To clean it, use a regular eraser.
- There is no need to make stitches on the back side if there should not be embroidery in this place on the front side.
Mill Hill's simple and bright designs leave almost no one indifferent. For beginner cross-stitch enthusiasts, this is a real encyclopedia of skills in working with patterns and various handicraft techniques. Experienced craftswomen can take a break from large and complex projects, enjoying the creative process and quick results. In addition, it is convenient to take a small work with you on a trip or a walk.
Mill Hill Embroidery Video
Mill Hill Cross Stitch: