{"product_id":"winter-bullfinch-cross-stitch-project-18-count-version","title":"Winter Bullfinch Cross Stitch Project — 18-Count Version","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis is a detailed, painterly-style winter bird design based on your finished piece: a Eurasian bullfinch with a glossy black cap, vivid orange-red breast that fades toward the lower belly, gray-and-black wings, and a dark tail, perched on a snow-dusted branch against a soft, misty gray-beige background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFabric \u0026amp; Size (18-count)\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended fabric\u003c\/strong\u003e: 18-count Aida (Zweigart or equivalent) in Antique White, Light Mocha, or very pale gray. These colors let the background shading blend naturally.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSuggested stitch count\u003c\/strong\u003e: 126 wide × 140 high (good match for the proportions and level of detail in your photo).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFinished design size on 18-count\u003c\/strong\u003e: 7\" × 7¾\" (17.8 × 19.7 cm).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eFabric cut size\u003c\/strong\u003e: At least 12\" × 13\" (30.5 × 33 cm) to give 2½–3\" margins on all sides for framing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn 18-count you get a slightly more refined, compact look than on 14-count while still showing good texture.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eMaterials\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDMC 6-strand cotton floss (use \u003cstrong\u003e2 strands\u003c\/strong\u003e throughout for good coverage on 18-count).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSize 26 or 28 tapestry needle.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmbroidery hoop, Q-snap, or scroll frame.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eOptional: laying tool for even stitches.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eStitching Notes\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWork mostly in full cross stitches. Use a few ¾ stitches along the bird’s outline and the branch edges for a smoother, less “blocky” look.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe speckled, snowy texture comes from mixing very light stitches (Blanc\/B5200 and 762) among the darker background and branch colors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart in the center of the bird’s body or work in sections (body first, then wings\/tail, then branch and background).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep tension even so the fabric texture remains visible — this helps the piece look like your original finished work.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSkill level: Intermediate because of the close color values and blending.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFinishing\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWash gently in lukewarm water with mild soap, rinse well, and press face-down on a towel. Frame in a dark wood frame with a cream or off-white mat (exactly as in the room scene we created earlier). The dark frame makes the orange breast pop beautifully against the winter background.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis 18-count version will give you a refined, display-ready piece around 7–8 inches that sits nicely on a wall near bookshelves and a lamp. Happy stitching!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"MRAM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58595589030223,"sku":null,"price":150.0,"currency_code":"NOK","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1034\/4467\/6943\/files\/image_11.jpg?v=1787930498","url":"https:\/\/istitch.no\/products\/winter-bullfinch-cross-stitch-project-18-count-version","provider":"Istitch","version":"1.0","type":"link"}