A Jacobean Gem

Area K (central stem of left leaf): stem stitch

To allow the tendrils around the stem to be worked onto the fabric and not over the stitching, leave a 4 mm gap in the stem stitch over every tendril line. Using 692, 693 and 694 work the stem stitch as for area C. Starting with 693, work two lines of stem stitch at the tip of the central stem near area 8. Continue with this shade in the area adjacent to section 4. Introduce the remaining shades in the same way as for area C.

Area L (left leaf): Laid work (1-4); long and short (5-10); Cretan stitch (11); stem stitch (12); twisted chain (13); detached chain (14)

Sections 1-4: laid work

This must be completed before the outer areas of the leaf are worked. Laid work consists of long, evenly spaced stitches taken across each area to form a grid. A tiny horizontal stitch is worked at all intersecting points to hold the threads down.

1. The long, laid stitches are in 203 and the small, tying stitches in 204. Work rows of french knots in 204 as shown.
2. The long, laid stitches are in 204 and the small, tying stitches in 203. Detached chain is worked in some of the spaces, grouped together as shown to create a four-petal flower.
3. The long, laid stitches are in 202 and the small, tying stitches in 203. To make an upright cross stitch in some of the spaces, as shown, work a small vertical stitch with a horizontal stitch of the same size over it to form a cross.
4. Same as 3

Sections 5-10: long and short stitch

Using shades 152, 153, 154, 155 and 156, this leaf is worked in the same way as area B (right leaf). Follow the number order, remembering to put a split stitch line along the edge of areas that sit above previously worked areas.

5. Use shades 152, 153, 154. Begin with 154 and where a shade change is indicated on the chart, introduce 153, finishing with 152.
6. Use 155, changing to 156 as indicated.
7. Use 154, 155 and 156.
8. Use 152 and 153.
9. Use 153, 154 and 155.
10. Use 152 and 153.

Remaining sections:

11. This area is worked in Cretan stitch with 155. Start stitching at the lower end where it touches section 10.
12. With 153, work single lines of stem stitch along the design lines.
13. With 206, work the tendril in twisted chain stitch. Place the stitching through the gaps in the stem stitch, stopping and starting where necessary.
14. With 644, work the outer detail around the leaf in detached chain stitch, making sure the stitches are placed at regular intervals.

• General instructions
• Area A (main stem) and Area B (right leaf)
• Area C (central stem of right leaf) and Area D (leaves at bottom of main stem)
• Area E (small leaf) and Areas F, G, H, I and J (small leaves on main stem)
• Area K (central stem of left leaf) and Area L (left leaf)
• Area M (tendrils at top right) and Area N (butterflies)