Ladybird Bamboo Hoop Embroidery Kit

This ladybird embroidery kit brings together everything you need to stitch a cheerful garden scene of ladybirds, bees, a butterfly and flowers in a bamboo hoop. The design comes printed on a square of natural cream cotton, so there is no tracing to do: you simply follow the outlines with coloured thread. Bright red ladybirds with dark spots sit among yellow and pink flowers, striped bees and a pale blue butterfly, all framed by sprays of green leaves. Alongside the fabric and hoop there is a bundle of polyester threads in the colours of the design, needles on a card and an illustrated stitch guide.

Embroidery is a calm, absorbing way to spend an evening, and this design works up into a bright piece of hoop art for the home. Once the last stitch is in, the finished piece can stay in its bamboo hoop, ready to hang on a wall in a kitchen, hallway, bedroom or craft room, or to prop on a shelf among books and plants. The ladybirds and bees bring a little of the garden indoors all year round and sit happily in a sunny, relaxed scheme. With everything gathered in one box, it also makes a thoughtful gift for anyone who enjoys making things by hand.

The background fabric is cotton and the threads are polyester, while the hoop is bamboo with a small metal clasp of stainless iron and copper that tightens to hold the fabric taut as you stitch. The needles are iron, so keep them on their card between sessions and store them somewhere dry. The guide illustrates the stitches used, among them French knots and satin stitch. Once your hoop is on display, dust it now and then with a soft dry cloth. Hang it at eye level, where those bright reds can be enjoyed.

What comes in the ladybird embroidery kit?

You get a bamboo hoop, a square of cotton fabric printed with the design, a bundle of coloured polyester threads, needles on a card and an illustrated stitch guide.

Is the ladybird design already printed on the fabric?

Yes, the outlines of the ladybirds, bees, butterfly, flowers and leaves are printed on the cream cotton, so you simply stitch over them with no tracing needed.

What is the hoop made from?

The hoop is bamboo, with a small metal clasp of stainless iron and copper that tightens to hold your fabric firm while you work.

Can I display the finished embroidery in the hoop?

Yes, the finished piece can stay in its bamboo hoop and be hung on a wall or propped on a shelf as a bright piece of hoop art.

What colours are the threads?

The threads match the design, with bright red for the ladybirds, yellow and pink for the flowers, green for the leaves, pale blue for the wings and darker shades for the spots and stripes.

How should I look after the finished hoop?

As general good practice for cotton embroidery, dust the finished hoop now and then with a soft dry cloth and keep it out of damp rooms.