A whole year of botanical stitching in a single box. The RHS 12 Months of Cross Stitch Kit contains twelve mini cross stitch designs — one for each month of the year — each inspired by the exquisite botanical illustrations in the RHS Lindley Collections, one of the finest archives of botanical art in the world. From the first delicate blooms of spring through the abundant colour of summer and the warm tones of autumn, each design captures a seasonal flower that represents that month in the gardening calendar. Complete all twelve and you have a set of finished botanical pieces that tell the story of the year in thread.
Each of the twelve designs comes packaged in its own individual envelope — a practical detail that keeps materials organised and allows you to work through the collection month by month or dip in and out as the mood takes you. Inside each envelope is a piece of Aida fabric, pre-sorted embroidery threads in the colours needed for that design, a needle, and a pattern with full instructions. Everything needed to complete each design is self-contained within its own envelope.
Cross stitch is one of the most accessible and satisfying hand embroidery techniques — the rhythm of working X-shaped stitches across a grid of Aida fabric is meditative and absorbing, and the results are achieved relatively quickly compared to other embroidery styles. These are small, manageable designs that suit an evening's focused stitching, making them ideal for building a regular creative habit across the year.
The kit is produced in association with the Royal Horticultural Society — the UK's leading gardening charity — with designs drawn from the RHS Lindley Collections, which hold over 23,000 botanical illustrations spanning five centuries of horticultural art.
Contents: 12 individual envelopes each containing Aida fabric, pre-sorted embroidery threads, needle, pattern and instructions — one design per month.
Is this suitable for complete beginners?
Yes — the designs are small and the instructions guide you through the process from the start. Cross stitch is one of the most beginner-friendly embroidery techniques available, and the manageable scale of each design makes them achievable even for first-time stitchers.
Is a hoop included?
No — a hoop is not included. The mini designs are small enough to work comfortably without a hoop, though a small embroidery hoop can be used if preferred.
What are the RHS Lindley Collections?
The RHS Lindley Collections hold over 23,000 botanical illustrations spanning five centuries, making them one of the finest archives of botanical art in the world. They are named after John Lindley, the nineteenth-century botanist who helped establish the RHS as a scientific institution.
How long does each design take to stitch?
The mini designs are small and manageable — each one is suited to a single focused evening session of a few hours, making them a practical commitment for regular crafters and beginners alike.
Can the finished pieces be framed?
Yes — the completed designs can be mounted and framed for display, or presented in a small embroidery hoop. As the pieces are small, standard miniature frames are suitable.
