The Natural History Museum in London holds over 80 million natural history specimens, and it is from this extraordinary collection that the imagery for this cross stitch range is drawn. NHM106506 features a design based on tits — the family of small, agile garden birds that includes the Blue Tit, Great Tit, and Long-tailed Tit, among the most familiar and best-loved birds in the British garden.
Tits are a particularly pleasing subject for cross stitch. Their compact size, bold markings, and often striking colour contrasts — the acid yellow and blue-green of the Blue Tit, the strong black and white of the Great Tit — translate beautifully into the geometric language of the cross stitch medium. The result is a design with real character and visual impact in a small, displayable format.
The kit works on Aida fabric set in a 13.5cm screw-adjustable hoop that doubles as a display frame once the stitching is complete. Everything needed to finish the piece is included, with detailed instructions specifying exactly which thread colours to use at each stage of the design — making it fully accessible to complete beginners while being a genuinely enjoyable project for more experienced stitchers.
As with all kits in the NHM range, this sits a step above a standard craft kit in both design quality and subject matter, and makes an excellent gift for anyone who loves birds, garden wildlife, or the Natural History Museum.
What's in the kit? 13.5cm screw-adjustable hoop, Aida fabric, assorted threads, needles, needle threader, cross stitch chart, and detailed instructions specifying thread colours and quantities throughout.
Is it suitable for beginners? Yes. The instructions guide you through the technique step by step, specifying exactly which threads to use and where. Cross stitch is one of the most accessible embroidery techniques to learn, and this kit provides everything you need to get started with no prior experience required.
What birds are featured in the design? The design is based on tits — the family of small perching birds that includes the Blue Tit, Great Tit, Long-tailed Tit, and Coal Tit, among others. They are among the most widespread and familiar garden birds in Britain and Europe, and are extensively represented in the Natural History Museum's ornithological collections.
Can the finished piece be displayed in the hoop? Yes — once stitching is complete, simply trim the excess fabric neatly around the back of the hoop and it is ready to hang. The screw closure allows you to adjust the tension of the fabric during work and holds it securely in place for display.
Is this part of a wider Natural History Museum range? Yes — the NHM cross stitch range includes a number of other bird and wildlife designs including Buntings, Kingfisher, and Frog, all produced in partnership with the Natural History Museum and drawing on imagery from their collections.
