Hi crafty friends. I have something a bit different to share with you today, My First Cross Stitched Biscornu. I joined a Stitch Alone a couple of months back over on Facebook, Stitching with Nichol Spohr and she did a series of Floss Tube Videos, walking us through how to create these beautiful little things. I had never heard of a Biscornu before, but I will certainly be making more very soon.
I spend a lot of time each day creating cards. It has become my full-time job. So, when a friend suggested we join the group and create a biscornu, I said YES PLEASE (and thank you Carol). I needed something other than work as a creative outlet. I cross stitched like a crazy woman many many years ago (like 40), so it was fun to come back to it again. I admit to having to purchase a lighted magnifying glass for this, as my eyes are also getting old, haha…it worked great, and I had an absolute blast stitching this.
What is a Biscornus you ask?
It’s the name for a small, eight-sided pin cushion that became popular in the first decade of the twenty-first century. The word biscornu is derived from the French adjective biscornu, meaning irregular, skewed, or strange.
You stitch a square pattern for the top and the bottom, and then stitch a border around each one. Ensuring they are exactly the same size and number of stitches…..And, if you had told me that I was going to take these two pieces and end up with something eight sided, before I saw Nichol’s finished one, I would have told you, you were skewed or strange, haha. But, It works! It’s amazing. Not gonna lie, a little stressful putting it together, if you miss a stitch, she goes wonky…
My First Cross Stitched Biscornu – Start by choosing a pattern.
For our class, Nichol was using the Basket Patterns from Cathy Habermann over at Hands on Design.
They are all square, easy to stitch and Cathy has created PDF versions, so you can order them online and download the PDF immediately. There are 4 seasons of patterns. I’m going to do the American Flag (Summer Basket) ones next for the 4th (next year), haha.
For this project, I chose the Spring Basket Pattern.
Also available,
The Winter Basket
My First Cross Stitched Biscornu – Pick your material and threads.
The pattern gives you some suggestions for what they have used to stitch on, in Aida cloth and linen. I am used to Aida, so I chose 18 count Oatmeal Aida for my first project. I cut the cloth much larger than the finished project was going to be so it would fit on my 7″ x 7 ” Q Snap frame.
I also chose the Spring Basket Pattern. Cathy has images of it done up in yellow and purple. NOT one of my favorite color combos, so I changed them out.
I worked in it a bit each day and she came together pretty quickly.
My First Cross Stitched Biscornu – Stuffing and finishing your Biscornu
Once you have your top and bottom stitched, you trim them, and use the border stitch to sew them together, the corner points on the top, lining up with the middle of the sides on the bottom.
Next, when you are almost stitched together, leave an opening of about 2″ and fill with Crushed Walnut shells. This will add some weight to the Biscornu, so it will sit well on your sewing table. Then stitch it closed.
Adding a button to the center, cinches the center down further amplifying the 8 sides.
My First Cross Stitched Biscornu – Added Decoration.
I ordered these adorable pins from Just another Button Company. The item number is jpm457. I love that little lamb, and the heart.
Do you or did you cross stitch? I’m considering doing some Floss Tubes for some other projects I have waiting in the wings, and I’m just wondering if it’s something you, my readers would be interested in?
I have no affiliation with any of these companies, I just wanted to link to what I used in case you were interested.
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Sandi, this is an awesome post in every way! Your explanation of what a biscornu is and how you made yours is engaging to read (and THANK YOU for the shoutout! Happy to have been an influencer! LOL). Your photos: only top notch!
Yes please to Floss Tubes!
~carol
Thank you Carol, I’m looking into the snowman right now, haha
Such a pretty cross stitch design!! Love the colors! 🙂
Thanks Amy, it’s fun to do something different
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Lovely to see Sandi , yes nice to break the cycle. I did cross stitch many years ago with my full time business (now happily retired ) and now follow you in Papercraft
Hope you don’t stay up all hours with the stitching like I used to – gets you in …enjoy 😘
It is nice to do something else, nice mind shift, LOL, and it’s my little reward at 3 p.m. after a hard day of designing cards, LOL. Nope, I go to bed at 8 P.M>, because I get up at 4, LOL so no late night stitching for this gal
Sandi, very interesting post! And yes, I used to cross stitch also. This is the cutest little thing and looks like fun for a variation! Thanks for sharing your adventure. I just might have to try this when all my company clears out this summer😊
Thank you Linda, I thought this was a blast, I’m kind of not into doing pictures and having to frame them, that kind of cross stitch, but I might start a collection of pin cushions, haha…I would love to see yours when you make it.
Very interesting, Sandi! I used to do crewel work, but my eyes aren’t up to that kind of work anymore. But pretty neat what you have created. Never stop creating, Sandi!
Thank you Bette, I use to love crewel work too, and yes, our older eyes have a hard time with it. I’m loving my new lit magnifier, LOL
Beautifully done! Had no idea what a biscornu was thank you for the excellent information. I’ve tried to cross stitch but sadly to say I can’t seem to keep my stitches all going the same way 😊 Keep us posted on your creations.
Me either until I joined the stitch along, haha. I know cross stitch takes a bit to learn, LOL but it’s sure fun once you get the hang of it
Just beautiful, Sandi! You certainly haven’t lost your skills over the years!
I only did a little cross stitching, concentrated mainly on knitting and
dressmaking!
aw thank you Sharon, it was really nice to be reminded how much I enjoyed stitching. I tried knitting and sewing too, was not good at either, haha….
Awesome work Sandi!
I hear yah saying you needed a magnifier light! I’m the same way.
I use to cross stitch in my younger days but haven’t seen.
Really loved seeing your project!
Thanks
haha, this getting old isn’t for the faint of heart is it, LOL…thanks Connie
you clever girl you! this is FABULOUS! I had no idea what a biscornu was and I really love what you made Sandi!
So pretty! I have cross-stitched for over 60 years and I have never seen these biscornu before. Your colors are lovely. I may have to set my current project aside and try one of these! Thank you for sharing and “yes” to more projects.
Thanks Suzi, and I know right? I had never head of them before either, LOL, but let me tell you, they are a blast to make
Wow!!!!!! ABSOLUTELY gorgeous my friend
thank you, it was fun to make something different