It’s an Orchidea/Bothy Threads double act this month in Needlecraft, but we just couldn’t resist selecting these beautiful cross stitch kits to highlight for May. Whether you’re new to stitching, or an experienced crafter with many projects under your belt, we think you’ll find something to enjoy in our needlecraft selection this month.

We’re beginning with two colourful floral designs form Orchidea. Now that the days are lengthening, and some warm sun filters through to warm the blooming flowers, we felt it was the perfect time to highlight these two beautiful sunflower designs. The Sunflower design on the left, in its warm oranges and yellow, will be perfect for some relaxing, mindful stitching. The 14 count aida is pre-printed with the stitching design, so that you do not have to follow a chart or thread colour key, and all the threads you will need are included in the kit. It also includes a needle so all you need will be your needlework scissors and you will be ready to begin this gorgeous, sunny bloom. The Orchidea Sunflower on the right is a clever design, where the inner flower is stitched but the outer petals are printed onto a greetings card. The pastel shades of the card contrast perfectly with the bold yellows and browns of the stitched flower, giving a three dimensional feel to the project. Perfect for sending sunny greetings to a friend, this little kit includes pre-sorted threads, 14 count white aida and a needle, plus clear instructions for both stitching and mounting the flower into the card. We are loving these bold, joyful sunflower stitches, perfect for the bright summer days to come.

We also love the Bothy Threads designs in their new plastic-free packaging, and if you are looking for something stitchy to keep you occupied for a while then perhaps these Gorjuss stitches will catch your eye. The kits are worked onto full-colour pre-printed Zweigart aida, which provides a charming, colourful background for the stitching. The original artwork for this whole 2025 collection is by Santoro London, and each of the figures is showcased perfectly by the coloured fabric they are stitched onto. The fabulously rich purple background of Twilight, on the left, and the moody shading of Little Storm Cloud, on the right, tone so beautifully with the figures and their dresses that we are sure you will be tempted to recreate them in your stitching. The kits use cross stitch, back stitch and French knots, and also sequins, metallic threads and beads, which are all included. These larger projects (the finished designs are both 22cm by 30.5cm), include detailed instructions and clear stitch diagrams, along with a needle – everything you will need to plunge in and start creating your gorgeous Gorjuss project!

And finally, we just have to circle back to Orchidea – we couldn’t resist these two charming cross stitch kits. Summer scenes of rural calm, each framed by a glass jar, are so sweet and warm that we just couldn’t miss them out from this needlecraft tour at Wool Warehouse this month! Each kit includes everything you will need to stitch the pretty scene, including a soft cream aida and pre-sorted threads. Summer Jar, on the right, reminds us of a perfect summer’s day in the warm sunshine, maybe somewhere in rural England, complete with succulent strawberries and a cheeky ladybird resting on the flower. The detail in the design really brings to life the apple tree and green meadow, with tall yellow sunflowers dotted through the background. Mountains – Vacation Memories, on the left, is an equally charming rural scene, but this time in the mountains. This one look like it could be in the foothills of the Alps, maybe in Bavaria, and the mountain stream, white building and snow-tipped mountains in the background all exude stillness and peace. We love the addition of the cowbell and ribbon on the neck of the jar. You really feel like you could just stroll into either of these charming scenes and smell the mountain air or taste the sweetness of a strawberry. We think either of these are great choices for some peaceful, quiet stitching time.

Well, that’s all for our look at what’s new in needlecraft this month – please take a stroll through Alex’s yarn picks and Vic’s highlights for fabric. 🙂 See you next month!