Window to the Sea Embroidery Kit, 6 or 8 in Hoop

About the design

Two wooden windows swing open onto the sea. Beyond them, white sailboats cross a deep blue bay toward a green headland under a summer sky with a few gulls. White roses and dark green leaves climb all the way around the window, and two blue pots of white flowers sit on the sandy sill. The roses are stitched in raised knots, the water in smooth, shaded satin stitch, so the view really does seem to sit behind the window.

Choosing a size

The kit comes in two sizes with the same picture. The 6 in (15 cm) version is quicker and fits a shelf or a small wall. The 8 in (20 cm) version has more room for detail in the boats and roses and makes a bigger statement. Pick the size in the menu above.

Stitches you will use

The fabric is covered edge to edge, so this is a project about filling rather than outlining. Long and short stitch builds the shaded areas, satin stitch makes the smooth, glossy shapes, and French knots and short straight stitches add texture where the design calls for it. Because every area is filled, small wobbles disappear into the surrounding stitches, which makes the finished piece forgiving.

Work the background areas first and the details that sit on top last. Two or three strands of floss cover the fabric quickly; switch to a single strand for eyes, edges and highlights.

What is in the kit

• Cotton fabric printed with the design
• Embroidery floss in every color, wound on a thread card
• An embroidery hoop in the size you choose

You will also need small sharp scissors and an embroidery needle.

How long it takes

Allow about 10 to 18 hours for the 6 in (15 cm) hoop and 15 to 25 hours for the 8 in (20 cm). The sea and sky go steadily; the climbing roses take the longest and are the most rewarding part.

Finishing and display

The printed lines are made to rinse out: once you finish, rinse the piece in clean water and let it dry flat, and any line that still peeks between stitches is gone. Then put it back in the hoop, trim the fabric to about an inch (2.5 cm) beyond the frame and gather it at the back, or frame it behind glass.

For a seaside pair, the Harbor Village kit shows colorful houses and boats in the same style.

Delivery and returns

Delivery is $6.95, and free on orders from $49. The delivery estimate for your address shows on this page and at checkout. You can return the kit within 30 days of delivery; return shipping is yours unless it arrives faulty or wrong. See delivery and returns for the details, or compare the other embroidery kits.