Poinsettias are a classic plant around Christmas thanks to their bright red and green coloring (though there are other shades, too). Did you know the English name for the plant comes from Joel Roberts Pontisett, who was the United States minister to Mexico and introduced the plants to the states in the 1820s? (Thanks, Wikipedia!)
If you want a poinsettia decoration that lasts a little longer than the plant (though I know the plants can last a long time, too, if you take care of them), try cross stitching one! This design from Amanda Gregory is done in the traditional red and green colorway, but if you like a pink poinsettia instead, or even a white one, you could change the color to make it look like your favorite.
The design is 58 by 58 stitches and as shown calls for 8 colors for the design and one additional color for backstitching. It comes out to 4.25 inches or 10.5 cm square worked on 14 count Aida fabric or 28 count evenweave.
The project includes full and fractional stitches, backstitching and French knots and is considered suitable for advanced beginner to intermediate stitchers.
You can frame the project as shown or the pattern instructions also talk about how to turn the poinsettia cross stitch pattern into a needle case, which is shown in the pattern using a different floral cross stitch design. This uses the pattern as the cover for a little book that can hold your needles for future stitching projects.
This project is available as a free pattern from Gathered; I think it originally appeared in The World of Cross Stitching magazine. Sidebar: I have no idea why it is crooked in the frame.
Need some more inspiration for poinsettia projects to stitch? Check out this roundup of poinsettia cross stitch patterns for more festive and beautiful designs!
[Photo via Gathered]
