Unicorns in Cross Stitch
It’s easy to see why unicorns are such popular mythical creatures. With their wispy manes, horns and knowing eyes, they appear to have a real sense of wisdom in addition to their magical qualities.
Unicorns were fierce animals who were capable of sensing an enemy from a huge distance. They moved soundlessly through forests, being able to run faster than any other creature.
They avoided contact with all but the woodland spirits, choosing to live alone. They would occasionally allow themselves to be ridden by elf maidens of pure heart, and if treated with kindness, would be their protective steeds for life which could be 1,000 years. The secret to a Unicorn’s long life was said to be the strong magical power in their horns.
Marianna Mayer once observed in The Unicorn and the Lake, “The unicorn is the only fabulous beast that does not seem to have been conceived out of human fears. In even the earliest references he is fierce yet good, selfless yet solitary, but always mysteriously beautiful. He could be captured only by unfair means, and his single horn was said to neutralize poison.”
For the cross stitcher, there are plenty of opportunities to use imagination when stitching unicorns. You can add beads, metallic threads and charms to emphasize the glistening beauty of these creatures.
Here are a few tips for stitching a unicorn:
1. Consider stitching this white beast against a coloured background. Purples, reds and gold can produce a great contrast to this white beast.
2. You can be creative with the background too – perhaps adding some stars and abstract designs.
3. To make sure that the unicorn stands out from the background, use more attractive embellishments (beads, charms etc.) on the unicorn than on its background.
4. If you are stitching a unicorn design as a gift, consider placing the design on something that can be carried around by the recipient, to emphasize its protective qualities; a notebook cover, bookmark or spectacle-case.
Below, there is a picture of one of the designs that Patterns Patch members can freely download.
Happy Stitching!
Iona
