Finished design area: about 8 x 37cm

Gather your supplies
20 x 50cm 28-count Natural Linen; Anchor stranded cotton in colours 897 (Dark Wine), 923 (Green), 47 (Red), 1206 (variegated reds), 403 (Black); Cousins Czech Glass Crystal seed beads in Iris (25198.25); Anchor Perle 8 cotton in white; sequin leaves; seed beads; silver star charms or beads; length of silver chain; tapestry needle

Download your charming santa cross-stitch pattern below:
Part 1
Part 2

Here's how
STEP 1 Tack the horizontal and vertical centre lines of the fabric. Work out from the centre and follow the symbols on the chart to cross-stitch each design. Each square on the chart indicates 1 cross-stitch. Each cross-stitch is worked using 2 strands of Anchor thread over 2 fabric threads of linen. Backstitch using 2 strands of thread. Use 1 strand of white Perle 8 cotton to work the stitches in Santa's beard. Use 1 strand of white stranded cotton to attach the seed beads in the beard. Attach the chain, catching it in place at the cuffs. Let it dangle from the cuffs, stitching a small silver star at the bottom of the chain. Where the chain has caught at the cuffs, stitch a couple of sequin leaves and red beads representing berries. Suspend stars at various lengths from the chain, working backstitch to represent the dangling chain.

STEP 2 When stitching is completed, frame as desired.

Source: Better Homes and Gardens magazine, December 2006