Illusion Chameleon Counted Cross Stitch Kit by Bothy Threads XRF2

Stitch Illusion, a counted cross stitch kit by Bothy Threads — a chameleon covered in bright green, blue, pink and yellow scales curls its tail against a green background.

A little stitcher's folklore: chameleons change colour mainly to show their mood and control their temperature, not just to hide.

Why this kit: from Rachel Froud's The Menagerie range, it is stitched on Aida printed with a full-colour background, so the vivid backdrop is ready-made and all the stitching goes into the animal.

Kit includes: 14-count Zweigart Aida with a colour-printed background, pre-sorted stranded cottons, a needle and a clear stitch diagram and instructions. Stitches used: full cross stitches and back stitch. A frame is not included.

Stitch the chameleon in cross stitch from the centre, block by block, then add the details in back stitch.

Finished size: 26×26 cm (10.2×10.2 in). A striking piece for a reptile lover.