How to Make a Biscornu with Machine Embroidery | Tutorial
A biscornu is a small eight-sided stuffed cushion made from two equal fabric squares. The embroidery machine creates the decorative motifs, while the unusual shape is assembled by hand:...
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
By knowing the speed of your embroidery machine, you can find out how long it will take to embroider a design.
To use the embroidery calculator, click on the number of stitches in the product description.
This download contains two one-color square cross-stitch machine embroidery designs, each supplied in 4 original sizes. The purchase includes digital files for an embroidery machine; finished embroidery, fabric, thread and biscornu assembly materials are not included.
Sizes and stitch counts
Ornament 1 — central eight-point star
Size: 107.0x107.0 mm (4.21x4.21 "), Stitches: 20406
Size: 124.8x124.8 mm (4.91x4.91 "), Stitches: 20407
Size: 149.9x149.9 mm (5.90x5.90 "), Stitches: 20406
Size: 187.4x187.4 mm (7.38x7.38 "), Stitches: 11665
Ornament 2 — four geometric snowflakes
Size: 107.0x107.0 mm (4.21x4.21 "), Stitches: 22296
Size: 124.8x124.8 mm (4.91x4.91 "), Stitches: 22296
Size: 149.9x149.9 mm (5.90x5.90 "), Stitches: 22296
Size: 187.4x187.4 mm (7.38x7.38 "), Stitches: 12745
Formats: .dst, .jef, .pec, .vip, .hus, .pes, .exp, .sew, .dat, .vp3, xxx
| Feature | Exact details |
|---|---|
| Product type | Digital machine embroidery design set |
| Included | 2 square ornaments, each in 4 sizes |
| Technique | Machine cross-stitch; one thread color per ornament |
| Suitable projects | Biscornu, cushions, napkins, table runners, quilt panels and Nordic winter textiles |
| Original thread color | Madeira Classic 40 No. 1076 True Blue |
| Designer | Ludmila Konovalova, Royal Present Embroidery |
Why does the largest size have fewer stitches? This is not a table error. The 187.4x187.4 mm (7.38x7.38 in) files use their own cross-stitch construction, so stitch count does not have to increase with the design area. Choose by the actual embroidery field and the scale of the cross rather than by stitch count alone.
Hoop requirements
| Design size | Minimum embroidery field | Practical hoop choice |
|---|---|---|
| 107.0x107.0 mm (4.21x4.21 in) | Larger than 107x107 mm (4.21x4.21 in) | Usually 130x180 mm (5.12x7.09 in); the design does not fit a 100x100 mm (3.94x3.94 in) field |
| 124.8x124.8 mm (4.91x4.91 in) | At least 124.8x124.8 mm (4.91x4.91 in) | 130x180 mm (5.12x7.09 in) or larger |
| 149.9x149.9 mm (5.90x5.90 in) | At least 149.9x149.9 mm (5.90x5.90 in) | A field from 160x160 mm (6.30x6.30 in); often 180x300 mm (7.09x11.81 in) |
| 187.4x187.4 mm (7.38x7.38 in) | At least 187.4x187.4 mm (7.38x7.38 in) | 200x200 mm (7.87x7.87 in) or larger |
Check the usable embroidery field listed for your machine, not only the commercial hoop name. Some frames provide a smaller stitching area than their nominal outside dimensions suggest.
Original Madeira Classic 40 thread
Both ornaments are one-color designs. The original color charts specify one Madeira shade, so the complete geometric motif stitches without a color change. The screen swatch is approximate; use the thread number and a physical color card when an exact match matters.
| ■ | Madeira Classic 40 No. 1076 — True Blue clear medium blue |
The complete Ornament 1 or Ornament 2 |
Cotton thread for a hand-worked cross-stitch effect
Madeira Cotona 30 is a useful alternative when you want a more natural, matte and softly textured cross. This 30-weight, two-ply thread is made from double-mercerized Egyptian cotton. It reflects less light than rayon or polyester, allowing the individual diagonals to resemble hand cross-stitch more closely. Cotona 30 is intended for machine embroidery and is suitable for machine cross-stitch.
Cotona 30 is thicker than standard 40-weight embroidery thread. It is not an automatic exact substitute for Classic 1076, so test the selected size on the project fabric first. Pay particular attention to the 107.0 and 124.8 mm (4.21 and 4.91 in) versions, where the needle penetrations sit closer together. The cotton texture usually has more room to open in the 149.9 and 187.4 mm (5.90 and 7.38 in) files.
Madeira Cotona 30 color options:
| ■ | No. 581 — Royal Blue royal blue |
A cool blue choice closest in character to the original palette |
| ■ | No. 633 — Turquoise turquoise |
A Nordic blue-green option for linen, cushions and biscornu |
| ■ | No. 621 — Red red |
Classic red-and-white Scandinavian textiles and Christmas décor |
| ■ | No. 787 — Burgundy burgundy |
A quieter wine shade for natural linen and vintage table settings |
| ■ | No. 780 — Dark Pine Green dark pine green |
A deep winter green for napkins, runners and holiday cushions |
| ■ | No. 738 — Cream cream |
A light motif on red, blue, green or charcoal linen |
These numbers and names belong specifically to the Cotona 30 range. They are creative color alternatives, not claimed one-to-one conversions from Classic 1076. Screen colors vary, so make the final selection beside the fabric in daylight.
Starting settings for Madeira Cotona 30
- Needle: start with an embroidery needle NM 75–80, equivalent to 75/11 or 80/12. Try 80/12 first on firm linen; the eye must let the cotton pass without abrasion.
- Speed: begin around 450–550 stitches per minute. Reduce the speed another step if the thread starts to fuzz or break during frequent direction changes.
- Bobbin: use a finer 60–80 weight bobbin thread. Cotona 30 is unnecessary in the bobbin and may add bulk or pull the lock point toward the surface.
- Tension: change it only after a test and in small increments. Bobbin thread should not show on the face, and the diagonals should not pinch the fabric between penetrations.
- Machine care: inspect the bobbin area after a large motif. Even high-grade long-staple cotton leaves more lint than rayon or polyester.
According to the original thread-use data, the 187.4x187.4 mm (7.38x7.38 in) file uses approximately 65.70 m (71.85 yd) of upper thread for Ornament 1 and 71.75 m (78.47 yd) for Ornament 2. The pair requires about 137.45 m (150.32 yd), so one 200 m (218.72 yd) spool of Cotona 30 provides a practical reserve. Actual use varies with machine tension, trims and setup.
Fabric and stabilizer for square geometry
- Fabric: choose stable medium-weight linen, cotton or a linen blend. Prewash it if the finished item will be laundered.
- Stabilizer: for linen or cotton around 180–240 gsm (5.3–7.1 oz/yd²), begin by testing a stabilizer around 60–80 gsm (1.8–2.4 oz/yd²). Soft cut-away is reliable when the reverse will be enclosed; test a good tear-away for a napkin with a visible back.
- Hooping: keep the stabilizer taut and let the fabric lie flat without stretching. Stretched fabric contracts after release and can distort the square.
- Grain alignment: align the template centerlines with the lengthwise and crosswise grain. A small rotation is much more visible in geometric cross-stitch than in an organic floral motif.
- Topping: it is unnecessary on smooth linen and cotton. On a textured or pile surface, use a water-soluble film or place the embroidery on a stable linen insert so the crosses remain readable.
How to use the two ornaments
The ornament with the central eight-point star creates a calm focal block. The version with four large geometric snowflakes adds a more active rhythm. Alternate them in a quilt panel, place one on each side of a biscornu, use them as a pair of cushion fronts or repeat them along a table runner.
For a biscornu, select both motifs in the same original size, print the templates at 100% and leave an equal seam allowance around both embroidered squares. Assembly is completed after embroidery and is not an in-the-hoop process.
| How to Make a Biscornu — Step-by-Step Tutorial |
After washing, reshape the item while damp and press from the reverse through a cotton cloth on a soft pad. Do not flatten the crosses directly with the iron soleplate: compression reduces the textured, hand-worked effect.
Related cross-stitch designs
Explore more cross-stitch design sets, cross-stitch quilt blocks and Christmas cross-stitch designs.
License: the digital files may not be resold, exchanged or shared. The designs may be used for personal projects and for limited production of finished embroidered goods for sale.
Frequently asked questions
Does the download contain one Norwegian ornament or two?
It contains two: a square with a central eight-point star and a square with four geometric snowflakes. Each design is supplied in 4 original sizes.
Will the smallest size fit a 4x4 hoop?
No. The smallest file measures 107.0x107.0 mm (4.21x4.21 "), so it exceeds a 100x100 mm (3.94x3.94 in), commonly called 4x4, embroidery field. A 130x180 mm (5.12x7.09 in) hoop is the usual next choice.
Can I stitch these designs with cotton thread?
Yes. Madeira Cotona 30 gives a matte, more hand-worked cross-stitch appearance. Because it is thicker than standard 40-weight thread, test the selected file on the project fabric, use a suitable 75/11 or 80/12 needle and begin at a reduced speed.
Which stabilizer should I use for linen?
For stable linen or cotton around 180–240 gsm (5.3–7.1 oz/yd²), begin by testing a 60–80 gsm (1.8–2.4 oz/yd²) stabilizer. Soft cut-away is reliable when the reverse will be enclosed; for a visible napkin back, test a good tear-away and confirm that the square remains undistorted.
Can I make a biscornu from these ornaments?
Yes. Select both motifs in the same size, stitch them on two fabric squares and leave equal seam allowances. The biscornu is assembled after embroidery and is not an in-the-hoop project.
March 1, 2021
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
Love this one,
***@***.*** Verified Buyer
February 11, 2021
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
Look forward to stitching this out
***@***.*** Verified Buyer
August 10, 2020
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
Beautiful designs
***@***.*** Verified Buyer
March 30, 2020
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
I absolutely love this design but I haven't had the chance to stitch it out yet . I'm sure it will stitch out perfectly as do all of the Royal Present designs.
***@***.*** Verified Buyer
January 25, 2020
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
I absolutely love this design and plan on making it this month before spring.
***@***.*** Verified Buyer
November 20, 2018
Norwegian Cross-Stitch Machine Embroidery Designs – 4 Sizes
Looks great have yet to stitch it out
***@***.*** Verified Buyer
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