Cross in a Pocket Project

This is a cute little reminder that anyone can carry. It is simple enough for children, but also interesting enough for grown-ups. It should take between 30 and 60 minutes to complete.

You will need:

• scraps of plastic canvas (7 holes per inch)
• 1 yard of white yarn
• 2 yards of colored yarn (camoflauge is very popular for sending these to soldiers)
• darning needle with an eye big enough for yarn

Directions:

1. Cut the front piece 12 holes by 10 holes. Smooth off any little bumps.
2. Cut the back piece 12 holes by 20 holes. Smooth off any little bumps.
3. Cut the cross 3 holes wide along the vertical part and 3 holes wide along the horizontal part (see photo).
4. Cover each piece using a stitch that slants right from the bottom over three holes. Or any stitch that you like. Save the edging for last.
5. Cover the cross neatly with stitching.
6. Cover the front and back, leaving the edges for last.
7. Now start at the right front of the front piece. Whip stitch across. Hold the front firmly against the wrong side of the back and whipstitch the two together. Go all the way around the back, until it is neatly bound. Run your needle through a few stitches to hide the end of the yarn, and clip it short.
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8. Tuck the cross into the pocket.
9. Now type this poem and reduce the size on a photocopier until it can be neatly folded and tucked in behind the cross.

The Cross In My Pocket

I carry a cross in my pocket
A simple reminder to me
Of the fact that I am a Christian
No matter where I may be

This little cross is not magic
Nor is it a good luck charm
It isn't meant to protect me
From every physical harm.

It's not for identification
For all the world to see
It's simply an understanding
Between my Savior and me.

When I put my hand in my pocket
To bring out a coin or a key
The Cross is there to remind me
Of the price he paid for me.

It reminds me, too, to be thankful
For my blessings day by day
And to strive to serve Him better
In all that I do and say.

It's also a daily reminder
Of the peace and comfort I share
With all who know my Master
And give themselves to His care.

So I carry a cross in my pocket
Reminding no one but me
That Jesus Christ is Lord of my life
If only I'll let Him be.

-- Verna Thomas

By Coreen from Rupert, ID