"Stitch it right the first time, every time"--Cover.

All the basics of this popular and time-tested method of embroidery are compiled here in a full-color, easy-to-understand format. The introduction covers tools and general techniques, while a series of questions and answers outlines all the stitching basics, from cross-stitching with more than one color of floss to creating specialty stitches. Twenty delightful projects, geared to the beginner, will help you master each skill. Make a Bless This Home sign with a fundamental cross-stitch. Embellish a Native American-inspired Lone Wolf embroidery with beading. As you work through the chapters, the knowledge you gain will build upon itself, eventually enabling you to tackle any cross-stitch project.

Learning how to embroider and cross stitch has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner’s guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of hand stitching techniques. Filled with detailed descriptions of materials and tools, the easy step-by-step instructions for classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch will have you creating and embellishing projects like jewelry, journal covers, pillows, fashions, and more with confidence. With First Time Embroidery and Cross Stitch, you’ll be personalizing your own amazing pieces with beautiful stitches in no time.

CROSS-STITCH GOES WITCHY WITH DARK AND ELEGANT DESIGNS From spooky skulls to ghoulish graveyards, Lindsay Swearingen of Tusk and Cardinal gives cross-stitch a dark yet whimsical update. Curious creatures like phantom felines, legendary fixtures from folklore like Baba Yaga and all manner of haunted houses make the perfect subjects for these needlework masterpieces. Fun and easy to learn, cross-stitch is an art form that truly anybody can master. Lindsay gives you a crash course in the basics to ensure you have all the materials and techniques you need to start off on the right foot. Then, dive into her incredible patterns and stitch yourself some oddities that range from quirky to downright eerie. Anyone with an appreciation for the macabre will swoon for patterns like Lovers’ Graves, which features twin headstones and a heart-shaped weeping willow. Meanwhile, the ghosts, ghouls and ghastly bats of Trick or Treat and Haunted Wings are perfect pieces to hang on your wall to keep the spirit of Halloween in your home year-round. With moody tones, muted hues and spooky subjects, this collection of bewitching patterns makes it easy to add a little subversive charm to your cross-stitch repertoire.

We're simply meant to be . . . cross-stitching! Bring Tim Burton's creepy, merry tale to life with this all-in-one mini cross-stitch kit! Perfect for crafters of any skill level, the kit includes: A 32-page mini book with simple cross-stitching instructions and four easy patterns (1 of Jack Skellington, 2 of Jack and Sally, and 1 of Zero the dog) 3 pieces of 4" x 4" cotton Aida cloth A 3" embroidery hoop in which to stitch and display designs 2 tapestry needles 4 skeins of embroidery thread "How horrible our Christmas will be!" -- The Mayor "No. How jolly!" -- Jack Skellington

If you think you know what cross stitch is, look again! Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, shows you how to cross stitch using simple step-by-step instructions and also takes you to the frontiers of cross stitch design. The book is aimed at stitchers of all abilities, from absolute beginners looking to learn a new craft to embroiderers and cross stitchers who want to do something different in cross stitching. For many, cross stitch conjures up images of cute kittens and country cottages, but this book shows people that theres a different side to cross stitching that its an art in its own right, and will encourage them to be a little braver with their art. Jamies writing style is fun, entertaining and highly inspirational. The book aims to appeal to men as well as women, encouraging one and all to take up the ancient craft. It teaches the basics of cross stitching, including information on materials, tools, techniques and colour blending, but also puts Jamies own individual spin on it, with urban flavours and the introduction of different materials such as glow-in-the-dark threads and stitching on metal. As well as providing exciting designs to stitch, there is guidance on how to create cross stitch designs of your own, for example by using photographs and other images for reference. Jamie also showcases the work of other contemporary cross stitchers who are pushing the boundaries of their craft, and introduces more than 20 stunning cutting-edge projects to make, showing that beauty, innovation and 'craftivism' are alive and kicking in this inspirational book.

Stitch for a greener future with this stunning collection of environment and nature focused designs from leading cross stitch designer Emma Congdon. Whether it’s a plea to save the bees, clean up the oceans, appreciate nature, or unplug from technology, this celebration of the green movement in thread will remind us of the need to come together to build a brighter future, one stitch at a time. Emma's iconic designs are universally loved by her fans who have bought over 40,000 of her patterns on Etsy, and who have set up a dedicated fan group on Facebook, where they share their work in progress and proud finishes. This collection features 20 exclusive designs, each with an easy-to-read full colour and symbol chart. Alongside the designs, Emma shares her thoughts and inspirations for each one, with a detailed materials list and instructions for stitching. Beginners to cross stitch will find a helpful guide to the stitches and techniques used – and the beauty of cross stitch is that if you can sew one cross you can sew all these designs! The designs range in size from mini hoops to larger scale samplers, so there are options to suit everyone – and they all share Emma's skill with colour, typography and design which have made her one of the world's best-loved cross stitch designers. Sentiments include: We don't inherit the Earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children Pardon the weeds, we're feeding the bees Leave nothing but footprints, kill nothing but time Live gently on the Earth Never underestimate the difference you make The Earth has music for those who listen All good things are wild and free Take care of the Earth and she will take care of you Between two pines is a doorway to a new world The world is full of magic Cross Stitch for the Earth is printed on FSC paper, is recyclable, and every purchase includes a donation to Friends of the Earth, an environmental campaigning community dedicated to the wellbeing and protection of the natural world.

Julie Jackson is back and more subversive than ever! This new anniversary edition of her classicSubversive Cross Stitchcelebrates more than 10 years of delightfully snarky, in-your-face cross stitch with 50 full-color patterns including17 brand-new designs, such as "Don't Be Such A Baby" and "Cheer Up, Loser." Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs For Your Sassy Sideinvites stitchers of all levels to fully express their bad-ass crafty selves, whether they need to release their inner curmudgeon or let fly with a witty insult. With alphabet charts and easy-to-follow instructions for every design,Subversive Cross Stitch: 50 F*cking Clever Designs For Your Sassy Sideincludes everything you need to get your craft on from the original instigator of subversive stitching.

A sampler is a project made from a "sampling" of different stitches or different motifs. Once the learning tool that helped generations of girls master basic needlework skills, this traditional project is still a great way to learn and practice embroidery skills—as well as a creative way to add color to a room or a fabric item. Covers samplers in several different styles: cross-stitch, counted thread, surface, and freestyle embroidery Creative uses for sampler art beyond the basic wall hanging: gift bags, ornaments, scarves, tote bags, and more Includes a how-to section with step-by-step instructions for basic embroidery stitches and sewing skills 16 projects for decorative sampler designs plus creative variations

Make a statement—and smash the patriarchy, one stitch at a time—with these forty feminist-themed cross-stitching patterns! Crafty activists will love this snarky book with its forty irreverent, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Whether you want to proudly announce to the world that you’re a nasty woman or remind others that a woman’s place is in the revolution, you’ll find edgy slogans, sharp one-liners, and cheeky images that make fabulous wall art or wonderful handmade gifts. An illustrated basics section will get you started, with information on materials, tools, techniques, and framing your finished pieces. “[Rohr] truly understands the therapeutic value of reclaiming what was once traditional ‘women’s work’ as a modern, empowering medium. Her designs are spot-on and well executed with clear, encouraging instructions. There are very few people who really ‘get’ subversive cross-stitch the way Stephanie does.” —Julie Jackson, founder of Subversive Cross Stitch The patterns, ‘bold and fierce’ indeed, will speak to stitchers who share Rohr’s spirit and convictions.” —Publishers Weekly “Standouts here include a folk-art inspired ‘Don’t Tell Me to Smile’ and a sweet, floral pattern that proclaims ‘A woman’s place is in the Revolution’ . . . Feminist Cross-Stitch is very much on-trend as a new generation discovers the joys of needlework.” —Booklist