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.

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

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

Sometimes it's good to be a little improper. Profane, funny, and smart, Haley Pierson-Cox's book invites the modern crafter to bring personality and humour to their cross stitch projects. Her easy to follow instructions and colourful designs can make a cross stitcher out of anyone.

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.

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

Gives instructions for more than twenty-five projects in cross stitch, blackwork, pattern darning, pulled work, Hardanger work, and drawn thread work.

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.