FULLY BOOKED!
Whatever your mood, whatever your interests, there’s a cross stitch book out there with designs you’ll be itching to stitch. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite stitching titles – many of which would make great gift ideas!
For when small is beautiful… MEGA MINI CROSS STITCH
MAKOTO OOZU [Pavilion]
Got no time for larger designs? Just love mini motifs? Japanese cross stitch guru Makoto Oozu is here to help with hundreds of tiny motifs you can use to customise anything and everything, from T-shirts to bags. To help you decide which you’d like to stitch first, the book is arranged by themes that cover everyday life so you can visit the toyshop packed with teddies, dinosaurs, cars, trains and computer games, try on some new styles with sunglasses, watches, socks, jewellery and make-up and make some new animal pals with dogs, cats, birds and fish. All this and much more! Plus, there are step-by-step instructions for beginners, as well as tips for stitching onto different fabrics.
For when you want to stab something! REALLY CROSS STITCH
RAYNA FAHEY [Herbert Press]
If you’re feeling frustrated and just want to stab a sharp object into something, this is the book for you! ‘Inspired by the banners and signs at marches around the world, Really
Cross Stitch takes all that anger, outrage and protest and puts it inside a pretty, decorative border.’ Yes, it’s time to create some snarky remarks in stitches! Packed with 40 original designs as well as instructions for beginners, you can put your needle to work making art inspired by public protests of the past. Just as feminists have often used needlework in their demonstrations, now a whole new generation of crafters are realising that cross stitch can be revolutionary!
For when you want to take a trip… STUNNING SCENERY IN CROSS STITCH
MARIA DIAZ [Tuva Publishing] Travelling during a pandemic is certainly not always easy, so while we wait for the world to return to a more normal state, here’s a great way to see the sights without leaving the comfort of your sofa. In this book Maria Diaz has compiled a selection of scenes from around the world – some more well-known than others – to give you a flavour of faraway places, captured beautifully in cross stitch. From the British countryside to the streets of Paris and London and many more stunning destinations, it will give hours of enjoyment as you bring them to life in stitches.
For when you want to be mindful… CROSS STITCH TO CALM
LEAH LINTZ [Interweave]
Mindfulness and cross stitch go hand-inhand – there’s something so calming about taking some time out with your stitching and concentrating solely on needle and thread. Here designer Leah Lintz helps you to take your cross stitch to an even more tranquil level, with patterns that have been specially designed to be stress-free to stitch, with few colour changes and simple, bold designs. If you’re looking for a good way to find some ‘me time’ over the winter holiday season, take a leaf from Leah’s book!