The New Cross Stitcher's Bible: The Definitive Manual of Essential Cross Stitch and Counted Thread Techniques

by Jane Greenoff

Stitch something extra-special for a special someone in your life with this fantastic selection of cross stitch patterns for friends and family, from some of the world's leading cross stitch designers. This booklet features 17 unique and timeless designs all on the theme of love and friendship, in a range of styles, with clear, full-colour cross stitch charts and easy-to-follow sewing instructions for each project. Each design features a saying or sentiment that is ideal to stitch for a loved-one. From celebrating friendship to sending loving wishes, there are cross stitch projects included in the form of sampler designs, stitched pillows, cross stitch cards and a photo album cover - all perfect for giving.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference

226 pages, Hardcover

First published November 28, 2007

Reviews

[Emma]

For the "bible" of "cross stitch and counted thread techniques", I found this book to be a little light on explanations for me. I hated the few pages of blackwork info, but then this was written before the explosion in blackwork design now taking place on the web. The creative options section, IMHO, could have gone into more depth. Overall, probably good for a brand new person, but even for someone with 6 months experience, a little light.

[Tyna]

I am delighted with this book-finding it to be a trustworthy reference and more.
For example I was able to learn how to make a Twisted Cord on Page 41.
And found info. about stitching with beading for future projects.
All around great resource if you prefer a book to the Internet.

Jane Greenoff actually phoned me from the UK concerning an order I had placed with her. What a surprise. I feel like I received a phone call from a celebrity. It's no wonder Sian-The Periwinkle Stitcher speaks so endearingly of her. (I wish I too could go to a stitching retreat in England)!

[Sarah Ledbetter]

Although I am not a beginner by any means, I always look for new things to learn. This is a wonderful book with concise but thorough explanations and I love that it also provided patterns for pictured completed items. The explanations inspired me to pick up some new (to me) fabrics and try some new (to me) methods.

I checked this from my local library but I will be purchasing a copy for myself as a reference.

[Jess]

A must read if you are trying to get started with cross stitch. This immerse guide will show you everything and anything you need to know. Highly recommend.

[Peggy]

This book is a must-have if you are a beginner and need the basics but also if you are intermediate and either want to take your hobby a step further or (as it happens often with me) have to look up a particular stitch.

Jane Greenoff is the Founder of the Cross Stitch Guild in the UK and she is a regular at the cross stitch fairs around the country. You can usually find her at her stall, chatting to cross stitch enthusiasts and given out advice and just 'chatting cross stitch'.

The front cover states the book is a manual of essential cross stitch and counted threat techniques, and this is exactly what you get. If you are already an accomplished cross stitcher, it may be too basic for you. Still, I bought the book after doing cross stitch for quite a number of years and would still refer back to the book - mainly to look up a particular stitch which I don't do often (i.e. hemstitch - no idea why I can never remember it!)http://thepegsterreads.blogspot.co.uk...

[Jennifer]

It is an okay book and pretty good reference. I liked the first section (Getting Started) best and the second (Creative Options) was okay. The stitch library is pretty good too. However, I started to get overwhelmed when reading the third section (Exploring Choices) because it went so far beyond what I think of as cross stitch. To me, the book has some cross stitch and then a lot of other stuff (the other counted thread techniques) that I am not interested or ready to explore until I feel like I have truly mastered the basics. Sigh...still looking for the book, video or teacher that will help me master just cross stitch itself (i.e. patterns made up of the little x's) and not things like pulled and drawn thread embroidery, needleweaving, spider's web stitch and more interesting, yet mind-boggling stitchy things my brain is not ready to absorb!

[Leslie]

Being new to cross-stitch, I wanted a reference that would be able to answer any questions I might have in the future without having to refer to numerous different texts. Luckily, I found that reference in this one book. Great resource for new stitchers and experts alike.

[Jo]

This is very informative, colourful and easy to follow. What I really like is the fact that practically every picture in the book is available at the back as a chart for future projects!

[SouthWestZippy]

Love this book. Easy to understand instructions. Wonderful counted thread techniques.

[Vireya]

Very useful reference book.

[Laura Bartlett]

A decent guide for cross stitch yet there could have been more content in my opinion