Celtic cross stitch [Hardcover]

Gail Lawther (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 27, 1997

Celtic Cross Stitch takes inspiration from a wide variety of Celtic designs and explores the challenges of transferring them to patterns for counted cross stitch. Here are 30 fully detailed and charted projects, ranging from simple cards and pictures to a stunning rug and an embroidered border for an heirloom christening gown. Knotwork, key, and spiral designs are featured together with animal, plant and human forms. In addition a separate section charts a selection of classic Celtic alphabet designs. Some of the projects will appeal to experienced embroiderers, others to those who are new to the craft. Each project begins with clear, step-by-step instructions, lists the needed materials, and shows you the finished design. You'll find numerous ideas for alternative color schemes and variations on the basic designs as well. These and the pattern library of designs will inspire you to make up your own Celtic motifs and patterns.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Interest in Celtic design as applied to needlework has been increasing, with The Book of Kells and other manuscript treasures proving to be rich sources of design ideas. Designer Vickery has made good use of these sources for his own beautifully striking designs. The major part of his book consists of border designs and a fantastic original alphabet. Also included are several pictorial designs in sampler style. Lawther's (Christmas Craft Sourcebook, LJ 8/95) designs are adaptations of Celtic sources, particularly as they apply to knotwork and alphabets. Lawther also includes general instructions for working cross-stitch. Many of her projects very effectively use lines of black cross-stich for outline and separation, providing an alternative to the backstitch outlines frequently found in modern cross-stitch. Both books have step-by-step projects with full-color charts. In both books, a very effective use of vibrant color contrasts with the more subdued designs found in Angela Wainwright's Celtic Cross Stitch Samplers (Cassell/Sterling, 1995), which uses many of the same sources. Needleworkers will find these books inspiring sources of patterns for clothing and accessories as well as household items.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 128 pages
• Publisher: Readers Digest (January 27, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895778599
• ISBN-13: 978-0895778598
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #129,954 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book for cross stitchers., February 7, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Battle Creek, MI) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Celtic cross stitch (Hardcover)

This is a grand book for lovers of Celtic knotwork. It is full of great patterns. The charts are in color, large and easy to read and the book is full of ideas for creating modern adaptations of a marvelous old artform.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars lovely rich designs, November 3, 2000

By 

Kathleen Cobcroft (Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Celtic cross stitch (Hardcover)

Celtic cross stitch is a great investment for knotwork enthusiasts. The projects, which include a floor rug, cushion, and various small items, are quite adaptable. Most designs are based on original pictures in illuminated manuscripts, and are shown in full colour.

One of the particularly nice things in this book is a design library, which contains lots of interesting knots to mix and match, and some very good alphabets.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars GREAT Celtic cross stitch book!!!, August 24, 2003

By 

Mary Chrapliwy (NJ, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Celtic cross stitch (Hardcover)

This book is worth the cover price for the lettering patterns alone!

I anxiously awaited delivery of this book. So many books are full of designs you'll never use. This book is a wonderful exception. The beginning of the book has a short section on how to instructions that could help the novice cross-stitcher. Then the remainder of the book is devoted to classic Celtic designs and a wonderful array of projects that range from the simple Celtic cross book mark (a nice quick project) to a Celtic designed rug.

Best features of all -- 6 different alphabet designs and a pattern library in the back to fuel your stitching creativity even further. This is a great addition to any stitcher's library and especially those who love Celtic design!