The Cross Stitcher's Bible (Crafts) [Hardcover]

Jane Greenoff (Author)

Book Description

Series: Crafts | Publication Date: October 1, 2000

Crammed with essential information on techniques and bursting with beautiful patterns, this is the encyclopedia that every cross stitcher has been longing for! It has instructions on working with charts, a linen masterclass, and tips on threads and wools; creative options, from charms and beads to blackwork; and explanations of how to design from scratch or adapt a purchased kit. Embroider cards, gift tags, pictures, cushions, and more with the fine finishing techniques. Plus: stitch and charted design libraries! A Main Selection of BOMC'S Crafters Book Club.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

It seems so easy: two intersecting diagonal threads criss-crossing over all types of fabric. Greenoff, British author and founder of the Cross Stitch Guild, not only simplifies this needlecraft but also expands readers' horizons well beyond the traditional "x marks the spot." Each chapter, from getting started to finishing techniques, is filled with incredible detail. Her "stitch perfect" sidebars, for example, feature great advice from the perspective of an experienced stitcher, such as "count threads, not holes" or, when using metallic thread, use the stab method--two strokes for in and out, rather than the smoother one step of hand sewing. A 39-stitch and 59-motif library will give sewers a wide spread of available projects, whether a single-object Victorian posy or complex winter sampler. Barbara Jacobs
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Hardcover: 192 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles; 1st Ed. edition (October 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0715309293
• ISBN-13: 978-0715309292
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #80,945 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning and a Must own for stitchers, June 8, 2001

By 

MotherLodeBeth "MotherLodeBeth" (Sierras of California) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Cross Stitcher's Bible (Crafts) (Hardcover)

Deserves 10 STARS.

Literally everything anyone interested in classy information about all aspects of counted cross stitch with a bounty of crips clean photographs, would need. Page 52 EXPLORING CHOICES Using Charms Buttons and Embellishments is worth the price of the book alone.

Getting Started Using Charts Choosing-Managing Threads, working with linen (my favorite), stitching miniatures, three demensional cross stitch,double and single canvas, combining flower thread and cotton, metallic thread, using beads, designing samplers, and page 83 which lists a STITCH LIBRARY which is basically every know stitch with step by step wonderfully photographed examples. And finally finishing techniques like stretching and framing.

I am an avid self design counted cross stitch artist and am always looking for well written and well photographed information on linen and thread design and this book has become one of my top 3 favorites that will be used a great deal.

The book, along with a few items for making the Ark and its Creatures on page 53 would make a great gift for someone who will quickly get hooked on needlework.

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Superb Guide, October 24, 2002

By 

HBeano (Cambridge, UK) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Cross Stitcher's Bible (Crafts) (Hardcover)

As far as cross stitch references go, this one deserves 5 stars! In the first two chapters it answers every question a x-stitch beginner might think of, from comparing and choosing fabrics to the equipment needed and how to use charts. The third chapter offers endless ideas and tips on how to further develop this skill. I particularly liked the combination of x-stitch with other embroidery techniques, incorporating beads,buttons embellishments in the x-stitched piece and the ways to adapt existing chart designs to create a more personalized piece of art. I consider myself an experienced stitcher but still find myself referring often to this book. Its compact size also makes it easy to carry around.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An essential reference!, September 26, 2001

By 

DeNae Leverentz "Toadnae" (Brooklyn Park, MN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Cross Stitcher's Bible (Crafts) (Hardcover)

I happened on this book in my public library and I now need to own it! It is simply crammed with very clear instructions and photographs on all aspects of cross stitch. My favorite thing about this book is that it helps you go beyond just counted cross stitch in other counted thread techniques. She doesn't have the space to go into detail about these other techniques (Hardanger, drawn thread, etc), but enough information is given to let you choose if you want more details.

This book is also simply well-written. While it is meant to be a reference book, I have been known to simly sit down and read it from cover to cover.