The Cross Stitcher's Bible [Paperback]

Jane Greenoff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2003

Both novice and expert stitchers will find a mine of useful material in this book to help them obtain the best results from their cross stitch work. It is divided into three parts, each section crammed with essential information and valuable hints. Part One covers basic techniques such as reading a chart, the different threads and fabrics available, and how to get stitching with them. Part Two explores creative options including three-dimensional cross stitch, using metallic threads and space-dyed threads, and how best to use the different fabrics available. Part three explores the use of bead, button and charm embellishments, as well as combining other techniques such as Blackwork and Hardanger with cross stitch designs to create textural interest. It introduces designing a sampler by hand or computer, and adapting commercial kits and charts to create unique and personal designs. At the end of the book there is a comprehensive stitch library, an essential reference for those keen to develop their counted thread embroidery skills. This is followed by a design library comprising over 50 pages of original charts, allowing stitchers to explore all the effects described. Finally, finishing techniques are covered such as mounting and framing; illustrated with step-by-step colour photographs, it demonstrates how easily the stitching can be made up into a wide range of stunning projects, from cards and pictures to pincushions and table linen.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'...a definitive guide for all stitchers...' Cross Stitch Crazy; 'Packed full of essential information...invaluable...' Quick & Easy Cross Stitch

About the Author

Jane Greenoff, Managing Director of the Cross Stitch Guild and the Inglestone Collection kit company, is one of the most successful and popular cross stitch designers. The author of 12 books, her knowledge and advice is os sought after, a new magazine, Jane Greenoff's Cross Stitch, was launched in 1998. Jane lives in Fairford, Gloucestershire.

Product Details

• Paperback: 110 pages
• Publisher: David & Charles Publishers (February 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 071531470X
• ISBN-13: 978-0715314708
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #867,780 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The guide I turn to every time..., February 11, 2003

By 

Jennifer Messer (Rock Springs, Wyoming United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

The Cross Stitcher's Bible is the guide book I turn to every time I start a new project. I would recomend this book to EVERY needlework worker wheather beginer or experianced. There is basic, clear, compleate information on counted cross stitch, some embroidery work, hardanger, pulled and drawn thread and a varity of speciallty stitches. There is also a host of information on chosing fabrics, threads, how to begin on aida and linen, information on streatching, cleaning, and framing and dozens of patters and suggestions for thier use. I have been stitching since my teens and I still use this book almost every single time I sit down to work on a project. It is a compact way to make sure you are doing things the correct way to have your work turn out wonderfully!

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic resource book, May 21, 2005

By 

Melissa Kaye (Texas) - See all my reviews

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

I have been cross stitching for years, but that doesn't mean that I still can't learn a few things! This book is full of ideas and techniques to help any stitcher explore new methods and understand how to enhance their work.

The beginning of this book shows how your materials can make a difference. Using linen instead of aidacloth can change the way the final product looks. There are also examples of how the resolution (number of stitches per inch) can impact the look as well. The author contrasts how backstitch around the stitching looks versus stitching without. She also shows different types of threads - Waterlillies and Watercolours thread, silk ribbon thread, varigated thread, metalic thread and blending filaments. There are examples of how beads can be used to enhance your work.

I really like the section that shows different types of stitches (yes, there really is more than just the "x" stitch!) the queen stitch, the eyelet stitch, the counted chain stitch and more. These are some of the stitches I've seen on samplers but didn't know how to stitch. The author also includes an informative and detailed section on hardanger. I gave it a try and it's a joy to create!

The book also contains a pattern library, which has some nice patterns.

This is a fantastic resource book on every aspect of cross stitch. Every serious stitcher should keep a copy of this book on-hand.

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for counted thread enthusiasts, January 11, 2006

By 

Judith A. Sparks "Reader and crafter from the... (The Great Central Florida Desert) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

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

Don't be fooled into thinking this is just a cross-stitch guide, though much of the discussion is about cross stitch. Counted thread work of all kinds are included in this book. It's wonderful!

If you love counted cross stitch, Hardangar, etc., this book is for you. Clear pictures and easy-to-understand descriptions of the stitches demonstrated make it a reference book of value. The reviews of different types of fabric and stitching fibers is an added joy. The design types are wonderful.

Don't hesitate to get this marvelous book, you'll be glad you did!