Reader’s Digest Complete Book of Cross Stitch
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Amazon.com Review
One of the simplest embroidery techniques to master, cross-stitch is a very versatile method of counted thread work that lends itself equally well to simple decorative motifs, bold abstract designs, or intricately detailed patterns. With a thorough roundup of basic tools and techniques (including many variations) and a 20-page section charting dozens of easy motifs, the volume is an ideal crash course for the beginner or novice. But there’s far more here–24 projects, all accompanied by complete step-by-step instructions, materials lists, line drawings, and color photos that offer ample temptation for the more experienced stitcher. In addition to a slew of projects featuring traditional cross-stitch, there are also full directions and projects for other counted thread techniques: pattern darning, blackwork, pulled work, hardanger, and drawn thread work. Projects include pictures, pillows, towels, curtains, a tote bag, and a lampshade. The pieces have a lovely old-fashioned look that wisely avoids the cutesiness often prevalent in the medium. –Amy Handy
From Library Journal
Cross-stitch is just one of a variety of counted thread techniques worked primarily on even weave fabric. These books are good examples of two different approaches to writing a cross-stitch project book: the process-oriented approach and the project-oriented approach. Van Zandt (Christmas Stockings in Cross-Stich, Meredith, 1992) assumes that the reader is a beginner interested in learning various counted thread techniques (cross-stitch, blackwork, pattern darning, pulled work, hardanger, and drawn thread work) and then expanding upon what has been learned to create original designs. She includes an assortment of attractive and challenging projects, but clearly the process of learning and creating is as important as the projects in this book. In contrast, Kooler assumes that the reader is already proficient at cross-stitch and wishes to make attractive projects for the home. An artisan with her own studio, she presents 40 designs in pleasing room-by-room groupings, including full directions, materials, step-by-step instructions, and oversized graphs for each. Both volumes avoid trendy designs that might quickly date the projects and both are sturdily bound, with clear color illustrations and photos. Both are recommended for public libraries, but if you can only purchase one, Van Zandt’s is the better choice because it goes beyond projects, which are readily available in needlework magazines. [Decorating Your Home is a main selection of the Better Homes and Gardens Crafts Club.?Ed.]?Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerto.
-?Janice Zlendich, California State Univ. Lib., Fullerton
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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I really enjoyed this book it has the history of stitching and how it remains both a pratical and asthetic art form.
i learned some of the basic techniques and how to finish a project for framing. i really enjoy it. i think it’a good book for any stitcher’s library who is interested in the basics to hardanger to the history of thier craft.
This is a beautifully illustrated introduction to the art of cross-stitch and counted thread needlework. Included in this “Needlework 101″ type overview is information on cross-stitch, pattern darning, blackwork, pulled and drawn thread work Assisi work and Hardanger. There is a nice discussion on materials and equipment, fabric, fibers, working with a frame, charting your own designs, etc. The second section teaches various cross-stitch techniques and stitches.
Charts include alphabets, fruit, animals, florals, sea life, borders and more. The book then presents more than twenty-five creative projects that include step-by-step directions and color charts, as well as a library of seventy-five embroidery motifs.
There are nice color photographs of the finished pieces and excellent instructions. The charts, however, appear as in an artist’s sketch book. They look like colored pencil on a yellow grid without symbols. Some of the charts are quite small and you would likely need to create an enlarged color working copy. But most of the charts are a good size, and the lack of symbols should not be a problem.
This looks like a nice introductory book that can take a stitcher from the beginning to intermediate stages of counted thread work.