1000 Cross Stitch Motifs [Paperback]

I have never been into cross stitch - one of the few crafts I do not practice. However, if I did, I would want this compact yet comprehensive book on the subject. It's a fantastic source for designs no matter what your ability. The designs are each presented in colour with an easy to follow chart. The designs are divided into eleven different themes such as flowers or children. Each has a key showing the colours you need. There is also a basic techniques section. Designing your own cross stitch has never been easier. 256 pages of inspiration.-KarenPlatt.co.uk Just like it says on the cover, this book contains no less than a thousand cross-stitch motifs. They are in full color, and handily grouped into themes for ease of use. Choose from geometrics, nature, celebrations, historical subjects, alphabets and more all shown as if actually stitched on an Aida background. There are motifs, borders and corners in each subject area so you will never perhaps be short of the right picture for your project. In true Search Press style, you have plenty of useful advice on cross stitching before the motifs appear. How to work the stitches for the beginner, starting and finishing off, what you need to buy in order to take up the hobby and even how to care for your work. There is even a guide on how to use the book, making it both a handy resource for experienced stitchers and suitable for the complete beginner. Just add some Aida, needles and some skeins of floss for a great gift.-Myshelf.com Every machine knitter needs this book because there are 250 pages packed with every pattern and motif we'll ever need to make up our own designs. It's a rich source of ideas for cross stitchers, but also an invaluable book for machine knitters of all abilities. The collection is shown as easy to follow colour charts and the pattern library is divided into 11 different themes. Details of motif sizes (such as 8h x 6w) are given at the end of the library, so we can easily see which patterns are best suited to either punchcard or electronic knitting.-Machine Knitting Monthly For a complete beginner to cross stitch this is a very good reference book. The techniques section is very comprehensive including design tips, looking after your finished work, different stitches etc. There are plenty of actual charts of small motifs divided into categories such as Flowers, History, Cultures, Natural World and the inevitable Alphabet and Numbers, and more. Every motif is given a height and width size on a tpi basis which saves the embroiderer manually counting, and there is a thread conversion chart for Anchor and DMC threads. Overall a very handy little book for cross stitchers. (Sheila Rabbetts)-West Country Embroiderers

Jan Eaton is a needlecraft and textile designer. She has published many needlecraft books, including Country Crochet and Knitted Lace, and Crochet Basics.