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Think you know everything about cross stitch, or perhaps you have always wanted to have a go but think it might not be for you?  Here is a book that cheerfully debunks lots of stitching myths and shows you that there is more to cross stitch than you might think.

I do love a book that challenges stereotypes and shakes up the rules that inevitably accumulate around any hobby.  Mr X Stitch does not look like most people’s idea of what a cross stitcher should look like which is refreshing in itself, and you can expect no charts of teddies, pets or gardens.  Instead you get a humorous and common sense look at getting kitted out, learning the basics and stitching on more than just even weave fabrics.  Topics often omitted or glossed over briefly get some fairly detailed coverage too, such as washing, pressing, framing, sorting out the back of the work and a whole page of useful tips.  There are some charts to get you started including words, a geometric squirrel, rainbow flower, creative use of glow in the dark threads and even a Game of Thrones inspired piece.  The book also looks at how other people have used cross stitch in creative ways including stitching on metal, abstracts, decorating biker gear, 3D work and even large scale work on fences.  If you fancy having a go at your own charts there is a section on doing this with a computer, including an excellent beginner introduction to using software featuring a simple design.  This is put through the paces in various sizes and a limited palette showing how to work with different fabric counts, getting the best look for your work and even how to do a pop art version.  I wish I had seen something like that when I got my first cross stitch design program as it takes a lot of the trial and error out of getting to grips with using one.  The book concludes with looking at plastic canvas, aluminium foil and other things with holes in that can be stitched, as well as a few pages of handy alphabets to aid your designing.  There is even more in here than everything I have described so whatever your level if you want a good contemporary look at cross stitch this is the book for you.

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Rachel A Hyde, Myshelf.com

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Issue 13

Needlework is having a real resurgence at the minute. Famed for being one of instagram's biggest supporters of hand stitching Jamie Chalmers, AKA Mr X Stitch has brough out his very own Guide to Cross Stitch, which is packed with original patterns and hints and tips to inspire and guide you every step of the way. We're especially smitten with the squirrel on the cover, which would make a perfect project for autumn evenings.

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Sew now

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A fun, entertaining, inspiring and instructive book by Jamie Chalmers, alias Mr. X Stitch, connoisseur of contemporary embroidery. Even if you think you know
what cross-stitch is, is this book worth the effort. To the hand of simple step-by-step step instructions the writer's limits the possibilities with cross stitches and encourages them at their own borders to shift. On the order come: the basis of cross stitches, information about materials, tools, techniques, colors
mix and finish. Also design it yourself and it use of the computer thereby, come amply offer. The book also contains work from a number of contemporary
artists working with work cross stitch.

This review has been translated from Dutch

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Textiel Plus

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Cross stitch has shaken off its lame image in recent years, largely thanks to pioneers like Jamie Chalmers, better known as Mr X Stitch. In this book he captures the energy of the contemporary cross stitch revival, with examples of modern designs and 20 projects, backed up with instructions on the basics of cross stitching – from materials and tools to techniques, using computer programs and colour blending. Once you’ve mastered the basics, he shows how artists have refined the basic cross stitch to make works that are both striking (cross-stitched fences by Les Deuz’Bro) and original (stitched metal works by Severiją Inčirauskaitę- Kriaunevičienę).

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Embroidery

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This is an awesome book, a useful reference tool, full of fascinating hints, tips and tutorials. I also found it an absorbing read and found myself sitting with a coffee, poring over the pages. The many unusual and interesting charts and suggestions for using materials such as GitD thread had me reaching for my purse and heading out to my local craft store. I would heartily recommend the purchase of this book , either as a special treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a friend.

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Jennie Meadows, Customer Review

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I have never done cross stitch before so thought that I would like to review this book and contrary to my expectations, this book is quite exciting- an adjective I hadn’t previously associated with cross stitch.  No roses and hearts here, more interesting contemporary projects offered. They include skylines, bargello with a difference, 3D objects, pop art and typography.  The latter is what attracted me.  It has very clear instructions for a novice like me, enabling me to create a suitably salutary notice for my home. In addition to clear stitching instructions, it has interesting sections on framing, computer design, the use of colour, embroidery on unusual mediums including plastic and metal, amongst others.

A great book which has succeeded in capturing my imagination and will be used to create many an item in the future.

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Janet V (contributor), Customer review