Modern Cross Stitch

Book excerpt: Pick up a needle and thread and be inspired by these delightful, contemporary cross stitch designs. Cross stitch is a traditional craft that allows beginners and experts alike to enjoy the experience of creating something, whether it's for themselves or a gift for a loved one. As you stitch, you gradually see something pretty come to life and, once it's finished, you can think, “I made that.” Hannah Sturrock loves to stitch and wants to help you to love it, too. Here she shares over 30 beautiful patterns with you. Discover five chapters of fabulous ideas: For a Beautiful Baby; For Big Kids; For a Special Occasion; For a Nature Lover; and For the Home. Make an adorable barnyard scene picture for young ones, or a comic-book style cross-stitched cell phone case. Add an extra handmade touch to presents with stitched gift tags, and create a Christmas toy sack that will be treasured throughout the years. Bring the beauty of nature into the home with the flower burlap tote and the stunning floral finch pillow. You can even take cross stitch to a new level, decorating walls with washi tape birds and stitching velvet ribbon onto woven chair seats. Make use of other innovative materials, too, including soluble canvas—which allows you to cross stitch on any fabric—and glow in the dark embroidery floss. Hannah’s designs are a little bit different from what is available elsewhere. She uses simple outlines with striking patterns and clean, fresh colors, and takes inspiration from new interior fashions, vintage textiles, nature, toys, and more, always striving to be contemporary and stylish.