The Big Book of Cross-Stitch Designs: Over 900 Simple-to-Sew Decorative Motifs

by Reader's Digest Association

From folk hearts and roses to ballet shoes and butterflies, inside this book there are motifs galore, plus dozens of project ideas to please every cross-stitch crafter.

Welcoming newcomers to the craft, this book clearly explains the stitches, shows how to prepare the fabric, includes more than 800 illustrated step-by-step instructions, plus supplies directions for a traditional cross-stitch sampler from start to finish. Seasoned stitchers can skip ahead to hundreds of motifs, including numbers and letters. Covering a wide range of themes, each motif is accompanied by an inspirational photograph, easy-to-read color pattern chart, materials list, thread key, and step-by-step instructions. Plus you?ll find a useful size guide accompanying every motif, which allows you to tailor each pattern to the dimensions needed.

This easy-to-use resource is organized into three Part One offers hints and tips for choosing the best fabrics and the differences between threads, as well as simple techniques of basic cross-stitch and its variations. Part Two teaches some ways to spruce up your projects with embellishments, such as tassels, sequins, beads, and fringing. Part Three provides a library of more than 900 motifs.

Crafters of all experience levels will find a motif to suit any occasion.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Christmas, Reference

320 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2005

About the author

The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. is a global media and direct marketing company based in Chappaqua, New York, best known for its flagship publication founded in 1922, Reader's Digest. The company's headquarters are in New York City, where it moved from Pleasantville, New York.

The company was founded by DeWitt and Lila Wallace in 1922 with the first publication of Reader's Digest magazine, but has grown to include a diverse range of magazines, books, music, DVDs and online content.

Reviews

[Jen · Rating 2 out of 5]

After a quick flick through it, I realized that the designs were the same as the part-magazine series "Cross Stitch Magic" - many of which I had already.

There is 900+ motifs with different chapters with groups of motifs ranging from floral to animals and everything in between. There is also a chapter devoted to techniques and materials.

The patterns themselves are graphs with coloured symbols and they are nice and clear. There is a colour photo of the finished design.

This would be a good book to buy if:

a) you wanted to add lots of different motifs to your pattern library

and

b) if you didn't already own the Cross Stitch Magic magazines.

[Angelica LeMinh · Rating 4 out of 5]

The patterns in this book are beautiful and comprehensive. There is truly something for everyone in here.

The blackberries pattern is the first large-scale x-stitch project that I ever undertook, though I adapted it to raspberries for my host's gift, and did not do the beadwork, as that would've taken eleven thousand years.

The produce lineup is the first pattern that I want to do for my own collection, and I can't wait to bring more of the patterns to life.

If I was limited to one x-stitch book in a pandemic, this one would be high on my list.

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Of all the patterns here, I liked the flower patterns the best, and I liked the initials with french knots (I would replace the knots with beads for something like monogrammed wedding gifts).
The Delft tiles would work well as a gift for someone with that kitchen design.
The flower fairy would be lovely for a little girl's room or a baby shower gift.

I borrowed this from the library and would definitely recommend others do the same if they are looking for small to medium patterns in a range of themes that can be adapted for a range of items. I don't think I would buy it to own.

[Emily Griswold Bunty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent cross-stitch book. It goes over basic to advanced stitches, types of fabrics, explains all the terminology, has clear color photos and instructions, includes how to incorporate beads and sequins, and then has six chapters loaded with all sorts of patterns. I took photos of many of them for future use!

Minus one star for over-gendering colors and themes and disrespectful use of some indigenous designs (without giving them any context, weight, or explanation).

[Britney · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I am not hugely into cross-stitch and only dabble on the side I borrowed this book from the library to use the borders/motifs for my double knitting patterns. So not sure how it fairs cross-stitch wise, but definitely useful for knitting.

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only like about 4 patterns out of this book. Many of them feel helplessly out of date only 12 years after publication.

[Denise · Rating 1 out of 5]

Clumsy, poorly designed patterns. It’s like they kept all the motifs of the 90s but took out the style, leaving just out of date and flat charts.

[Sarah Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of designs at different sizes. I really like the flowers.

[Stephanie Denison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of patterns!

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some really great designs and ideas with great photos and charts. I have several designs marked to make in the future.

[Linda]

I especially like the ethnic motifs and the ones that include beading.

[Arwen Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an awesome book! Everything is so easy to follow, and the designs were gorgeous!