Cross-Stitch in the Forest: 25 Projects to Capture the Beauty of Nature

by Max Pigeon

Learn to embroider adorable forest dwellers, breathtaking mountain landscapes and cute woodland plants with this all-in-one guide to cross-stitching from Max Pigeon, the creator of Pigeon Coop Designs. From simple stitches to key tools and materials to elemental techniques like anchoring your thread, Max will walk you through all the essentials so you can cross-stitch with ease.

Stitch up a sweet Blue Jay to keep you company, or brighten your space with a vibrant depiction of the Northern Lights. Flora and fungi enthusiasts will be especially excited to discover patterns like the Balsam Fir, forest floor Mushrooms and The Mighty Oak. With nature as your muse and 25 gorgeous designs to choose from, the possibilities are endless.

So, grab your needle and get started! With this must-have guide, nature’s serenest scenes are just a few stitches away.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Adult

160 pages, Paperback

First published July 30, 2024

Reviews

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've enjoyed Max Pigeon's cross stitch patterns (Pigeon Coop Designs) for years, so I was thrilled when he came out with a book! But I will only commit to purchasing a pattern book if I want to make a significant number of the patterns, so I waited until I saw a copy in person. This book has nice large charts with colors and symbols--win! I love his geometric landscapes, use of negative space, and natural details, and I want to make several of these for myself, and more for others! Though the Canadian landscape is not my native one, I'm from places in the US that have similar landscapes, and the designs click for me. While these are not finish-in-one-sitting cross stitch patterns, they are approachable for beginners, are economical in their use of floss colors, and are not gatekeepy about choice of fabric. I made four seasons in Québec because of my love for Gamache, a landscape trio for my husband's office, and I have Prince Edward Island in the queue because of Anne. I hope this is the first of many books by this artist and I really, really hope he comes up with some bookmark patterns!

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I have an entire closet of future cross-stitch projects waiting for me at home, I couldn't help but purchase this gorgeous book when I ran across it in a local bookshop! The patterns here are as unique as they are beautiful.

Usually I find most cross-stitch patterns with the theme of nature and/or animals will try a couple different styles, either going for realism or a cutesy cartoon style. But Max Pigeon's own style is a unique combination of simplicity and geometric patterns that I find really appealing. I think the patterns look simple enough for a new stitcher to tackle while also being complex and gorgeous on display.

I'm going to work on Lakeside Twilight first, as it has my favorite colors! Can't wait to get started.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is very careful and deliberate in his designs and layout. Truly enjoyable to stitch!

[Ettak · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cross-Stitch in the Forest: 25 Projects to Capture the Beauty of Nature contains 25 truly gorgeous patterns based on nature themes. I really like the unique, modern designs. The color pallets chosen by the author/designer Max Pigeon are so calming and call to me. I've currently stitching up the design, Upon A Star, (p. 133) because it uses black Aida, which I enjoy using, to add to the nature drama. I would like to work up ALL these designs!

[Ligaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! This is a great cross-stitch book for a first-time author! The projects are very well designed, with balanced, interesting compositions and soothing color palettes plus suggestions for alternative color-ways. The stitch charts are still readable even for the more complicated designs and the book is generally very well organized. The photographs are very professional. Little sidebars tell us tidbits about the natural world, as well. I am hoping that the author will look into designs for nature within the home and do an entire book on cats and dogs!

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great book if you are wanting to explore the world of cross stitch! With a detailed beginning full of helpful tips, this is the perfect place to start for a newbie while also having lots of patterns that will intrigue experienced stitchers.

I loved the large variety of different styles of nature and forest inspired stitches and was pleased with the way the book was organized. All the patterns are easy to read and are in full color, a detail I have grown to enjoy. While all these patterns are charted for Aida cloth, they all could easily be worked up on any fabric you desire.

[Gab · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book full of gorgeous patterns and interesting facts about the nature depicted in each pattern. There is a great introduction section which gives details about supplies you need and a basic 'how to' on cross stitch. Then there are five chapters with different types of projects within each theme: Among the Pines, Into the Glade, Thriving Woodlands, The Great North and Nighttime Wonders.

[June Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful nature designs with interesting background info shared by the author/designer. Excellent project instructions & photography. In addition, these are the 'best' cross-stitch charts I have ever seen in a book of this type (and I've read dozens of them!) because of the size of the charts which make it easier for stitchers to clearly see the stitch type and color of thread to be used in completing a project.

I borrowed this book from our local public library.

#########################

[Sara G · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an absolutely stunning book - I want to cross-stitch every pattern in it. It is very well laid out with beautiful photos of the finished works and interesting tidbits to bring the forest scenes to life. Suitable for both beginners and more advanced stitchers. Deciding which to stitch first is a challenge - it’s a toss up between Eagle Ravine and Passing Time, I think.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful Designs!

This is one of the most beautiful cross stitch books I have seen in a long time! The colors are stunning while the ease of these patterns make them workable and enjoyable for all skill levels!

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of beautiful patterns. And I appreciate that some of the winter patterns are on light fabric, which is easiest to work on during short winter days.

[Patrice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great details, instructions, and so fun to hear about the forests and fauna for each wonderful designs. So much to choose from. I have marked them all to do!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can genuinely say that I want to make *everything* in this book!

The colors used, the designs, the framing even. I love them all! I may need to buy this one!!

[Penny · Rating 3 out of 5]

Such simplicity and color in these very pretty designs.

[B G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the geometric patterns and the use of blank space. It’s hard to decide which pattern to make first but I’m leaning towards Passing Time.

[Elle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns. Dark and dramatic. Playing with space (use of empty space to create visual impact/effects)

[Amy Rosenholm · Rating 5 out of 5]

cross stitching fun!

Love these patterns. Beautiful color combos. And easy to follow too. Try cross stitch to relax and enjoy in the evenings.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can't wait to do a whole lot of these patterns.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful patterns! Max's patterns are easy to read, and the colors are gorgeous. I've stitched many of the patterns in this book, and loved each one.

[Cynthia Corral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wide variety of beautiful designs, easy-to-read patterns, and very simple stitches. It won't be hard to complete these gorgeous designs.