What do you think?
Rate this book
Feminist Cross-Stitch: 40 Bold & Fierce Patterns
Make a statement—and smash the patriarchy, one stitch at a time—with these 40 feminist-themed cross-stitching patterns!
Crafty activists will love this snarky book with its 40 irreverent, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Whether you want to proudly announce to the world that you're a nasty woman or remind others that a woman's place is in the revolution, you’ll find edgy slogans, sharp one-liners, and cheeky images that make fabulous wall art or wonderful handmade gifts. An illustrated basics section will get you started, with information on materials, tools, techniques, and framing your finished pieces.
Crafty activists will love this snarky book with its 40 irreverent, vintage-inspired cross-stitch patterns. Whether you want to proudly announce to the world that you're a nasty woman or remind others that a woman's place is in the revolution, you’ll find edgy slogans, sharp one-liners, and cheeky images that make fabulous wall art or wonderful handmade gifts. An illustrated basics section will get you started, with information on materials, tools, techniques, and framing your finished pieces.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
April 3, 2019
Embroidery - really excellent cross-stitch patterns. Snarky, fun, some very intricate, some very simple. LOVE LOVE LOVE
February 13, 2026
I love these sassy, awesome patterns and the fact that the author isn’t a garbage TERF 😄
May 26, 2019
The short version of this review is that Feminist Cross-Stitch offers exactly what is on the cover. If the pattern on the cover isn't your style, then skip this book.
Feminist Cross-Stitch starts with an introduction, which includes the basics about how to cross-stitch and what materials you need. I think the introduction really sets the tone for who this book is for. Even as a beginner to cross stitch (having only completed a few patterns) this book seems geared towards absolute beginners who may have never before considered cross-stitching.
I think that this book would make a great gift for a teenager along with some of the materials for a summer break we-need-to-unplug project, but it isn't something I would point out to someone more seasoned looking for new patterns.
The message is great and the content fits perfectly within the resistance crafting movement as inspired by some of the more recent american women's protests. But I'll also admit that I was disappointed with the variety and complexity of the patterns offered. There were some fonts and flower boarders that I could definitely see myself using, but I expected more. Rather than 40 unique patterns, more than half were in the identical style to the hoop on the cover. Circle flower boarder + text quote.
I was expecting a lot more variety in not only content, but style. Some of the patterns weren't in the standard style were just so painfully simple that they should barely constitute a pattern at all. I mean, who needs to work off of a pattern to create a stand alone pride or trans flag that is just a bunch of evenly spaced rectangles? I mean, your working on a grid people. I'm sure I could figure that one out on my own, thanks.
Worth looking at for some inspiration or to give as a gift, but not what I was hoping for when looking for my next project.
Feminist Cross-Stitch starts with an introduction, which includes the basics about how to cross-stitch and what materials you need. I think the introduction really sets the tone for who this book is for. Even as a beginner to cross stitch (having only completed a few patterns) this book seems geared towards absolute beginners who may have never before considered cross-stitching.
I think that this book would make a great gift for a teenager along with some of the materials for a summer break we-need-to-unplug project, but it isn't something I would point out to someone more seasoned looking for new patterns.
The message is great and the content fits perfectly within the resistance crafting movement as inspired by some of the more recent american women's protests. But I'll also admit that I was disappointed with the variety and complexity of the patterns offered. There were some fonts and flower boarders that I could definitely see myself using, but I expected more. Rather than 40 unique patterns, more than half were in the identical style to the hoop on the cover. Circle flower boarder + text quote.
I was expecting a lot more variety in not only content, but style. Some of the patterns weren't in the standard style were just so painfully simple that they should barely constitute a pattern at all. I mean, who needs to work off of a pattern to create a stand alone pride or trans flag that is just a bunch of evenly spaced rectangles? I mean, your working on a grid people. I'm sure I could figure that one out on my own, thanks.
Worth looking at for some inspiration or to give as a gift, but not what I was hoping for when looking for my next project.
February 19, 2019
Comprehensive writing and instructions on cross stitching, from getting started on a project to framing the finished piece. Ms. Rohr offers lots of helpful tips in the opening and closing chapters of the book. The 40 patterns she has created hold true to the aesthetic that she has upheld in her Etsy shop over the years. They are fun and thoughtful pieces covering a wide range of ideas and feminist expression. Everyone will find something to love about this book and the pieces to be created, whether a person new to the art form of cross stitching or a seasoned stitcher.
May 1, 2019
Totally making the Rosie the Riveter one.
July 14, 2019
Fantastic. Not just the amazing patterns, but the initial instructions and summaries of cross-stitching accessories are clear and concise for beginners (which I am).
June 18, 2020
This book kicked-off my new quarantine hobby. Loving it!
May 25, 2019
I love this book! I'm currently in a feminist cross-stitch phase.... or obsession. It started in 2017, when I got a booklet of cross-stitch alphabets and began with my own sayings (Misogynists are unwelcome here," and "Sociopaths are as sociopaths do--EVIL," for instance). This book has designs with smaller lettering, so you can do quicker projects.
January 8, 2020
Lots of great sayings!
![Profile Image for Amanda [Novel Addiction].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1415744673i/4886503._UX200_CR0,36,200,200_.jpg)
October 7, 2020
I loved some of these! And I really appreciated the difficulty ratings that were included. I definitely got some amazing ideas for the future.
November 7, 2020
This is the cross-stitch book I never knew I always wanted. 2020 has brought me back to the needlework hobby of my adolescence and this book has me fired up to continue on.
March 6, 2021
I bought a copy of this book directly from the author's personal page. I absolutely love it. She has loads of patterns up on Etsy too, many of which are in this book but also plenty of others that aren't. I heard about her through a cross-stitch group I'm in on Facebook. If you love sass/snark (or know someone who does) and love cross-stitching (or know someone who does, or even just want to learn how to do it), invest in this book. You won't regret it!
February 22, 2021
very inspiring
September 4, 2019
The instructions and patterns are nice and the author seems very kind and caring. That said, I was disappointed by the word content of the patterns. This is very much a democrat feminist book, not really intersectional or for folks further left like myself. There are a ton of things quoting or referencing Democrat women politicians or campaigns. So, I'm likely not going to use most of these patterns. I may use the pretty borders and put different words in instead.
July 5, 2019
Basic premise: the title says it all.
There are a good range of difficulties in here for beginners through more advanced stitchers. Personally, I'm really looking forward to making the Rosie the Riveter pattern. There are some with and without curse words. The border patterns are well done, with some originality and good details. A very good book.
There are a good range of difficulties in here for beginners through more advanced stitchers. Personally, I'm really looking forward to making the Rosie the Riveter pattern. There are some with and without curse words. The border patterns are well done, with some originality and good details. A very good book.
January 2, 2020
A comprehensive guide to cross stitch that added in some lighthearted feminist patterns. At first, I thought there wouldn’t be much “reading” however, I was pleasantly surprised. These were well thought out, cheeky, and original designs. A fun and quick read.
June 17, 2019
Fantastic sassy collection of cross stitch patterns.
June 21, 2019
the best answer to multitasking while bingwatching netflix or hulu. this book got me back into the needle arts and even inspired my #1 son to pick up a small kit.
June 24, 2019
Very fun patterns that I'll have to come back to.
June 28, 2019
Get your stitch on!!
I love the patterns in this book. From beginner to longtime stitcher, there is plenty to stitch!! Love love love yas yas yas!!!
I love the patterns in this book. From beginner to longtime stitcher, there is plenty to stitch!! Love love love yas yas yas!!!
November 27, 2021
So funny and great!
November 21, 2019
Totally new to cross stitch and I learned a lot from this book.
January 19, 2020
A lot of great pattern, the book was very inclusive.
March 10, 2020
Good quotes. Pretty patterns.
August 15, 2020
Sweet & spicy!
Elegant little borders enclosing big powerful statements - what more could a woman ask? I love this collection! Thank you, Stephanie!
Elegant little borders enclosing big powerful statements - what more could a woman ask? I love this collection! Thank you, Stephanie!
October 6, 2020
From simple 2 color to 50+ color winners, everything you need to become a cross stitch warrior.
June 21, 2024
Too much fun!
Very nice, good for beginners and experienced stitchers. I *love* Rosie the Riviter! I'm so happy to see her included. I highly recommend you print a physical copy at a slightly larger than life-size. On real paper. I know, what a dinosaur! But you can easily mix and match motifs from various patterns by using the original cut and paste method. For example, I did this with another great x-stitch book, "The Crosstitchers Bible." I I liked the frame of one design, plus I needed a couple extra lines on my sampler to fit the frame I wanted to use. So I went to the copy shop and messed with scissors and tape until I had a clean, usable copy to tuck into my stitchery tote. It cost me a couple of dollars, as I used free ɓcolor copies, but it was well worth it.
I have a sign on my wall that says, "We are the daughters of the Witches you didn't burn." I think it will look nice with some blue flowers from this book. Maybe the sunflowers? Copy Shop, here I come!!!
Nice to use yourself, give away as a gift, or to make gifts.
Worth buying or borrowing. Highly recommend. Readable and well illustrated.
9/10 Unicorns 🦄 🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄
Very nice, good for beginners and experienced stitchers. I *love* Rosie the Riviter! I'm so happy to see her included. I highly recommend you print a physical copy at a slightly larger than life-size. On real paper. I know, what a dinosaur! But you can easily mix and match motifs from various patterns by using the original cut and paste method. For example, I did this with another great x-stitch book, "The Crosstitchers Bible." I I liked the frame of one design, plus I needed a couple extra lines on my sampler to fit the frame I wanted to use. So I went to the copy shop and messed with scissors and tape until I had a clean, usable copy to tuck into my stitchery tote. It cost me a couple of dollars, as I used free ɓcolor copies, but it was well worth it.
I have a sign on my wall that says, "We are the daughters of the Witches you didn't burn." I think it will look nice with some blue flowers from this book. Maybe the sunflowers? Copy Shop, here I come!!!
Nice to use yourself, give away as a gift, or to make gifts.
Worth buying or borrowing. Highly recommend. Readable and well illustrated.
9/10 Unicorns 🦄 🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄
July 27, 2020
Rohr is a cross-stitch enthusiast who has created 40 snarky and irreverent projects with feminist themes. Her patterns are a combination of traditional sweet cross-stitch motifs and updated mottoes with a feminist slant. Her book is also an excellent introduction to the craft with an extensive how-to-do it section, difficulty levels for the patterns, and a curated resources section at the end. Any cross-stitcher from beginner to expert will find a project in this book.
July 2, 2022
I think my expectations for this book were a bit too high.
I see how this book would be helpful for beginners or those looking for standard patterns. I found some of the patterns a little basic and was hoping for more. There are feminist themed patterns with images, borders, and letters throughout the book. The book includes the patterns along with directions on how to cross stitch following the pattern. Again helpful for beginners or those who just want to make these patterns.
I see how this book would be helpful for beginners or those looking for standard patterns. I found some of the patterns a little basic and was hoping for more. There are feminist themed patterns with images, borders, and letters throughout the book. The book includes the patterns along with directions on how to cross stitch following the pattern. Again helpful for beginners or those who just want to make these patterns.
March 1, 2026
Excellent for beginner; includes materials, techniques, & finishing. The stitches and how to do them are well described. Starting & finishing are also covered.
The patterns are divided into 4 sections: affirmations, sassy & subversive, politically active, & feminist iconography. The patterns are rated by difficulty from beginner to advanced.
The patterns range from uplifting to fierce. Resources include sites to buy more of the same kind of patterns; as well supplies.
The patterns are divided into 4 sections: affirmations, sassy & subversive, politically active, & feminist iconography. The patterns are rated by difficulty from beginner to advanced.
The patterns range from uplifting to fierce. Resources include sites to buy more of the same kind of patterns; as well supplies.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews