The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch

If you think you know what cross stitch is, look again! Jamie Chalmers, aka Mr X Stitch, shows you how to cross stitch using simple step-by-step instructions and also takes you to the frontiers of cross stitch design. The book is aimed at stitchers of all abilities, from absolute beginners looking to learn a new craft to embroiderers and cross stitchers who want to do something different in cross stitching. For many, cross stitch conjures up images of cute kittens and country cottages, but this book shows people that there’s a different side to cross stitching that it’s an art in its own right, and will encourage them to be a little braver with their art.

Jamie’s writing style is fun, entertaining and highly inspirational. The book aims to appeal to men as well as women, encouraging one and all to take up the ancient craft. It teaches the basics of cross stitching, including information on materials, tools, techniques and colour blending, but also puts Jamie’s own individual spin on it, with urban flavours and the introduction of different materials such as glow-in-the-dark threads and stitching on metal. As well as providing exciting designs to stitch, there is guidance on how to create cross stitch designs of your own, for example by using photographs and other images for reference.

Jamie also showcases the work of other contemporary cross stitchers who are pushing the boundaries of their craft, and introduces more than 20 stunning cutting-edge projects to make, showing that beauty, innovation and 'craftivism' are alive and kicking in this inspirational book.

Book Contents

Foreword by Julie Jackson 6
Introduction 8

Tools & materials 10
Making a start 18
How to cross stitch 20
Framing your work 28
The back 32

Colour 36
A moment of context 46
Outlier: Zoe Gilbertson 54

Glow in the Dark 56
Stitching and travelling 63
Outlier: Kate Blandford 72

More Than a Hobby 74
Peace of mind 76
Embroidery as therapy 79
Craftivism 83
Embroidery as an art form 86
Outlier: Severija
Inčirauskaitė-Kriauneviĉienė 90

Pattern Design 92
Computer design 94
Fabric count 99
Colour 100

Epic pineapple 102
Outlier: Lord Libidan 116

Thinking Outside
the Hoop 118
If it’s got holes in it... 120
Stitching on plastic 122
Stitching on metal 127
We’re all adults 131
Outlier: Les Deuz'Bro 132

Final thoughts 134
Alphabet fonts 136
Acknowledgements 140
Index 141

Projects
Back in Black 32
Fleur de Couleur 40
From Ampersand to Bargello 42
Something Meaningful 47
Sqrl! 50
Empire State 58
Winter is Coming 64
Home Sweet Home Network 68
VodkAtomic 70
I Got Yer Mindfulness Right Here 76
I am an Addict 80
#StitchforSyria 83
Mona 87
Introducing the Pineapple! 95
Portrait of a Pineapple 104
Pop Art Pineapple 108
Whitby Abbey at Sunset 112
Bling 120
Silver Devil 124
C-Tron 125
Yellow Blade 126
Look! 127
What The?! 128