The New Cross Stitcher's Bible: The Definitive Manual of Essential Cross Stitch and Counted Thread Techniques Paperback – August 27, 2010

I started cross stitching about 35 years ago, but it was always secondary to my knitting and crocheting. I learned what I did from the instructions in kits and thought it was really simple. I recently did a small cross stitch with some beading (new to me) and thought there had to be an easier approach than what I was doing, but I got thru it. I just opened a new project to start as a gift, and it had half stitches that I did not know how to read on the pattern, along with beads and other embellishments. So I decided to buy this book. OMG what a wealth of tips, tricks and information - some which I never heard before, some which I probably forgot over the years. And bonus, it goes over embroidery stitches - I've dabbled in that years ago. If you like to do either of these crafts, this is a great resource. And it has a bunch of bonus patterns as well. Those alone would cost way more than the book if purchased separately. I splurged on the spiral version, as I know I prefer that in a reference book. Also, the pages are very heavy weight paper, so they will last. If you like needle crafts, you will appreciate this guide book.

I now have a large library of Cross Stitch reference books but I thought that I would add this just to see. I am delighted that I did. It is a comprehensive look at cross stitch and other styles of needlework that compliment and add to cross stitch design. Many of the tips and techniques were unknown to me or skills I didn't possess as my focus was strictly cross stitch. I didn't realize until I looked at this book how limited my choices were and how simple it would be to enhance my pieces. I have learned so much just by scanning my copy. It may take practice to develop some of the skills but it's worth the time invested. The detail put into this book is exceptiomal. If you don't own one of these, get one. If you are a needleworker, you won't be sorry. I know that if I were stranded somewhere with just a few needlework items this would be one of the books I'd have by my side. Enjoy!!!

This is quite a nice spiral bound book (I bought used). The one question it does not answer is how to transcribe a cross stitch design onto fabric using either a special pencil or perhaps special paper.Counted cross stitching is time consuming and for my old eyes I prefer something that does not involve so much counting! I may just try to use my special blue pen (the ink washes out with water) and just sketch the major parts of my very busy cross stitch design onto the fabric. The design I purchased is counted and covers the entire fabric and will be very labor intensive.Otherwise, this is a very handy little book to have and I really appreciate the color photos, the little notes from the author and of course that it is spiral bound to lie flat.

Too much information on various types of stitching and not enough on basic cross stitching. If you want information on various stitches and how to move forward in embroidery it is a good book. I did not think it explained things very well. Still a good reference book. Despite everything I would buy again to have on hand.

I have found this book to be a very good reference book, however, I would appreciate a section on how to fix problems. The books all give instructions on how to start stitches but I haven't found any books giving examples of problems one might have and how it might be fixed without tearing all the stitches out. Maybe that is not reasonable to ask??

The book is not spiral bound. I specifically ordered this book so it would lay flat.

Great book, excellent condition. The great pictures and clear instructions are very helpful...it is an absolute "must have" for cross stitchers. It is honestly an all-around, all you need book, and the step by step instructions are easy to follow, as I am a novice stitcher. I've got two projects going from it.I am very satisfied with Amazon's variety, availability, prices, delivery and customer service.

Best book I’ve found yet, and I love how many practice charts are included! A must have book for any cross stitch enthusiast.