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.

Table of 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

About the Author :
Jamie Chalmers took up cross stitching fifteen years ago and he’s never looked back. Since establishing the Mr X Stitch website in 2008, he has been showcasing new talent in the world of textiles and stitch and has curated a number of stitch-based exhibitions in the UK and Ireland. Jamie is an accomplished and internationally exhibited artist in his own right, and the curator of PUSH Stitchery, part of a series of books published by Lark showcasing the work of contemporary embroidery artists from around the world. He writes articles for textile publications across the world, including Fiber Art magazine and Surface Design Journal and is the founder of the game-changing XStitch cross stitch design magazine. Jamie Chalmers is an active leader in the online stitch community and what he has dubbed ‘the new embroidery movement’ and is active on various social networking platforms. He is a regular feature at the Knitting and Stitching Shows and The Handmade Fair, appearing alongside craft celebrities like Kirsty Allsopp, Poppy Chancellor, Patrick Grant and Annie Sloan. He loves introducing new people to the benefits of embroidery from a creative and wellbeing standpoint and is proud to be an ambassador for this ubiquitous craft.

Review :
Think you know everything about cross stitch, or perhaps you have always wanted to have a go but think it might not be for you?  Here is a book that cheerfully debunks lots of stitching myths and shows you that there is more to cross stitch than you might think. I do love a book that challenges stereotypes and shakes up the rules that inevitably accumulate around any hobby.  Mr X Stitch does not look like most people’s idea of what a cross stitcher should look like which is refreshing in itself, and you can expect no charts of teddies, pets or gardens.  Instead you get a humorous and common sense look at getting kitted out, learning the basics and stitching on more than just even weave fabrics.  Topics often omitted or glossed over briefly get some fairly detailed coverage too, such as washing, pressing, framing, sorting out the back of the work and a whole page of useful tips.  There are some charts to get you started including words, a geometric squirrel, rainbow flower, creative use of glow in the dark threads and even a Game of Thrones inspired piece.  The book also looks at how other people have used cross stitch in creative ways including stitching on metal, abstracts, decorating biker gear, 3D work and even large scale work on fences.  If you fancy having a go at your own charts there is a section on doing this with a computer, including an excellent beginner introduction to using software featuring a simple design.  This is put through the paces in various sizes and a limited palette showing how to work with different fabric counts, getting the best look for your work and even how to do a pop art version.  I wish I had seen something like that when I got my first cross stitch design program as it takes a lot of the trial and error out of getting to grips with using one.  The book concludes with looking at plastic canvas, aluminium foil and other things with holes in that can be stitched, as well as a few pages of handy alphabets to aid your designing.  There is even more in here than everything I have described so whatever your level if you want a good contemporary look at cross stitch this is the book for you. Issue 13 Needlework is having a real resurgence at the minute. Famed for being one of instagram's biggest supporters of hand stitching Jamie Chalmers, AKA Mr X Stitch has brough out his very own Guide to Cross Stitch, which is packed with original patterns and hints and tips to inspire and guide you every step of the way. We're especially smitten with the squirrel on the cover, which would make a perfect project for autumn evenings. A fun, entertaining, inspiring and instructive book by Jamie Chalmers, alias Mr. X Stitch, connoisseur of contemporary embroidery. Even if you think you know what cross-stitch is, is this book worth the effort. To the hand of simple step-by-step step instructions the writer's limits the possibilities with cross stitches and encourages them at their own borders to shift. On the order come: the basis of cross stitches, information about materials, tools, techniques, colors mix and finish. Also design it yourself and it use of the computer thereby, come amply offer. The book also contains work from a number of contemporary artists working with work cross stitch. This review has been translated from Dutch Cross stitch has shaken off its lame image in recent years, largely thanks to pioneers like Jamie Chalmers, better known as Mr X Stitch. In this book he captures the energy of the contemporary cross stitch revival, with examples of modern designs and 20 projects, backed up with instructions on the basics of cross stitching – from materials and tools to techniques, using computer programs and colour blending. Once you’ve mastered the basics, he shows how artists have refined the basic cross stitch to make works that are both striking (cross-stitched fences by Les Deuz’Bro) and original (stitched metal works by Severiją Inčirauskaitę- Kriaunevičienę). This is an awesome book, a useful reference tool, full of fascinating hints, tips and tutorials. I also found it an absorbing read and found myself sitting with a coffee, poring over the pages. The many unusual and interesting charts and suggestions for using materials such as GitD thread had me reaching for my purse and heading out to my local craft store. I would heartily recommend the purchase of this book , either as a special treat for yourself or a thoughtful gift for a friend. I'm and experienced cross stitcher and thoroughly enjoyed this book. First time I've seen a book like this written by a man but the author shows a real enthusiasm for his subject. I liked the continuity from what essential equipment to have through to projects of varying complexity. It is written with wit and humour and holds the attention. The interviews within were very thought provoking. Somethings like the glow in the dark thread I'd not even heard of. This also made me think outside the box from just making pretty pictures to frame or hanging in the hoop to using on clothing or metallic objects. Overall I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone, especially if looking for something a bit out of the ordinary. This is a fantastic book! I have been a longtime Mr X Stitch fan, and have attended a couple of his workshops, so getting my grubby mitts on a copy of this was a no brainer and I was not dissappointed. In his fun and chatty style, Jamie talks through the basics, as well as introducing more complex designs, and includes interviews/features on some really interesting, cutting edge stitch designers. The in depth analysis of how stitch/thread count affects the finished item (I adore that pineapple), and his advice about colour choices make this a must have book in my opinion. Cute, but never cutesy designs and great content. More please, Mr X Stitch! I've been a cross stitcher since my teens and I didn't think any books about cross stitch would be more than basic how-to's and patterns.. I was happily surprised when I received The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch, it's full of useful information from the basic how-to to tips and tricks, framing, pattern design and colour theory plus ideas for thinking out out of the box, taking it further and artist interviews AND patterns! This is the best guide out there about cross stitch and even as an experienced cross stitcher, this book is going to stay on my bookshelf and become a well thumbed guide. This is quite a modern style of cross stitch to what I'm used to but very inspiring to try something out of my comfort zone. I've met the author at an event before which is why I wanted this book and there are lots of his designs to try. It's a good book to get if you want to try something a bit different to traditional cross stitch designs. Now, which one to try first... Very good book. Excellent designs very innovative. Look especially Whitby abbey at sunset. But all designs are great. I'm a new person to cross stitch. Will definitely try out designs and show fellow cross stitchers the book. This book is such a refreshing change to anything that on a book shelf in today's market. Well laid out in easy to follow sections ( for anyone new to cross stitch or a old hand at such a lovely hobby) I love the squirrel the flower and Whitby abbey with its 99 colours so refreshing to the usual flowers and teddys . If you want to refresh your interest in cross stitch this is the book for you. Will be a keeper on my book shelves. I have never done cross stitch before so thought that I would like to review this book and contrary to my expectations, this book is quite exciting- an adjective I hadn’t previously associated with cross stitch.  No roses and hearts here, more interesting contemporary projects offered. They include skylines, bargello with a difference, 3D objects, pop art and typography.  The latter is what attracted me.  It has very clear instructions for a novice like me, enabling me to create a suitably salutary notice for my home. In addition to clear stitching instructions, it has interesting sections on framing, computer design, the use of colour, embroidery on unusual mediums including plastic and metal, amongst others. A great book which has succeeded in capturing my imagination and will be used to create many an item in the future.