10 Modern Cross Stitch Books

Stitch Graffiti (Unexpected Cross Stitch)

by: Heather Holland-Daly

Amazon Price: $13.00 (as of 05/23/2012)

Old-fashioned ABC samplers are nowhere to be found in this collection of 26 stylish and witty designs that give cross-stitch a forceful new look. Unconventional wall hangings fill the first section of the book and dazzle with their bold colors, unusual lettering, and offbeat quotes from songs, books, movie dialogue, and even truck stop bathrooms. A second group of patterns features intriguing, small designs called "tattoos" to sew on T-shirts, jean jackets, bracelets, and handbags, and a final section shifts to the decoration of household items such as pillows, dish towels, and a cloth-wrapped money jar.

Subversive Cross Stitch

by: Julie Jackson

Amazon Price: $198.15 (as of 05/23/2012)

In this wicked little book, Julie Jackson reinvents the age-old craft of cross-stitch, finally putting an end to all that saccharine sentimentalism and giving modern stitchers the chance to say what's really on their minds. Stitch up Bitch in Kitchen for a heartfelt housewarming gift. Spread cheer with the ever-festive Bite Me. Or whip up This Place Sucks for a cherished co-worker. This fully illustrated book includes 33 of Jackson's best patterns and easy-to-follow directions. Jackson outlines the simple tools and techniques needed and even offers encouragement and tips on how to create one-of-a-kind revolutionary designs from craft-store patterns with subversive sentiments all your own.

Twisted Stiches: 30 Corrupt Cross Stitch and Embroidery Designs

by: Phil Davison

Amazon Price: $5.86 (as of 05/23/2012)

For crafters who like their stitching with a twist, this book provides original designs with a wicked spin, and reworks cute craft imagery, including genuine vintage embroidery motifs, so that they cross over to the dark side. Think pretty rose bouquets with a gun poking out, a cute row of ducklings followed by a fox chomping on the straggler, or an old-fashioned teddy bear with a stake through the heart. The book contains 30 original cross stitch and embroidery designs, including pictures, cards, pillows, and accessories. Twisted Stitches also features comprehensive instructions on techniques for new stitchers, presented in a fresh, entertaining way.

Love Kills Slowly Cross-Stitch: 30 Cross-Stitch Patterns from Ed Hardy

by: Ed Hardy Licensing

Amazon Price: $5.00 (as of 05/23/2012)

Ed Hardy's Love Kills Slowly Cross-Stitch is a counted cross-stitch book for a new generation of crafters. From pierced hearts to images of skulls and crossbones, Hardy's colorful, tattoo-inspired designs are perfect for stitchers looking for something bold and graphic. Each pattern comes complete with a full-color illustration of the original art, an illustration of the final product, and a full-color pattern and key. A how-to section teaches the basics of counted cross-stitch.

Makoto's Cross Stitch Super Collection

Amazon Price: $3.97 (as of 05/23/2012)

Your friends will want to be you and your enemies will be super-jealous once you start stitching figures from Makoto's Cross Stitch Super Collection. Cross stitch phenom Makoto Oozu teaches you cross stitch basics and then introduces you to his world of stitched robots, insects, artillery and more.

De-lame your tote bag, your special trucker cap and your undies by stitching them with dancing skeletons, Big Ben and old-school electronics. With over 100 images and 10 projects to choose from, you can make everyone's stuff cool.

Not Your Mama's Stitching: The Cool and Creative Way to Stitch It To 'Em

by: Kate Shoup

Amazon Price: $8.41 (as of 05/23/2012)

Forget the fair young maiden painstakingly embroidering pillowcases for her hope chest. Picture a liberated lass (that would be you) creating chic fashions and accessories while sipping a glass of whatever and saving the planet. Not Your Mama's Stitching lets you choose from more than twenty projects to make or embellish home decor items, garments, accessories, gifts, and more.

Cross Stitch Art Nouveau

by: Barbara Hammett

Amazon Price: $8.28 (as of 05/23/2012)

Cross Stitch Art Nouveau revisits the timelessly popular Art Nouveau style with a fantastic new collection of cross stitch designs inspired by the period?s most instantly recognisable artists. Each of the ten chapters features designs inspired by the work of a well-known Art Nouveau designer translated beautifully into cross stitch. Projects include framed pictures, cushions, bags and even a table runner.

Magical Cross Stitch: Over 25 Enchanting Fantasy Designs

by: Various

Amazon Price: $13.51 (as of 05/23/2012)

With Magical Cross Stitch, cross-stitchers will find over twenty-five truly magical projects destined to become favorite keepsakes. This guide: -Includes a range of gorgeous designs, from a Celtic fairy queen and Chinese dragons to beautiful mermaids and a majestic unicorn -Incorporates glittering metallic threads and gleaming beads into many of the patterns for a stunning effect -Shares a multitude of projects, including full-sized pictures, cushions, greetings cards, sachets and bags, and quick-to-stitch gifts and accessories

The Best of Teresa Wentzler Collection, Vol. 2 (Leisure Arts #4661)

by: Teresa Wentzler

Amazon Price: $11.64 (as of 05/23/2012)

Engage your imagination with these breathtaking cross stitch scenes from Teresa Wentzler. The gifted artist presents some of her favorite creations from fairy tales and fables in this long-awaited second collection of fantasy designs. See a young sorcerer learn his trade, enjoy a quiet moment with a peaceful unicorn, and look into the eyes of a wistful mermaid. Feeling intrepid? Set a course for adventure on a tall ship, or travel back in time to see the chivalrous beginnings of a medieval saga.

Naughty but Nice Cross Stitch

by: Claire Crompton

Amazon Price: $4.01 (as of 05/23/2012)

Naughty But Nice Cross Stitch features a collection of 50 fun and sassy cross stitch sayings to remind you not to take life so seriously. Each themed chapter presents the ideal answer to the endless demands on a woman?s time - husbands, chores, children and work. Whatever the crisis, these witticisms are sure to put a smile on your face! A great selection of project ideas accompany the sayings, from hanging signs to framed pictures and cards so that you can share the fun with family and friends.