Are you looking for a thoughtful gift for the crafty person in your life? Treat them to one of these beautiful cross stitch books, full of cross stitch ideas and inspiration to excite!
There is a multitude of wonderful cross stitch books available from many online retailers, or from your local book shop. For this cross stitch books countdown, we've chosen the books that really stand out to us, one's that have a stylish and modern twist. Whoever said cross stitch was an outdated craft has never seen the likes of these contemporary books!
From feminist stitches that will empower all the women in your life, to spooky Halloween stitches, perfect for anyone you know who loves the creepier world of crafting. There's a book that will appeal to anyone who is looking for a unique cross stitch project.
Whether you are buying a cross stitch book for a first-time stitcher or for someone well-versed in cross stitch you will find patterns and ideas to suit all stitching abilities.
If you're looking for cross stitching patterns we have lots of free projects available right here on Gathered. Try these cute cat cross stitch patterns or autumn cross stitch patterns which will also make lovely cards to accompany your cross stitch book gift. If you are new to cross stitching, we have lots of helpful guides available, find out how to cross stitch or learn more about cross stitch needle sizes.
10 best cross stitch books
1. Feminist Cross-Stitch: 40 Bold & Fierce Patterns, by Stephanie Rohr
Don't just say it, say it in stitches with Stephanie Rohr's fiercely feminine cross stitch patterns. The perfect gift for crafty activists, this book celebrates all women and offers a way to get creative while feeling uplifted.
It's packed full of colourful and fun messages, like 'Not your babe' and 'Deeds, not words', which you can replicate in your own home. With its punchy front cover and feisty feel, it would make an amazing present for anyone looking to smash the patriarchy in a creative way.
2. Cross stitch for the soul by Emma Congdon
This cross stitch book is packed with beautiful and inspiring quotes that are rendered in easy cross-stitching techniques. It's sure to lift spirits during the process of making them, and will serve as treasured gifts for loved ones.
Cross stitch is a very therapeutic pastime. Emma's collection of cross stitch designs will be sure to remind you how strong and brave you are!
3. Creepy cross stitch by Lindsay Swearingen
With spooky skulls and ghoulish graveyards, Lindsay Swearingen updates cross stitch with a dark yet whimsical look in this fun book.
These needlework masterpieces depict phantom cats, Baba Yaga, and other legends surrounding haunted houses. We’re particularly intrigued by the fascinating phantom cats.
You can easily add a bit of subversive charm to your cross stitch repertoire with this collection of bewitching patterns, featuring moody tones and muted colours.
This would make the perfect gift for anyone who wants to check out the darker side of cross stitch (yes, we were surprised there is one too).
4. The One with All the Cross-Stitch by Editors of Ulysses Press
Anyone who loves Friends will LOVE this cross stitch book. It contains all the classic Friends references from Smelly Cat to the sofa from Central Perk. Stitch your way into the Friends world with this cool book. You can give this book to the Friends fan in your life (we all know one) or you could stitch them up a Friends cross stitch gift from the book yourself!
5. PixlPeople by John-Michael Stoof
Cross stitch the favourite people in your life with this cute cross stitch book by John-Michael Stoof. It's packed full of cross stitch body parts, from hair to clothes and everything in between. Mix and match them to create your very own personalised little cross stitch people.
Try designing your loved ones a cross stitch family tree containing your bespoke characters!
6. Whimsical cross stitch by Cari Buziak
This adorable book is choc-full of lovely magical designs, from woodland creatures to cute dinosaur designs. All of the patterns are suitable for beginners and can be completed in just an evening or weekend. You can create each design individually or combine a few and make a whole new piece of art! This cross stitch book would be ideal for anyone who can't get enough of cutesy cross stitch patterns.
7. Cross stitch graph paper by Cari Buziak
This book is a little different, you will design your own cross stitch patterns. Filled with 100 sheets of white graph paper, this will keep any keen stitcher busy for a long time. It would make a great gift for anyone who is confident in cross stitching and wants to try making their own cross stitch designs.
8. The little book of cross stitch by Jess Payne
Packed full of the cutest and quirkiest cross stitch designs, you won't run out of ideas for your next project. This cross stitch book is ideal for beginners and experienced stitches alike!
In the book you'll find 30 amazing modern designs to choose from. They even state themselves there won't be a country cottage in sight! If you're not a fan of traditional cross stitch this is the book for you.
9. Cross Stitch Collages by Alyssa Westhoek
- Buy now from Etsy
The incredible debut book by Alyssa Westhoek from Stitchonomy, a must have for any cross stitch fan. This book is loaded with 250 tiny patterns for you to get stuck into! It will certainly last a long time. Not only that, you'll find lots of cross stitch inspiration and 20 projects to try your hand at!
In this book you'll see how versatile and modern cross stitch can be. This cross stitch book is the ideal gift for stitchers of all levels. It would be a wonderful way to spark your loved one's interest in this special craft.
10. Mega Mini Cross Stitch by Makoto Oozu
Packed with 900 mini motifs, yes 900, you won't get bored with this amazing cross stitch book. This book is by Japanese cross stitch sensation Makoto Oozu is packed with hundreds of pixelated motifs. They can be stitched onto anything from badges and hankies to T-shirts and bags.
With so many designs to choose from, you won't be able to choose which one you love the most. We can promise you one thing though, you'll be addicted to creating tiny cross stitch.
Cross stitch books for the modern stitcher
These cross stitch books make the perfect gift for anyone interested in beautiful modern designs.
Looking for more gift ideas for the stitcher in your life?
Needle minders make fabulous stocking stuffers for anyone who can't get enough of needlepoint.
