Big Stitch Cross Stitch: Over 30 Contemporary Cross Stitch Projects Using Extra-Large Stitches

I looked high and low for months for something to help me to get started to transfer to big cross stitch because I love cross stitch but my eye sight will no longer allow me to see traditional cross stitch, this book has good patterns to get you started learning big cross stitch (and some more complicated if you pick it up quickly/already know it)…probably takes me a little longer than most with my eyesight, but I really enjoy it and I love that we are making functional items, I have a new hobby and I recommend to anyone who would like to pick up cross stitch again with eye problems.

Love this book. The designs are fresh and practical. Love that it gives me ideas of what to do with the stitched designs. Very clear photos and charts. Easy to follow instructions. Colorful designs. Overall good book. Nothing is perfect, so i would love it to have more retro designs like the cassette tape zippered pouch. Maybe a record player cd case or something.

I have done 1 project from this book, which I love. I enjoyed switching to "big" cross stitch and this made it easy, but there aren't that many projects that I liked.

Adorable and easy to make projects. I'm an advanced embroiderer but I love the simple projects shown in this book. From my point of view, 100% recomendable :-

This book has unique and fun ideas for anyone interested in cross stitch. It is full of bright colors and great do it yourself gift ideas.

This was a gift for our daughter in law and she had asked for it so think she is very happy with it.

It’s a rare modern cross stitch book that can make the transition to needlepoint as easily and beautifully as Big Cross Stitch does. In fact, if you saw the cover picture without the title you’d probably think it was needlepoint.That’s because much modern cross stitch uses several things that don’t translate to needlepoint very well, namely: lots of colors, outlining, and partial stitches. In this book we find bold designs without the detail of outlining, relatively few colors, and whole stitches.Besides these things, the designs completely cover the ground, unlike most cross stitch and they are stitched in a familiar material– tapestry wool.Look inside and you’ll find that the designs are all stitched on 7-count needlepoint canvas (rug or quickpoint canvas), using a strand of tapestry wool, with only a few using cross stitch fabrics. It’s a larger ground, and more contemporary designs, but this is the same stitch and yarn used in Elizabeth Bradley kits.In fact, in her introduction, Pearce says that these designs can all be done as needlepoint. She explains that her big cross stitch technique is a hybrid of needlepoint and cross stitch.There are 30 projects in all ranging from a small change purse to a Christmas tree skirt. Each project is introduced with a full-page picture plus a smaller detail picture. A box called ‘stitch stats’ has the stitch count, thread, ground (called base), and skill level. The skill levels are consistent throughout the book an are defined in the first section. The first page for each project also has a material list (with amounts) and the method to complete stitching the project.Following this you will find a full-color chart, color key, and finishing instructions. Also on these pages are some ideas for variations in making the project.My only problem with the book is that many of the charts cover two pages. Often this can cause problems, but these charts are large and the book opens enough, so that no part is lost in the binding.The final chapter, Stitching School, covers the basics from thread coverage to basic stitching techniques. There is also a color conversion charts that uses both symbols and names and lists colors in Appleton, DMC floss, and Anchor floss. It ends with finishing instructions for a variety of items.I love the designs in this book. They are bright without looking childish, modern but modern that is a twist on the traditional. It’s a great resource for easy-to-complete projects that deserves a spot on your shelf.

I love many of the designs in this book; the book however is horrible. Each chart is spread over two pages that have about half an inch for the OUTSIDE borders but many of the charts are partially buried in the binding. I'll have to have the book taken apart in order to stitch because I can't stitch and hold the book open at the same time.I would have given the item one star but I didn't because the charts ARE nice. I do wish she had used symbols though.If she does, another book, she should maybe use another publisher.

The book was in a pretty good state and had some interesting designs

I got this second hand book With no big expectations on the quality, and Wooooow I got it and it was in perfect state. I love it!