Being ‘extra’: beads, antiquing, dyeing fabric and customizing! 42
Stitching vernacular 52
P atterns 54
For the coven: witchy patterns with a touch of darkness 56
Gothic gallery: haunted creations with a dash of whimsy 86
Halloween: pumpkins, ghosts and bats – oh my! 118
Haunted holidays: holiday-inspired patterns with a creepy twist 158
Finishing tips and tricks 182
Acknowledgments 189
Suppliers 190
Macabre materials
Behind every successful cross stitch project lies a trove of materials essential to the craft. Not sure what the bits and bobs and the fancy stitching tools are? Need a refresher? In this grimoire entry we will go over the basic stitchcraft accessories, from fabric types and choosing the right needle, to organizing your projects and all the voids between.
A cross stitch pattern is like a map that guides you. It tells you where to start stitching, what colors to use and how to determine the finished size of your masterpiece. The grid on a cross stitch chart corresponds to the grid created by the fabric’s weave, with each square representing a single stitch. The combination of colors and symbols in squares (or symbols
Each square represents a single cross stitch
Each square represents a single cross stitch
How to read a cross stitch pattern
only, depending on chart style) indicate what color of floss to use in each square. I like to compare it to paint by numbers, but with thread.
There are two ways to begin a cross stitch; the first is to start in the middle and the second is to start from a corner (usually upper left). But first, let’s get the fabric ready!
Arrows on the top/bottom and sides indicate the center of the pattern. Follow the lines to find the center point
Arrows on the top, bottom and sides indicate the center of the pattern. Follow the lines to find the center point
Line numbers help you keep track of where you are
Line numbers help you keep track of where you are
Symbols and numbers in the legend tell you what DMC thread colour to use and where
Symbols and numbers in the legend tell you what dmc thread colour to use and where
ISuperstitious Stitches
n a world full of uncertainty and unknowns, superstitions have long served as a way to seek comfort and control. From ancient times to the modern day, superstitions surrounding various items and symbols have persisted, passed down through generations as a way to ward off bad luck or invite good fortune.
However you integrate superstition into your life, or even if you don’t, you have to admit it is wildly fascinating! This pattern features many symbols, from the ubiquitous black cat to skipping over cracks, each one a nod to the ancient folkloric beliefs.
In this design you will find 18 spooky symbols packed inside. Can you find them all? (If you are stumped, check the cheat sheet at the back of the grimoire on page 188.)
