Embroidery is a craft with a long history - the art of decoratively stitching onto fabric can be traced back thousands of years - and it’s no surprise that embroidery is still popular today, as it’s so versatile and fun.
Cross stitch is a type of embroidery, so called because the stitches you make are like Xs - if you’d like to learn more, delve into my beginner’s guide to cross stitch.
I fell in love with cross stitching as a child, and now, as an adult and the owner of Meloca Designs, I specialise in creating super fun, colourful cross stitch designs with a modern feel.
Sometimes I like to look for inspiration for new designs away from my screens, and magazines are great for that. Plus, it’s just a really nice, relaxing activity to read about the hobbies you love, learn new things and have new projects to indulge in.
Here are my 7 favourite magazines for cross stitching and embroidery, in case you’re in need of a little inspiration too.
1. The World of Cross Stitching - the UK’s number one cross stitch magazine
The World of Cross Stitching is often touted as the number one cross stitch magazine in the UK, and inside you’ll find amazing advice, techniques and inspiration for all levels of cross stitching, as well as over 75 patterns from cross stitch designers from all over the world - including me!
I’m a regular designer for The World of Cross Stitching, and have had 8 of my cross stitch designs printed - including the Meloca Designs Mandala Badger pattern, Easter Chick, and Highland Cow, with a further 3 in the works currently.
They publish 13 issues a year, so you’ll never be short of cross stitch projects, and there are lots of helpful articles online by The World Of Cross Stitching too.
2. Cross Stitcher for contemporary cross stitch projects
Cross Stitcher is the longest running cross stitch magazine in Britain, and is always packed with projects, stitch-a-longs and stitching inspiration, along with tips, news, interviews with cross stitch artists, and some brilliant competitions too.
It’s at the more contemporary end of the scale, and often has some lovely modern designs by cross stitch artists like Emma Congdon of Stitchrovia, with easy-to-read charts.
There are 13 issues per year of Cross Stitcher, and you can even get subscriptions that include a free gift of 10 DMC embroidery threads (which are my favourite threads for cross stitch).
3. XStitch for modern cross stitch inspiration in a digital magazine
XStitch is a modern digital cross stitch magazine created by Jamie, who wanted to bridge the gap between traditional cross stitch magazines and the vibrant creativity of online cross stitch designers.
There are 4 issues released per year (every 3 months), each one with a diverse mix of cross stitch patterns by designers from across the globe. You can download the XStitch magazine issues onto your phone, tablet or computer.
I think the really great thing about XStitch being an online magazine is that it’s super easy to click on designers’ links to find even more inspiration and patterns from them, and it’s also really easy to get access to past issues.
4. Just CrossStitch for inspiration from across the pond
Just CrossStitch is a popular magazine from the US, which (as the name suggests) is packed with loads of cross stitch projects and inspiration, including great ideas for displaying your finished cross stitch pieces.
They put out one issue every quarter, and each one has around 20-25 seasonal cross stitch projects inside, plus they also release special issues for holidays like Halloween and Christmas - the latest Halloween copy has over 50 cross stitch projects!
You can buy individual patterns from Just CrossStitch if there’s one you want to try but don’t want to buy the whole magazine, as well as back issues and cross stitch accessories.
5. Cross Stitch Favourites for seasonal cross stitch projects
Cross Stitch Favourites is another magazine that comes out with an issue every quarter packed with seasonal cross stitch projects, plus 2 special issues per year.
The Celebrations issue comes out at the start of the year, and has lovely cross stitch projects for all kinds of events throughout the year, like milestone cards for babies, gift ideas, greetings cards, and a cross stitch wedding sampler.
The Christmas issue is full of festive cross stitch projects such as Christmas cards, decorations, gift tags, bunting, and stocking fillers, and it comes out roughly halfway through the year, so that you have a good few months to stitch those festive projects.
6. Love Embroidery - a magazine for hand and machine embroidery
This monthly craft magazine covers all kinds of embroidery, so if you’re interested in other types of embroidery outside of cross stitch, this would be a lovely magazine to delve into for inspiration.
In Love Embroidery, they cover all types of hand and machine embroidery, so there’s something for all kinds of crafters.
There are 13 issues per year, and you get a free gift with each one. As well as that, there’s also everything from tutorials, tips, embroidery news, and modern embroidery projects.
7. Embroidery for textile art inspiration
This is another magazine dedicated to all types of embroidery, including stitched textiles in art, design, craft and textile culture. It was first published all the way back in 1932, and the entire archive is now available online.
Embroidery magazine has great interviews with embroidery artists and designers, as well as reviews, news, and beautiful photography throughout. I would say this magazine is more for inspiration and learning than for specific projects to make.
There are 6 issues of Embroidery per year, each one filled with amazing textile work, and they’re available on subscription in print and digital form.
Well, what are you waiting for? That's a lot of cross stitch magazine reading to get through!
Another great way to get inspiration for new cross stitch projects is to follow artists on social media, and I’ve got a blog post for that too - check out these 7 inspiring cross stitch artists to follow on Instagram.
Happy stitching!