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Sew Mindful Cross Stitch (Paperback)

Colour Books Hobbies & Lifestyle > Art > Decorative Arts & Crafts Photographic Books

By Sophie Crabb
Imprint: White Owl
Series: Crafts
Pages: 144
Illustrations: 150 colour illustrations
ISBN: 9781399045872
Published: 1st December 2023

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Sew Mindful Cross Stitch combines bright and modern cross stitch projects with the calming benefits of mindfulness. Throughout her debut book, Sophie Crabb explores the idea behind crafting for calm and why it can have such a profound and positive impact on our mental wellbeing.

With a total of twenty-two brand new cross stitch projects to choose from, you can stitch your way through Positive Affirmations, Mindful Messages and Self-Care Quotes.

Not familiar with cross stitch? We’ve got you covered. Learn from the beginning with an introduction to what you’ll need, detailed step-by-step guidance and some top tips to help you get started.

Throughout the book, Sophie shares an honest and thoughtful account of her own wellbeing journey, reflecting on topics such as depression and anxiety to overthinking and imposter syndrome, with an aim to open up the conversation linking mindfulness and crafting for calm.

Learn how to mindfully cross stitch and transform how you destress for good.

As seen in

Where Women Create, Issue 28

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

"Sew Mindful Cross Stitch" is more than just a collection of patterns; it's a heartfelt guide to combining creativity with mindfulness. Whether you're a seasoned cross stitcher or a complete novice, this book offers valuable insights and beautiful projects that will undoubtedly enrich your crafting and mental well-being. Highly recommended for anyone looking to explore the therapeutic benefits of cross stitching.

NetGalley, June Lee

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I absolutely adored this beautiful book which is full of ideas for bringing mindfulness to the craft of cross stitch. We live in a world where increasing numbers of people experience mental health difficulties so this book is very much needed.

NetGalley, Naomi Clarke

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Crafting is my passion, one of my go-to options when I need to relax. This book pairs perfectly with some self care time as I indulge in some stitching. The pictures are beautiful, the patterns are clear and concise, and I love the ideas! Clear instructions, make this perfect for both expert and beginner.

NetGalley, Dana Reece

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love all these cross stitch books. I've made something out of each one and they just bring so much happiness to people's lives. I'll be purchasing this for my library!

NetGalley, Kaitlyn Call

As seen in

The World of Cross Stitching

I really enjoyed the opportunity to think a little more about how the mind and body link, and how mindful crafting can help to have a profound and positive impact on mental wellbeing. The projects in the book are simple yet effective and are perfect for beginners and more experienced cross stitchers alike. Even if, like mine, your cross stitching stash is too full at the moment to start new projects, it's also a really lovely read and gave me lots of things to think about. I'm definitely going to have a go at some of the smaller projects in the book first when I'm looking for a break from a larger piece!

Read the full review here!

Jennifer's Little World blog

As seen in 'Horsford cross-stitcher publishes mindfulness hobby book'.

Read the article here!

Eastern Daily Press

As seen on Sewing Street TV.

Watch the show here!

Sewing Street TV

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I recently read Sew Mindful Cross Stitch by Sophie Crabb and it was a great experience. The book offers a unique combination of modern cross stitch projects and mindfulness practices for a calming effect on mental wellbeing. Sophie Crabb brilliantly explores the relationship between crafting and mental health and encourages readers to engage in the practice of crafting for calm.

The book offers a total of twenty-two cross stitch projects that are categorized into Positive Affirmations, Mindful Messages, and Self-Care Quotes. The projects are vibrant and modern, perfect for beginners and experienced cross stitchers alike. The book provides detailed step-by-step guidance, from the basics of cross stitch to some expert tips to help you get started.

What I loved most about Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is the author's personal account of her own mental health journey. The book offers an honest and thoughtful reflection on topics such as depression, anxiety, overthinking, and imposter syndrome, which helps to open up the conversation on the link between mindfulness and crafting for calm.

Overall, Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is a great read for anyone who loves cross-stitching or is looking for a mindful way to destress. The book offers a great balance between the practical and the personal, making it a must-read for anyone seeking to improve their mental wellbeing.

NetGalley, Jande Barrera

Cute patterns and great mindfulness lessons. Excited to try some of these out!

NetGalley, Kimberly Miller

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book gave me motivation to get into this during 2024 - my year of trying out hobbies and being more into selfcare and learning to say no.

The designs are not overwhelming, but I can see myself trying these out. If i can get the audiobooks for titles, I want then two birds, one stone.

The talented lady made some really mindful projects, and it will appear and bring joy to the crossstitch beginner and their friend or customer.

NetGalley, Sadie-jane Nunis-Huff

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch by Sophie Crabb, is a beginner-friendly introduction to cross-stitch, presented from a mindfulness perspective. The book includes 22 projects, complete with step-by-step instructions. For each one, Crabb reflects on why the project is meaningful to her—and she discusses how cross-stitch can have a profound effect on wellbeing.

Library Journal

This was fun! I liked the stories, the tips, and the history of the author finding her love for cross stitch. The patterns are fun and there are many, everyone should find something they enjoy in it.

NetGalley, Jenny I

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

These are colourful, sweetly upbeat, simple designs. They're all full-cross patterns, no partial stitches. Some of them do have outline and detail stitching and/or backstitching. The book contains a good absolute beginner tutorial with tips and how-to's for materials and getting started and how to actually -do- cross stitch. Her voice throughout is calm and encouraging (anyone can do this and it's relaxing and fun).

Charts are both colour coded and with symbols. Most of the patterns are on the smaller side, under about 60x60 stitches. Finishing options are not the focus of the book. Most of the projects are shown finished in round wooden embroidery hoops, she does also give a short picture tutorial on mounting with foam core board for framing or displaying.

The author/publisher have also included a short resources and links lists at the back of the book. Supplies, fabrics, and floss will be readily available at any crafts store, as well as online or most big box stores.

Five stars. Very cute collection. This would be a good choice for public or school library acquisition, as well as home use.

NetGalley, Annie Buchanan

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I've been wanting to get into cross stitch for a long time now, so I was super excited to see this available. I'm no pro, but the guides are easy to follow and the graphics are great!

NetGalley, Kelani Olsen

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Simple, easy, colorful designs that make me smile. All with mindful techniques to add to your cross stich crafting.

NetGalley, Danielle McCoy

Whatever your level or interest in cross stitch, you'll find some great ideas and projects in here. ENJOY THEM!

NetGalley, Cindi Austin

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is wonderful. I truly believe anyone from a total beginner to a seasoned pro could take something from this book (and not just the patterns!).

It’s logically ordered and well-balanced to read. As well as tips for cross stitch, it (a the title suggests) has brilliant mindfulness tips to consider while stitching. Not once was it condescending and Sophie is very relatable. I admire her sharing personal details but also making them relevant to the reader too!

I love how Sophie made each pattern feel like part of a collection within each section of the book, plus they’re gorgeous!

I’ve been a buyer of Sophie’s kits before and very pleased to support this wonderful creator.

NetGalley, Sophie Cartledge

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I'm a beginner cross-stitcher, so I was attracted to this book right away. It is excellent -- actually one of the best craft books I've seen in a long time. It is perfect for beginners, but rich and varied enough so that even long time cross stitchers will find a fun project. Both newbies and veterans will appreciate the author's emphasis on cross stitching as a meditative, calming, centering activity. That, and the fact that all the projects are simple and super cute make this a must-have for cross stitchers and anyone who thinks they'd like to start with this rewarding needle art.

NetGalley, Jane Harper

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sophie Crabb shares easy and fun cross-stitch patterns. My favourites are Water Your Dreams, Let Yourself Bloom, and Self-care Isn't Selfish.

Her instructions are clear and she gives away some of my favourite tricks: the loop method and starting from the centre.

With every pattern, she explains what the project means to her. I thought it very nice to read those parts.

I would definitely recommend this book to those who want to start cross stitching, especially if your mental health and/or self-care is one of the reasons you want to pick up this new, fun hobby!

NetGalley, Britt van Vliet

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch - 5/5!!!

Now, I was lucky enough to be gifted this book and I am so so happy I was... I will still be buying the physical version just so I can make my life easier for cross stitching.

As a complete beginner to Cross Stitch this book was the most helpful I have read so far (bare in in mind I have watched a tonne of YouTube videos to try and help me). Sophie not only goes into tiny details when starting, but there are also some pictures to help show you how to achieve this. To loop for example, when starting, I simply could not wrap my head around this and then suddenly I'm introduced to Sophie Crabb. Game changer.

Sohpie gives us a lovely little intro to begin with, telling us all about her and her life. Love that she's from Norfolk (my favourite place) and she even tells us how cross stitch helped her with her well-being and mental health. As someone who cross stitches to give myself some mean time and to just breath, it's nice to see I'm not alone. Sophie has a great little section about mindfulness (please read it) and it just helps you to see you aren't the only one who needs an escape. There is also an oin depth guide for tools and materials which is SUPER helpful, especially as a newbie. There are amazing photos to help you along the way as well, especially whilst I sat there questioning "What is a Q-Snap?!" Thank you for that Sophie.

The patterns, they are adorable. I can't find a favourite because I loved them all. But the chapter dedicated to mindful messages was just fantastic. Some quotes and patterns for mindfulness alone, a beautiful touch. Thank you for showing me its okay so slow down. Just what a lot of us need right now.

NetGalley, Jordan Charlesworth

A lovely introduction to cross stitch for the beginner and a beautiful book of affirmations that will appeal to the more experienced cross stitcher.

At first glance, it might be strange to think of using crafting as a way to calm anxiety and support mental health. However, the author tells us about her journey and struggles with her own mental health and even gives us an interview with her therapist who discusses how self-care can make a big impact and even gives an exercise that can shift your mindset. The author is *not* a mental health professional and this book does not take the place of other therapies. What she does is share openly about her struggles and shows how each project can support your mental health.

This book is well illustrated with clear photos of the works and the techniques used. If you've never done anything in cross stitch or embroidery, she takes you through all the steps - from tools needed to techniques for stitching to finishing off the project. The experienced cross stitcher can skip most of the basics and go straight to the projects.

The projects have clear, well written steps. She gives you suggested materials and tells you complete steps to stitch it. The charts are easy to read. She also gives you some insight into why she included the project in her collection - whether it's a reminder to slow down or an affirmation to trust in the process. Her thoughts are calming and supportive - a crafter's Bob Ross. She does also give suggestions on how to use stitching to become more mindful - removing other distractions (like tv or podcasts), getting comfy, and just focusing and relaxing into its repetitive nature.

A good introduction for the beginner and a nice addition to an experienced crafter's library.

NetGalley, Cindy Summers

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Considering that cross stitch is now my number 1 obsession (yes, even over reading!), seeing this on Netgalley caused me much excitement. Sad? Maybe, but I learnt what Sophie Crabb has. Cross stitch is good for the soul. Whether that's because creativity is good for mental health or I just like stabbing things repeatedly, I don't know, but all I do know is it makes me feel good. Even when the frog comes to visit.

And this book makes me feel good, too. I really wish it had been around when I started. There are very clear instructions that are well illustrated. The patterns are simple enough for a complete beginner but are fun for someone already taking their first steps. Equally, if you're a bit more developed, I think (because I'm not there yet) that the patterns would be good to take a break from more complicated designs. All the designs would make great gifts or decoration for the home.

A really enjoyable and useful guide to cross stitch.

NetGalley, Patricia Doyle

Great Cross stitch book! I especially appreciate all the photos that document the process. Best documentation of finishing a project either with a hoop or mounting that I’ve read in a book.

NetGalley, Ericka Dow

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Very approachable for beginners. The projects and small would be a good starting point to get into cross stitch. The mindfulness element is great. There are so many mental health benefits to crafting.

NetGalley, Hannah Tracy

The designs in this book are fun and simple! There were a couple that I am really excited to start. Hopefully I can get a few done in time for the holidays!

NetGalley, Lana Sweeting

Sew nice to blend mindfulness and cross stitch. Easy to follow patterns with inspirational messages. Crabb weaves in personal stories giving us more ways to stich self care into our lives.

NetGalley, Katie McNamara

The patterns are fantastic and the instructions are easy for any beginner to follow.

NetGalley, Tamara Reel

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is a craft book with the added benefit of a focus on mental well being. There are twenty-two cross stitch projects to choose from including Positive Affirmations, Mindful Messages and Self-Care Quotes. The author inter weaves her own mental health journey and includes tips and tricks along the way. It is aimed at all levels but especially beginners with its step by step instructions and colourful pictures.

NetGalley, jc Cross

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a really beautifully presented and thoughtful exploration of cross stitch as a craft for mindfulness and self care. The book delves into the author’s own journey with mindfulness as a tool for managing her mental health through motherhood, small business ownership and life in general, and does so through a range of gorgeous patterns.
One thing I really liked about this book is how accessible all the instructions are. A complete beginner could easily pick this up and complete the projects from start to finish without needing further information. The instructions are also sectioned off so a more experienced stitcher could skip over the materials section and get straight into the thoughtful and beautiful designs in the book.
Sophie always has beautiful designs with restful and cute colour schemes, and the 22 designs in this book are no different! I also really enjoyed that there were frequent quotes and chats with other small business owners from British embroidery and cross stitch businesses - that kind of support from people who could be rivals is so wholesome and really engages with the mindful and kind mindset of the book as a whole.
Beautifully laid out, and very engaging, I can’t wait to see what it looks like in hard copy - I’ve already preordered mine!

NetGalley, Aislinn O'Connell

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a good book for beginners or experienced stitchers. I’ve been stitching for 40 years and it was fun to do a quick little picture.

The book talks about being mindful, then goes over the tools and how to stitch. The author talks about what each project means to her, what materials are needed, and then walks through what color she chose to start with and why. There are multiple pictures of each work in progress. You are also encouraged to chose colors you like. I like that most of these are framed in hoops. There is a chapter about finishing your project.

NetGalley, Jeanne Schutts

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I learned how to cross stitch the hard way - buying vintage kits from thrift stores and bumbling my way through poor instructions. As such, I went into this book hoping to learn a thing or two that could help clean up my skills. I have to say that the details provided for each project were the clearest I've seen and very helpful. The projects themselves are also very cute and aesthetically pleasing. I really felt the theme of mindfulness in each project and in the gentle guides encouraging me to be in the moment with my crafting. I really adore this book!

NetGalley, Brandi Jagars

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a lovely cross stitch book with plenty of quite simple designs. I like all of the designs and will definitely be sewing the affirmations for friends and family. As a recent convert to cross stitch, it is easy to understand the authors thoughts and understanding of the therapeutic nature of the craft. You can switch off and focus solely on the stitches. I do agree that the most benefit is found when there a few to no distractions. The instructions are clear and concise, with plenty of tips along the way. The aim is to sew mindfully with the aim of helping increased mental health. And whilst working on mindfulness, you have lovely little projects to show for your time.

NetGalley, Carol Standish-Leigh

As a beginner to Cross Stitch I found this book extremely easy to follow with excellent instructions and helpful pictures!

NetGalley, Christina Shaw

This book combines cross stitch and mindfulness. There are some instructions for getting started with cross stitch, and then patterns that are cute, positive, or related to self care. I have cross stitch experience, and these patterns mostly seem on the beginner/easier side. The colors recommended are mostly pastels and semi-brights, but you could change them up. The patterns are shown on clear grids, which I appreciate, and there are color photos during instructions. Overall, a good book if this is the type of project you are looking to do. Some of these would make nice gifts, or decor for a kid's room also.

NetGalley, Amanda Donovan

The stitch patterns are perfect for beginner and veteran stitchers alike. I loved the messages the patterns convey and think this would be a good addition to any cross stitch library.

NetGalley, Michelle Carter

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Such a cool book with loads of small patterns, perfect for beginners. I’ll definitely be trying some of these!

NetGalley, Cleo Müller

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I LOVE CROSS STITCH AND THIS BOOK GAVE A LOT OF NEW IDEAS I RECOMMEND IT TO EVERY EXPERT OR BEGINNER.

NetGalley, Lucrezia Di iasi

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Imagine my surprise when I started to read this book and realized it's written by SewSophieCreates, whom I follow on Instagram. I love her designs and really enjoyed the book!

As a long time cross stitcher I felt this book was well put together. The book provides a great how-to section for beginners as well as step by step guides and photos. As you progress through the book the patterns get a little harder, but none ever surpass the advanced beginner difficulty. I also think the patterns are great too, for practicing mindfulness, as they are simple patterns that don't require a ton of concentration.

What I really appreciated about the book was the explanation and examples of practicing mindfulness in your crafting. Too many times we are distracted by our world, even as we craft. The author takes the time to share about her mental health journey, those of friends and valuable information from professionals. This book has really encouraged me to shut off all the "noise" and craft with mindfulness. This will definitely be added to my bookshelf once it's published!

NetGalley, C Fitzgerald

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As someone who used to enjoy cross stitch before multiple sclerosis, it made it harder, and as someone who tries to practice mindfulness throughout the day, this book made me excited. The patterns made me really excited to try again. The colors are bright, and the messages are all positive and uplifting.

I can't wait to try them. Luckily, I still have all my supplies

NetGalley, Lisa Berard

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is both a mindfulness guide and a craft book.

The book opens with an introduction to mindfulness and how/why the author came to the practice. We then move on to cross stitching, and there is a handy list of tools and materials needed for stitching alongside a basic introduction to cross stitch and how to do it. As a long-time cross stitcher, I was impressed with the loop method to create a tidy finish for the back of the work. Game changer.

Each of the projects and patterns in the book are accompanied by an introduction as to why these words or thoughts are especially important to the author. The patterns are well written and easy to follow, and the author does encourage the reader/stitcher to personalise them with their own colour schemes.

To fully embrace the mindfulness promoted in the book, the reader/stitcher is encouraged to remove the external distractions - no tv, podcasts, etc - just comfort, a cuppa, and the stitchwork. Stitching the positive affirmations without distraction reinforces the words and intentions behind them. The affirmations and mantras themselves are full of self-love, calm and encouragement to believe in oneself, give oneself permission to BE, in whatever moment they are experiencing.

There is also a brief interlude with a therapist to discuss mental self care, which is a nice touch.

This was a lovely book, all about slowing down and looking after one's mental health, which I think we all need in this day and age.

NetGalley, Jen Shaw

A great book. The perfect gift for anyone that wants to start stitching. Easy to follow designs and more than enough information to get you going.
I highly recommend it.

NetGalley, Natassja Jones

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Really nicely done beginner level cross stitch book. Fun patterns, great tips, and wonderful inspiration. A perfect gift!

NetGalley, Aubrey Kerr

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I love the idea, I love the designs, I love the messages!
They are all so sweet and cute!!

NetGalley, Lavinia Cueru

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was a lovely book with excellent patterns and even better commentary! I cannot wait to get started making these designs for myself, my family, and my friends as a gentle reminder to slow down and breathe!

NetGalley, Jennifer Darnell

This book has simple cross-stitch designs intended to help those who are struggling & want to practice mindfulness. With insights from the author's life and three easy finishing methods, this is a hopeful book.

NetGalley, Janet Perry

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Truly a lovely book with actionable steps towards a more mindful and creative life. As a cross stitch devotee, I’ve already done one of the patterns and it was the best way to spend an evening.

NetGalley, Renee Powers

Beautiful cross stitch patterns, well planned charts and simple instructions. Brilliant for experts and novices alike!

NetGalley, Amelia Pakes

I really like the pattern shown in ‘sew Mindful Cross Stitch’ I did a few and the instructions were clear and easy to follow.

NetGalley, Gemma Fechner

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sew Mindful Cross Stich is a great book written by Sophie Crabb.

I love doing cross stitch and so this book was on my wish list. What a great read. It didn't just have cross stich patterns in it. Sophie talked about mindfulness and how being creative and crafty helped with your mental health. It was really well written with great photography throughout.

The book would definitely suit a beginner as Sophie has explained very well where to start with cross stitching and also how to do it.

The patterns available (22) would be lovely and easy to do. They wouldn't take you too long to do and would definitely help keep you calm in todays fast world.

NetGalley, Hazel Thomson

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Photos are really pretty. I love cross stitching so I was so excited to get this. This book is perfect for beginners to advance if you are looking for something simple and fast to make for gifts etc.
The author did a good job with how to start cross-stitching from start to finish.

NetGalley, Heather Michael

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“Self care isn’t selfish” - absolutely! Mindfulness in general is the key to a happier, healthier life, so if we can use it as a tool in our everyday life, especially through being creative, then that’s brilliant. Carving out a bit of ‘me time’ is essential in this fast paced world. This book gives you the perfect reason to immerse yourself in the skills and techniques to build up and practise through the art of cross stitch. It features beautiful messages, positive affirmations, and a deeply personal introduction to each beautiful design. The introductory chapter teaches you the basics of cross stitch, as well as explaining the different equipment you’ll need, making this book ideal for both the beginner hand sewer, and the more experienced. You can sew the designs exact as shown on the patterns provided, or add your own creative twist to them.
Would definitely recommend.

NetGalley, Laura J

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As a life-long cross-stitcher, I absolutely loved Sew Mindful Cross Stitch by Sophie Crabb! I can tell that this book was put together with a lot of love, both self-love & love of the craft. Broken up in different categories/themes, it’s perfect for all levels: beginners will get a thoughtful “how to start” guide & veteran stitchers will find fun patterns & great insight. To be honest, I’ve never really thought about how important stitching is to my own mental health, but it’s truly one of the only moments when I can turn my brain off & choose to focus on just one thing. Seeing it all explained & exemplified in this book helped me gain a new level of appreciation for the role of cross stitch in my life. I plan to buy copies of this book for anyone who asks me about learning how to cross stitch!

NetGalley, Shannon Bray

I really enjoyed this book. The designs were beautiful, but simple enough for a beginner. The instructions were clear and the mindfulness aspect made it more than just another craft book. Kudos!

NetGalley, Holly Gillum

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

An excellent beginners guide to cross stitch. Mixed with an in depth guide to how cross stitch can be an essential tool in mindfulness. There are simple patterns to follow too.
Fantastic.

NetGalley, Laura Holt

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a really great cross stitch book with simple, step by step instructions easy for beginners! It has a list of all the tools and materials you would need! It includes patterns and it shows different ways to do things! I really loved reading this and I can't wait to try some of these patterns!

NetGalley, Tiffany Pierce

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch by Sophie Crabb is a lovely book about how cross stitch was an important part of the author's journey with mental wellbeing and how others can benefit too.


As a crafter myself, I sometimes find learning new crafts or even getting patterns from new sources can feel quite intimidating — but Sophie explains everything in such an accessible and friendly way that it just feels completely effortless to follow in this book.

To me this book does exactly what it should!
All the patterns use the same count of aida and the same basic stitches so you won't have to dedicate a lot of energy to learning how to navigate different materials and methods of making these patterns.

Each pattern has a particular meaning to the author that can certainly resonate with any reader. These patterns remind the reader of the importance of taking time to rest, believing in yourself and appreciating the world around you. In terms of the style, these are all very sweet patterns that won't take too long to finish. Being able to make some in a single afternoon gave me the immediate joy of achieving something and at the same time I felt a definite benefit from approaching that time as a space to practice being mindful.

NetGalley, Katia Allen

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

A great cross stitch book for all levels of cross stitch.

NetGalley, Chelsea Findlay

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is the first book by Sophie Crabb, who goes by Sew Sophie Crafts in cross stitch circles. I own many cross stitch books but Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is much more than just a collection of patterns with some basic instructions included.

Sophie has included an incredible amount of detail in this book. She covers not just cross stitch basics but tried and true methods like the loop start (something every stitcher should know), multiple finishing methods (which is always the trickiest part and somehow never covered in books). and even how to get your fabric onto a q-snap (not the easiest thing to do the first time you do it).

What I loved most about Sew Mindful Cross Stitch is that the text portions of the book were informative and really spoke to the peace and wellness that Sophie is trying to help stitchers find by making art and taking time to be with something slow and beautiful.

The patterns were of course beautiful, well-designed, and clearly written. There were a variety of motifs all within the theme of the book, and I enjoyed how Sophie broke the sections up. There is something here for everyone, from mini stitches with just a few colors, to larger projects with more negative space and technique involved. Stitchers old and new will love these patterns. As we make our way towards the hurried second half of the year, I know many will find calm while working up these pieces.

NetGalley, Marge Wooten

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This is a lovely cross stitch book. The author talks of her own issues with her mental health and how sewing has helped her relax and all the designs are around motivation, kindness and relaxation. All the patterns are fairly simple and the author gives a very detailed background on what to do at every stage so it's suitable even for the complete novice. The designs are lovely - modern, graphic and fun and would make excellent gifts for friends as well as fun to make for yourself. For anyone who finds crafting therapeutic or needs to make more time for themselves to relax, this is the ideal book.

NetGalley, Rachel Neve

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What a stunning, beginner friendly, cross stitch book, with a wonderful message.
I am so excited to pick up some coloured cottons after work today and start some of these designs.

Cross stitch is a wonderful way to wind down, to focus on one thing at a time. Adding the element of mindfulness to the practice is fantastic.

This book is bright, easy to follow and easy to read. A wonderful idea.

NetGalley, Julie Oakley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This was beautiful and unique cross stich book. I have been doing cross stitch for years and I still learned a thing or two from this one. Mindfulness was well written and helpful. Patterns were well made, easy to follow and super cute. This one is a must have.

NetGalley, Robin Blankenship

About Sophie Crabb

Sophie Crabb is a cross stitch designer, maker and small business owner from Norfolk. Having previously worked as a broker, Sophie changed career path and launched her creative business Sew Sophie Crafts, shortly after becoming a mum in 2019.
Through a combination of cross stitch and mindfulness, Sophie has overcome her own mental health challenges, and by designing colourful, modern and uplifting cross stitch designs, she aims to help others discover the mindful benefits of crafting too.
Sophie has sold thousands of her own cross stitch kits around the world and has been featured in titles such as Crafts BeautifulCross Stitcher and Sew Magazine.

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