Book Fetish

Loops On Hoops: Literary Cross Stitch and Embroidery

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Kelly Jensen

Editor

Kelly is a former librarian and a long-time blogger at STACKED. She's the editor/author of (DON'T) CALL ME CRAZY: 33 VOICES START THE CONVERSATION ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH and the editor/author of HERE WE ARE: FEMINISM FOR THE REAL WORLD. Her next book, BODY TALK, will publish in Fall 2020. Follow her on Instagram @heykellyjensen.

If there’s one thing that can be said about readers (or at least the readers at Book Riot), it’s this: many of them are also avid crafters. Chances are good that many choose to make things while also listening to an audiobook, thus creating reading time while also making something. Given how popular this round-up of book cross-stitch patterns has continued to be, it feels like time to add some more badass literary cross stitch patterns that readers might want to try their hands at. This time, I’ve expanded and added a few awesome literary embroidery patterns, too. The basic theme being these needle-and-thread creations are done on hoops and most are perfectly displayed on them, too. Most of these book hoop crafts are downloadable patterns, meaning that you’ll get the pattern and provide your own tools. Those which are kits, I’ve noted.

Never cross stitched or done embroidery before? This is your opportunity to start. If you need a guide to help you get an idea of how needle work works, you’ll want to check out these best cross stitch books.

Oh and…did you know that Book Riot has a book full of rad bookish cross stitch patterns coming this may? You can learn a little about it now and order Lit Stitch.

Literary Cross Stitch and Embroidery

image of a cross stitch pattern inspired by tarot cards. It's called "the reader."

If you love tarot or just like witchy/magical things, this tarot-inspired The Reader downloadable cross stitch is a must. $4.50.

Image of a downloadable cross stitch pattern that says "read banned books."

This one is right to the point: read banned books. $5 for the downloadable pattern.

Cozy Reading Nook Punch Needle Embroidery Pattern

Cozy into this reading nook needle craft. $8.50.

Cross stitch of words reading: "To quote Hamlet Act III scene iii line 87 - 'No'"

This Hamlet cross stitch made me laugh. $5.

Anne of Green Gables cross stitch

Can’t get enough of Anne with an “e?” You’ll want this Anne of Green Gables cross stitch pattern. $7.32.

Emily Dickinson poetry embroidery

Embroider a little Emily Dickinson poetry. $4.

Nolite te Bastardes Carborundorum Floral Embroidery Pattern

Here’s the prettiest reminder not to let the bastards grind you down. $5.51.

Embroidery of a reading chair in front of a full book shelf

I want nothing more than to curl up in this chair and read all of those books. $7.

Cross stitch pattern of "It is only with the heart that one can see rightly, what is essential is invisible to the eye"

Though the finished example isn’t in a hoop, you certainly could frame this Little Prince quote cross-stitch in one. $5.

Embroidery of a stack of books and the text "She is too fond of books and it has turned her brain -Louisa May Alcott"

As Louisa May Alcott said, books can turn the brain. $5.

readers unite cross stitch book cover

This pattern is for the reader activists out there. $4.

Cross stitch of "Sorry, my weekend is all booked" with a pile of books

Sorry, my weekend is all booked. All weekend, every weekend. $4.

Cross stitch of a full bookshelf that includes a sign reading "every book is an adventure"

This might be the ultimate book lovers book shelf. $6.

Cross stitch of a floral pattern with "I will read books and ignore you"

I need this “I will read books and ignore you” cross-stitch tattooed on my forehead. $3.25.

Cross stitch of "I like big books and I cannot lie"

The peaches on this “I like big books and I cannot lie” cross stitch make this one stand out. $5.

Embroidery of a cat sleeping on a pile of books, surrounded by potted plants

Cat + books + plants = too freaking cute. $6.

Cross stitch of a fairy tale castle emerging from an open book

For fairy tale fans, this pattern is magical. $5.

Cross stitch pattern of "When I think about books I touch my shelf"

When you think about books, do you touch your shelf, too? $4.06.

Cross stitch of a reading chair, bookshelf, plants, and steaming hot beverage

Another cat + books + plants nook, but this one also features a piping hot beverage. $5.

Cross stitch of "Fuck off, I'm reading"

We’ve literally ALL thought this. Cross-stitch it and never have to say it. $2.50.

Cross stitch of cats on a bookshelf

Last, but not least, the only thing that’s wrong about this cats and books cross-stitch is how none of the cats are chewing the books (that can’t just be my house!). $6.30.