I thought this book was really cute, and a fun idea. As someone who also embroiders, I wish the cover specifically says that it is cross-stitch patterns, not just general embroidery patterns.

Was happy to receive an ARC of this book as someone who is a beginner at stitch work but aspires to weird wonders in my wardrobe and craft room. That said, this was not a good book for ereaders and HIGHLY recommend all interested to get this one in physical form. It was very difficult to read on the screen.
What I was about to read was well explained even to me - someone who struggles with sewing but wants to learn.
Adorable and unique stitchery and beautifully shot photographs.

Gotta love a good cross-stitch book! I always love seeing how different themes translate when showing how to complete the craft. The patterns were also super adorable! This will be perfect for any spooky crafts this fall!

Huge witchy, goth, Halloween loving gal here, thrilled to have gotten the chance to review an early copy of the book. I've been cross stitching on and off for over 30 years, since I was a kid, but more intensely for the last 5 years. I have a massive collection of cross stitching books, patterns, and magazines. I can say, wholeheartedly, that this is the best cross stitching book I've ever read from multiple POV.

For the Beginner: The how-to sections are PHENOMENAL. Best I've ever come across. Easy to understand, with clear instructions and helpful photos. The fun fact boxes throughout add an additional welcome layer. Starting you out with small patterns like a simple, easy bookmark is exactly the kind of manageable project that sets a newbie up for success.

For the Experienced Stabber: Don't let the beginner friendly focus put you off. These patterns are fantastic! Yes, you start off simple, but established fans of The Witchy Stitcher will find more than enough patterns to challenge their dark little hearts. The spooky, witchy, horror fan friendly style patterns you know and love are absolutely worth buying the book for. Some are alternate companion pieces to ones already out (like the carnivorous plants one), while others are definitely new to me as a long term fan of TWS. Personal faves are the Nevermore and Know Your Power patterns. Loved how she shows you how to enhance the Nevermore pattern with painted aging techniques, the added flair is chef's kiss perfection.

The book is laid out well, with the how-to sections transitioning to themed chapters of patterns, and then ending in really useful finishing techniques. The charts are in color, large, and easy to read.

So, yeah... Go for it. Your black little heart will squee.

OMG Meg has absolutely knocked it out of the park with this! The details, the instructions, and the patterns included are all absolute perfection. I will definitely be stitching a lot of these!

Thank you so much to Meg and Netgalley for the chance to review this!

Such a beautifully organized collection of hauntingly dark and cute cross stitch patterns. I am so impressed with the level of detail that went into the structuring and organizing of this pattern book that will speak to both avid crafters as well as those new to the craft. Each section offers a variety of designs in different sizes making them so versatile for displaying and making. My favorite part was the bookmark at the beginning of each section tying everything together, I worked up one myself easily and had so much fun with it. I also found the little facts and spooky tips of info throughout delightfully fun. This book has so much helpful information in addition to the spooky patterns to help you gather supplies, learn unique techniques all the way through to finishing your project. The design and layout are beautifully rendered and the detailed photography really made this one stand out. Truly a beautiful addition to the craft world, especially for those of us who love the dark aesthetic.

Witchy Stitching is a wonderful book by Meg Black (The Withy Stitcher) that has all the information within it to start a new hobby or refine your craft. The full two page spread for most patterns made it easy to see all the details, and I liked that it ranged from bookmark size to larger pieces. As well as two coloured items to multiple colours! Something for everyone's style and skill.

The addition of the Ghost Tip's and Fun Fact's throughout (and associated ghost) was a wonderful addition to make the reader feel you have a friend helping you out and explaining the information in an understandable way.

This is honestly such a fun book to read and flip through, I have gone back multiple times just to look at the pictures again or to look longingly at the completed patters. I would suggest this to anyone wanting to do more witchy cross-stitching as it is an overall great book on the subject or just to have out as a coffee table piece.

So excited to start cross-stitching! I already knit and crochet and have been dying (pun intended) to pick up this craft. This book is perfect: a great starter guide with easy-to-follow pictures and adorable spooky designs. Now I just have to pick which to start with.

These designs are so fun and moody - perfect for my inner goth. They include everything from literature to superstition to pop-culture and Halloween, so there's something for everyone. The author gives a helpful overview on cross stitch materials and a good "how to" intro so even if you're new to this, you'll have a good start.

This is so my kind of crafting!! I loved how detailed, unique, and easy to follow the patterns were! A macabre stitching book….perfect for those of us who love a little horror in our hobbies!! I can’t wait to make the Dracula’s Castle!! It’s gonna make a great pillow!


Thank you so much for letting me read this early. I want to do them ALL!!

This is one of the most wickedly exquisite books on crafting I've been blessed enough to come across. Each and every page is magical, the pictures are stunning, and the witchy vibe is everything!!! Not only is it spellbinding in the way it's written, but the directions and ghostly hints are to die for! I don't think I've ever been quite so enamored with a book on stitching as this one. The spooky aesthetic is just phenomenal; I can't wait to see even more from Meg Black!

We all know, are married to, have parented, or are ourselves, someone who loves Halloween and keeps it in their heart (and often home decor) all year long.

This book is perfect for that person. It’s also perfect for anyone who loves needlework.

Gorgeous to look through as well as full instructions along with helpful information for creating, and framing, your own cross stitch projects.

Let me expand more on the “gorgeous to look through” - the patterns contained in this book are unique, vibrant, and beautiful. I looked through the book and saw a number of patterns I want to sew

*Dracula’s castle
*carnivorous plants
*vintage Halloween Ferris wheel
*happy owl-o-ween
*Victorian haunt
*Nevermore

… among others.

The patterns are unique and fun; I was really impressed with the creativity and adored these projects (and this guide). I’ll definitely be getting *Witchy Stitching* for our bookshelves and this is absolutely a recommendation.



Thank you to Herbert Press and NetGalley for the DRC

Already making a thread list for my next trip to the craft store!
Holy moly there are some incredible patterns in here; and not just Halloween!
The book flows nicely, the descriptions of the designs are wonderful, the designs do not feel out of reach; they are truly special.
There are a number of the designs where I am so excited I have them flagged for when I’m between knitting projects.

The Nevermore is notable, it is impressive on so many levels!

I love craft books that are more than just instructional manuals. This book is SO fun. Not only are there gorgeous patterns from bookmark size to wall hangings, there are fun tidbits of info presented throughout. There are tips and tricks, and info on how to clean, finish, and frame your work. The patterns are delightfully creepy and even include other holidays that Halloween. Can't wait to get the physical copy!

I thoroughly enjoyed Witchy Stitching. It was one of the best cross stitch books I have seen, providing basic instructions and additional comments and suggestions for intermediate stitchers. The patterns are grouped into thematic chapters, and each begins with a bookmark. There are plenty of different patterns in a variety of difficulties, though none are particularly difficult. One of the things I most liked about the patterns was the ease of identifying colors, so that they were identified both by a symbol and a black/red color gradation, which makes the stitches easy to identify, even on my tiny screen. In addition, each line horizontally and vertically were numbered, so it made it easier to follow the pattern. I liked this so much that I plan on ordering one for my best friend and another for myself.

Witchy Stitching is a solid introduction to cross-stitch with a witchy/goth twist. The book opens with extensive instructions on all aspects of stitching, from choice and preparation of materials to how to form various stitches. The language is accessible to all levels - devoid of jargon without being infantilizing. One interesting choice - the most common way of making a cross stitch is stitching lower left to upper right, then lower right to upper left. The author does her stitches upper left to lower right, etc. Both achieve the same goal, but something to note for those who may have stitched a bit in the past. The author has done a good job integrating the witchy theme into the basics/introductory section without it getting annoying.

The patterns are fine. There are a variety of sizes - each section begins with a bookmark - and styles, with an emphasis on combining cutesy, vintage, and dark/witchy. The Gothic Gallery section was my personal favorite. The other sections featured lots of anthropomorphic animals; the balance of cutesy/vintage/goth didn't always work for me in the other sections. In some cases, the styling (black fabric, in front of black stylings) makes it hard to tell what shape the finished project is, leaving the reader to rely on the project measurements.

Overall, this is a useful book with solid instructions and usable patterns; suitable for beginners, though stitching on black ups the difficulty level. The variety of sizes and project types give the user lots of stitching options.

If you are looking for a book packed with witchy needlecraft ideas, look no further! This book is an excellent collection. The photos are well done and the instructions are super easy to read. Flipping through this book gave me so many ideas and I think it will be a must-have for anyone interested. It would also make a lovely gift!

Clever, charming, sometimes slightly creepy designs, and clear instructions! Christmas is coming, and this is perfect for my sister-in-law, who would cheerful celebrate Halloween 365 days a year!

In the cross-stitch niche, The Witchy Stitcher, aka Meg Black, is a name you can trust. If you've ever bought one of her patterns you know that they've been tested and are very well and intentionally put together. This book lives up to the author's, well deserved, reputation for putting out quality work.

Witchy Stitching is a treasure trove of useful tips for the new and seasoned stitchers alike. From how to age your fabric to framing tips, Black gives you all you need to create the darkly beautiful stitches of your dreams (if unlike me you're not too lazy to actually do it, if you're also a lazy stitcher the patterns still look great without all the bells and whistles). The pages are beautiful, and the patterns are perfect for the connoisseurs of the spooky and the Halloween enthusiasts. It's all new patterns too, nothing recycled here.

Oh, and if you're the type who will make your Halloween decor fit for other occasions or just someone who likes to sprinkle some spooky vibes into other celebrations, there's a few patterns in there guaranteed to seduce you. I'm personally particularly fond of Black's Easterween patterns (because they combine 3 of my favorite things, cross stitch, Halloween and rabbits) and already have few of her Easter bunny ghosts (not from this book) around my place so the bunny pumpkins will be a really great addition to my decor but there are so many patterns in there that I really can't wait to stitch!

I requested and received an eARC of this book through NetGalley (many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity) because I couldn't wait for release day to see what was in this book but I'm absolutely buying a physical copy when it comes out.

Witchy Stitching is GORGEOUS, STUNNING! I hope to make every one of these patterns. Meg is not only an excellent technician of her craft, she is incredibly creative and has such a compelling point of view. I would suggest removing Joann from the General Supplies section, as all stores are closing; otherwise, this book is perfect.