I absolutely loved this book—so many fun and creative patterns that I want to stitch immediately! The introduction and instructions are super clear, making it perfect for beginners while still offering enough flair for more experienced stitchers. The little “ghost tips” are adorable and actually helpful, and I really appreciated the inclusion of extra techniques like beading and antiquing fabric. A wonderfully spooky and inspiring guide for anyone who loves needlework with a twist!

Thank you NetGalley, Bloomsbury USA | Herbert Press, and Meg Black (The Witchy Stitcher) for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is an excellent cross-stitch book. We’ve seen some really top-notch collections of patterns over the past several years, but this one really takes the cake! Not only are the patterns all test-stitched with beautifully photographs of the finished products, but they range widely in complexity, size, and content. Patterns are printed in full color with a legend that is easy to read, and each includes a suggested fabric, sizing info, difficulty level, and the amount of each floss color needed (number of stitches as well as total skeins). Note that only DMC is referenced throughout the book, so if you are using a different brand, you will need access to conversions.

The front and back matter includes a host of helpful information for both the beginning stitcher and the advanced practitioner. The sections on materials and cross-stitching basics are hands-down the BEST I have seen in a book. There is even a one-page glossary! Also included are tutorials for making a bookmark, antiquing your fabric, and dyeing using coffee or tea. The book also leans into the “witchy” theme, framing itself as a true grimoire of cross-stitching.

Overall, this is a strong first book from Meg Black, and I hope to see more from her in the future!

I started doing counted cross stitch in middle school, then got away from it for a while, and picked it back up a few years back. I am always looking for new projects and this book was filled with them! I also really liked the background information provided about the materials, especially the guide for picking out needles and finishing off projects when they are completed. There were techniques and detail-minded tips that I have never been taught or even considered. As a great lover of Halloween I found plenty of patterns and project ideas to keep me happy for quite a while. I also really liked that there were different types of projects, not just traditional ones. I received this as an e-book but will definitely be purchasing a physical copy when it comes out!

If you’ve ever dreamed of turning your needle into a wand of spooky magic, Witchy Stitching by Meg Black is your ultimate grimoire! This enchanting book whisks you away to a gothic wonderland where ghosts, ghouls, and creepy curiosities come to life through cross stitch. Whether you're a seasoned stitch witch or just dipping your toes into this haunted craft, Meg’s bewitching patterns cast a spell of creativity and fun. From creepy-cute skeleton bunnies for Easterween to a vintage Halloween carnival that would make any haunted house jealous, the projects are delightfully bizarre and beautifully crafted. I especially loved the idea of stitching my own haunted abode—perfect for adding a spooky touch to my home decor. The instructions are devilishly clear, with everything from material lists to tips that even a novice witch could master. This book is more than a collection of patterns; it’s a cozy, wickedly fun journey into the darker side of stitching. Prepare to bewitched your home and delight your dark side with every stitch! Highly recommend for anyone ready to bring some eerie charm into their craftroom.

🦇🦇🦇🦇🦇
Witchy Stitching by Meg Black is an absolute enchantment of a guide—whether you're a baby bat just picking up your first needle or a seasoned stitch witch looking for your next spellbinding project. I devoured this book and immediately dove into not one, but two of the patterns (and trust me, they slayed).

What sets this grimoire of thread apart is the arcane precision: supply lists, exact DMC color numbers, beginner-friendly instructions, and patterns so clearly laid out even a distracted little goblin like me stayed on track. The full-color visuals pop on the page and make it effortless to imagine (and recreate) the final masterpiece.

I’ve already conjured two creations, and I’m itching—no, bewitched—to summon more. This book (once I get the hardcopy) will sit proudly on my shelf next to my cauldron and stitching hoop alike.

#WitchyStitching #NetGalley #ARC #ARCReview #ARCRead

I recieved a digital ARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for review.

In full disclosure, I have never stitched before nor do I know how to stitch, however, I found this book really informative. The author provides a lot of information on materials, how to read a pattern, and how to stitch. She also has really helpful tips throughout the book. This book is really friendly for beginners (like me) who are thinking about stitching and I could see the information being helpful for others as well. The patterned included are fun and witchy and while also being cute and spooky. I can’t wait to try my hand at stiching one of these patterns!

Witchy Stitching by Meg Black, the Witchy Stitcher, is a charming and spooky hand stitching pattern book. The instructions start with the basics of how to cross stitch, choose materials and how to finish your project. This would be a great book for a beginner.
The projects are all spooky but are not just for Halloween. Patterns for all the big holidays are included.

A great first project would be a bookmark and there are a few to choose from.
I am excited to make the Christmas projects for my holiday decor this year.

As an avid cross stitcher and a big fan of Meg Black’s first stitching book, I had high expectations for Witchy Stitching—and it absolutely delivered! The moment I flipped through the first few pages, I could tell this was another gem. The designs are enchanting, moody, and full of that signature Meg Black flair that I’ve come to love!

What sets this book apart is how it balances whimsy and elegance. The patterns feel fresh and imaginative, with clever nods to the mystical and magical without falling into clichés. I personally loved (and cannot wait to stitch) Victorian Haunt and the Coffin Case Bookmark.

As someone with years of stitching experience, I also really appreciate how thoughtfully the charts are laid out. They’re crisp, easy to follow, and offer just the right level of complexity to keep things interesting without being overwhelming. I love that the book encourages creativity too—there are little suggestions for customization that really inspired me to make each project my own.

Witchy Stitching is exactly the kind of book that makes me want to drop everything, grab my hoop, and disappear into stitches and spells for hours. It’s beautifully made, deeply creative, and an absolute must for any stitcher who loves a bit of magic in their craft. Meg Black has done it again—and I already can’t wait to see what she creates next. Thank you, NetGalley!

This book was S-T-U-N-N-I-N-G.

I already had this book on my wishlist so when I saw it pop up on netgalley, I've never clicked request so fast in my life. I have admired this artist's work for a long time.

This book does not disappoint and you bet I still plan on getting a physical copy once released.

I love that the book didn't feel too formal. The author wrote in a tone that felt fun, light, and like a friend. I loved the tips sprinkled throughout and a cute little intro before every project. Loved it.

So many cute projects too! I can wait to stitch some of these. This will not be everyone's cup of tea, but for those who love spooky vibes and a darker color scheme, this will be for you!

What I liked most about this one is that it was nice and evenly divided. She didn't front load with all of the possible info a new cross-stitcher would need but instead sprinkled it through the book. Also, each section of patterns began with a bookmark pattern, which is a lot of fun. These spooky and cute patterns fit all sorts of dark aesthetics and vibes. There's a good amount of variation in size and design and skill level. I saved several of these patterns to work on later. I think I'm most excited to try the Dracula's Castle.

There are so many fun stitch patterns in this book! I would classify the difficulty level as "advanced beginner" through intermediate, mostly because most of the patterns call for 28 count instead of 14 count Aida, and many are on darker cloth. I especially loved the bookmark patterns and will definitely making at least a few.

👻 I'll start by extending a big thank you to Meg Black, The Witchy Stitcher, Bloomsbury (Herbert Press) and NetGalley for the opportunity to check out Witchy Stitching. I will share my review to Amazon, Goodreads, & Barnes & Noble upon release.

👻 I loved this cross stitch book! This is not only full of lots of spooky themed patterns, but has lots of tips, tricks, and directions to help any cross-stitcher, whether just starting out or years into their hobby. The variety of patterns is really amazing, and I found myself wanting to complete every pattern. After reading the beginning of the book, I even learned some tips I hadn't been aware of before. The patterns are so perfectly detailed, but not too difficult to complete. I can't wait to make some of these for Halloween and bookshelf decorations. I really enjoyed looking at all the little details and Easter eggs from my favorite horror favorites. The little beaded details on some just up the quality and look of the piece, and they are so pretty!

👻 If you love horror/Halloween and cross stitching, you'll absolutely love this book and the patterns inside. This would make an amazing gift for any spooky crafter.

5/5 stars!

Any fan of The Witchy Stitcher, cross stitching, or spooky art needs this book. Not only is it full of new patterns from the designer, there is guidance for commonly used stitches, terms, and materials. Besides this, Meg also gives a little behind-the-scenes, sharing about herself, her process, and a little info about each design, as if talking to a friend and with wit and wisdom.

I LOVE this book for cross stitch! The author + whoever designed the interior of this book and all the diagrams do an amazing job explaining materials and beginner techniques. I could hand this to someone with no cross stitch knowledge and they would be able to pick things up very quickly. I wish i had something like this with the instructions coupled with modern and fun cross stitch designs when I was first starting! This is so much more engaging than the traditional samplers that beginners are often encouraged to begin with. I want to make every single project but the Carnivorous Plants design is my favorite!!

*I got an arc*

4.5 Stars

First off, I have to say how much I love Meg Black's (AKA Witchy Stitcher's) work. I subbed to her Patreon for quite a few months & her "Nostalgic Tarot" series brings me such joy. I was so happy to see she was publishing a pattern book (especially from Bloomsbury!)

Since this is a more technical book and not a narrative book, I am going to divide this review into mini sections. TLDR: excellent book with fun patterns, just wish some of the designs were on brighter cloth.

Pros:

1. BEAUTIFUL LAYOUT: How this book is laid out is absolutely marvellous. It is useful (more on that later) and visually stunning. The little doodled ghosts are so cute!

2. BEGINNER FRIENDLY: I am really impressed by the instructions in this book!! The how-to section manages to be both extensive and accessible. Meg includes a demo pattern where she breaks down how to read & stitch patterns and this is such a great addition to the book: I think all books should now include this! While many books provide information on the different types of stitches, the demo goes beyond that in a way that I think will help prevent beginners from being too frustrated.

3. INTERESTING TEXT: I will be the first to admit that for cross-stitching books that I skim the words and just look at the patterns. Meg's inclusion of fun facts makes the text a worthwhile read (I particularly enjoyed the one on candy corn!)

4. INCLUSION OF PERTINENT INFORMATION: I have a major pet peeve when it comes to cross stitching books and it is when the pattern size is not included. It is incredibly time-consuming and frustrating to have to count how big a pattern is so that the fabric size can be determined. Not only does "Witchy Stitching" include the stitch count and the standard size, it includes the fabric used! I am a big fan of this.

5. EXTENSIVE PHOTOS: Every pattern has at least one photo demoing the pattern and & staged with atmospheric decor. Sometimes grid lines can make it difficult to imagine what a pattern will look like finished & this is clearly taken into consideration.

6. FUN PATTERNS: I know this should probably be the first point but, as someone who has read a lot of pattern books, I find if the formatting is wonky & important information is missing, then it is hard to properly evaluate the patterns. As the name suggests, "Witchy Stitching" includes a lot of delightfully witchy patterns featuring cats, bats and a glorious skeleton with bunny ears.

Cons:

1. COLOUR CONTRAST: While the photos are exquisitely photographed, the contrast between fabric and floss is a bit lacking for some patterns. Meg has done such an excellent job making this book inclusive to all experience levels, but the lack of colour contrast (especially on the demos with black aida) is a bit hard on the eyes and causes some pattern details to be missed. I think patterns like "The Coffin Case Bookmark" and "Know Your Power" would have greatly benefited from having a lighter cloth to showcase the designs.

2. SERIOUS PATTERNS. Unlike the colour contrast, this point is a personal quip and not an objective one. As mentioned above, I adore Meg's "Nostalgic Tarot" series: it has bright colours, a fun theme, and is a little bit playful & cheeky (there are aliens, unicorns, and hippie frogs!). I feel like "Witchy Stitching" didn't really cover the full range of Meg's style: the only pattern that used bright colours was "Happy Easterween" (which, yes, is my favourite!). While all the patterns in the book are good patterns, I wish there were more playful patterns like the tarot series or the more subdued (but still sassy) "Vampurr." Again this is absolutely a personal preference, but my favourite patterns of hers have always been the ones that combine a witchy aesthetic with a vibrant colour scheme.

Overall, I think this is an excellent cross-stitch book and I highly recommend it to all witchy cross-stitchers wanting to add more patterns to their hoard!

Thank you Netgalley, Bloomsbury USA, and Meg Black for sending me this advanced review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This is a stunningly spooky cross stitching book. The photos are absolutely gorgeous!

There are lots of descriptions and explanations to help you choose the right materials for your projects. The instructions are incredibly detailed, and this book is very beginner friendly. I think anyone could pick it up and be able to make one of the simpler patterns right off the bat.

I love that it tells you exactly how many stitches and how much thread you will need of each color for each pattern. This makes it so much easier if you want to choose your own colors, or need to substitute if one is unavailable at your local craft store.

I can't wait to pick a project out of this book and stitch it for myself. I love all of them, and they have the perfect spooky goth vibe. I can see myself stitching my way through the entire book.

This is a must buy if you are cross stitcher, and would be an amazing gift for a beginner with a little basket of basic cross stitch supplies. It would be great to add the fabric and embroidery floss for a handful of the smaller projects too.

I've been following The Witchy Stitcher for many years now. Her patterns are always so much fun to stitch! I was so excited when she announced her book coming out later this year and was even more excited to see it pop up on netgalley. And it is an absolute delight of a book!

There's lots of great tutorial stuff all throughout, but the first third or so would be great for beginners. There's information about all types of threads and fabrics, how to read patterns, and how to do the actual stitching. Her patterns have always had a little info to help measure and find a good starting place and this book goes a little more detailed with that. And I really enjoy the little tips and tricks all over the book.

The patterns are all new from Witchy and they are all lovely and perfectly on brand with her other works. I don't want to go into too much detail about them as she herself hasn't really talked about them on social media, but there's some patterns that will fit with past themes she's done. The patterns range from smaller, quick stitches to bigger, more involved ones. Some even have little beading details!

I'd definitely recommend this book for fans of The Witchy Stitcher or if you're into Halloween or spooky type things. The patterns are easy to follow for beginners and will be fun to stitch for more advanced stitchers. I've already picked which one I'm stitching first but there's not one in the book that I don't want to start right away.

A great book for beginners to crossstitch (like me!) and really informative and easy to understand. I loved all of the different projects in here, and the theme of witchcraft/halloween/gothic. I can't wait to get started on the bookmarks! A great book for the witchy crafter in your life.

This is an informative and useful counted cross stitch book with mostly Halloween and Gothic themes. I like that the author provides detailed information on the materials that are used to make counted cross stitch art, even including tips on storage. The first project in the book is small, easy, and takes only a few colored skeins of embroidery floss. And the author also provides information on how much of a skein is required to complete the project and how many total stiches are in the project. The entire project from start to finish is explained in great detail. Perfect for a complete beginner.

Subsequent projects include new stitches and challenges. The patterns are on the dark side. Don’t look for cutsey pumpkins, comical witches and candy corn here.

What a surprise it was to see this book on NetGalley! I love The Witchy Stitcher's style and patterns! This book is so details and I think it would be an excellent place for new cross stitchers to begin as there are many explanations and detailed photos. This book is a start to finish guide as it includes everything from choosing fabric to fully finishing your project. PLUS, there are several patterns in multiple sizes (including smalls and bookmarks) in here that are true to the classic Witchy Stitcher's style and theme! I think I'll start with a book mark!