From folk hearts and roses to ballet shoes and butterflies, inside this book there are motifs galore, plus dozens of project ideas to please every cross-stitch crafter. Welcoming newcomers to the craft, this book clearly explains the stitches, shows how to prepare the fabric, includes more than 800 illustrated step-by-step instructions, plus supplies directions for a traditional cross-stitch sampler from start to finish. Seasoned stitchers can skip ahead to hundreds of motifs, including numbers and letters. Covering a wide range of themes, each motif is accompanied by an inspirational photograph, easy-to-read color pattern chart, materials list, thread key, and step-by-step instructions. Plus you?ll find a useful size guide accompanying every motif, which allows you to tailor each pattern to the dimensions needed. This easy-to-use resource is organized into three parts: Part One offers hints and tips for choosing the best fabrics and the differences between threads, as well as simple techniques of basic cross-stitch and its variations. Part Two teaches some ways to spruce up your projects with embellishments, such as tassels, sequins, beads, and fringing. Part Three provides a library of more than 900 motifs. Crafters of all experience levels will find a motif to suit any occasion.