Cross Stitch or Die Tryin': 30 Patterns for Hip Hop Lovers

By Kate Blandford

Filled with the illest cross stitch patterns with a hip hop twist, Cross Stitch or Die Tryin' is a must for all crafty hip hop fans. Whether you’re living the thug life or bringing da ruckus, as long as you've still got love for the streets you'll find classic hop hop quotes and statements that make dope wall art, patches and cushions. Why not make a homemade gift for a hip hop loving friend? Stitching up classics like Drop it Like it’s Hot, Mo Money Mo Problems or Sippin' on Gin and Juice to adorn your kitchen wall is a no-brainer!

Cross Stitch or Die Tryin' features 30 patterns that speak to all hip hop lovers who aren't afraid to show their nerdier side. Crafty hip hop aficionados of all ages will be able to appreciate the patterns, many of which are beginner friendly and can be completed in a couple of hours. And don't sweat the technique; experienced cross stitcher Kate Blandford gives you easy-to-follow instructions with information on what materials you will need and helpful tricks no matter what level you're at. So grab your hoops and needles and show the world that you may have 99 problems but cross stitching ain’t one!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dokument Press
• Release date: Nov 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9789188369796

Kate Blandford

Kate Blandford specialises in cross stitch for the radical crafter. With over 10 years of pattern designing under her belt, Kate brings cross stitch into the modern age by infusing her love of traditional motifs with themes that give the craft an alternative and contemporary twist. She has been published in magazines such as Mollie Makes, Prima, Take a Break, Cross Stitcher and The World of Cross Stitching. Kate has also exhibited her work worldwide, which includes cross stitching a mural live at Upfest, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival.

Book preview

INTRODUCTION

I remember the first cross stitch I attempted when I was a child. It was a quaint little number, a white house with a #ower trellis kind of thing. I soon got bored of following the pattern and started to add my twist to it. Inevitably it ended in a mess but I’ve always relished the idea of doing something ‘wrong’ by styling it out and making it my own.

Roll on a good few years and I’m still giving a little nod to that side of cross stitch with my take on traditional motifs, but with a modern makeover inspired by music and the world around me. I’m very thankful there has been a real shift from the days of stitching trellis to the badass patterns we have today.

You don’t have to be a die-hard hip hop fan to enjoy Cross Stitch Or Die Tryin’. Sure, it pays homage to some well-known songs from over the years but it also relishes in the mashing up of two contrasting concepts: hip hop culture and cross stitching. Who doesn’t love a little play on a traditional sampler with some old school hip hop?

This book is full of easy to digest patterns, making it perfect for those who are completely new to cross stitching. %y not start with It’s Like That on page 49. Of course, this book isn’t just for beginners, if you’re a more experienced stitcher looking for a fun and speedy project to unwind, then many of the projects inside can be whipped up in an evening. If you’re a seasoned stitcher I recommend having a bash at That Shit Cray on page 73 – an awesome full coverage leopard print number.

I wanted to include all the little things that I have picked up throughout my cross stitching journey, such as the best way to tackle metallic threads, how to frame finished pieces and the best place to buy materials – all the tidbits I wish I knew before I started. See this book as the first foray into the world of cross stitching. Every day is a school day and there is always something new to learn.

The patterns in this book are just the beginning. I have thrown in a few projects to show you what you can do with the designs, but there are no limits. If you think you can stitch on it then you probably can! Mix up the colours, freestyle the stitching – make it yours and embrace the repetitive act of stitching and the rediscovery of slowness. It’s all too easy to get caught up in the moment, and taking some time out for some mindful stitching to look after the old noodle can