America the Beautiful Cross Stitch is a stitching tutorial and pattern collection which includes scenes to cross stitch from iconic American parks and monuments. Due out 19th Oct 2021 from Quarto on their becker&meyer! imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This collection includes 30 patterns and a good introductory tutorial. This would probably be a good starting book or gift for someone who was interested in learning the basics of cross stitch and finishing some fun gifts for themselves or friends. The patterns are recognizable and colorful without too much "confetti" stitching. The first chapter provides a short beginner friendly introduction to materials and supplies. It discusses needles, fabrics, thread counts, embroidery floss, hoops, etc. The photos are full color and clear and the instructions are easy to follow. All the patterns contain only full stitches and there's no outline or backstitching. The patterns are all round (see cover) and suited to framing in hoops.

Each pattern also includes facts and locations for the national parks and monuments depicted. There are tips and factoids scattered throughout as well. The pattern keys contain the flosses by both DMC 6 strand floss number as well as letter. Conversion charts for other brands of floss are not provided in the book, but conversion charts are readily accessible online for readers who prefer another brand of floss, or silk instead of cotton.

The pattern charts are in full color with color keys in a footer bar under the pattern. The charts also contain letter designations for each color. I found the charts very dark, but if readers print off working copies in lighter greyscale format, they're easy to follow and the letter symbols can be differentiated from one another. The patterns are simple and I think many stitchers will probably want to do some detail backstitching on them for a more finished appearance, but it's not absolutely necessary.

This would make a nice gift, perhaps bundled with some stitching supplies, for a friend who wants to learn to stitch, as well as readers who enjoy nature and the outdoors.

Four stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

I love this new book of cross stitch patterns. The instructions at the beginning of the book are wonderfully detailed. I’ve ordered this for our library.

“America the Beautiful Cross Stitch” contains 30 inspiring counted cross-stitch patterns from America’s most popular national parks and monuments; from Arcadia to Yosemite to the Washington Monument, and everything in between, including landscapes, wildlife, lighthouses, and monuments.

This pattern book starts with a short introduction and a Cross-Stitch 101 section, describing tools such as needle, floss, and fabric; how to read a pattern; and how to create basic stitches.

These little patterns are a lovely way to capture the natural beauty of America’s parks and monuments and are perfect for beginning stitchers. All of the patterns contain full cross-stitches only, no backstitching, French knots, or half or quarter stitches. Every pattern has a color palette of no more than a dozen shades.

The motifs are on the small side, which makes for a project that can be accomplished in just a few sittings. All of the motifs are circular in shape and work up to 6.5 inches in diameter on 14-count Aida cloth. A 7-inch embroidery hoop would make a perfect frame to display your finished needlework, and a grouping of several pieces would make for a beautiful bit of décor in your home.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an advance copy of this book.

Well made for a beginner who may have only completed one or two cross stitch projects before, or none at all! Content wise, it's quite specifically obvious it's for people who want to do landscapes, particularly of the USA. However I think it's quite a basic book and could have afforded to include more varied (but still fitting in with the theme) content or projects because there are a LOT of good patterns online that one need only google "cross stitch pattern american landscape".

I received a copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is a cute book.

It includes 30 cross stich patterns of different national parks and monuments from across the US. The book includes cross stitch instructions, lists the materials needed, and has patterns for each. The patterns specify the size of aida and the finished product size. There are pictures of the national park next to the finished cross stitch to show you what they look like.

About half of the patterns are things I would make, the other half aren't for me. The level of detail varies and there are more silhouettes than I like in my landscape patterns.

Overall an ok find.