I live in two worlds: an embroidery world and the kidlit world.

Over in Funk & Weber World (embroidery), I have an offer out to stitchers for a free cross stitch bookmark pattern when they do one of two things:

1. Purchase Been There, Done That: Reading Animal Signs, then forward the receipt to me at mail {AT} funkandweber {DOT} com. In return, I’ll send you a pdf copy of the pattern.
2. Post a photo on social media of you with Been There. You can take the picture at a bookstore or at the library or at a friend’s house or, or, or . . . . Alternatively, you can email your photo to me with permission to post it on social media myself. Email me at mail {AT} funkandweber {DOT} com with a link to the photo (and so I have your email) and—shazam!—I’ll reply with the pattern pdf.

I’d like to extend this offer to you, too.

Been There, Done That: Reading Animal Signs Cross-stitch Pattern

The pattern is a 2-page pdf download. You can open the pattern on a mobile device and stitch from there (I do this on my Kindle), or you can print the pattern. The part you need in order to stitch is on a single page and can be printed in black-and-white: I’m all for saving trees and ink!

Been There, Done That: Reading Animal Signs cross-stitch pattern

The pattern contains three designs: silhouettes of a bear, moose, and wolf and their tracks.

These can be stitched on any counted thread fabric with any embroidery threads.

Further Details

Now, folks over at Funk & Weber World know how to stitch. They don’t need detailed instructions. You, however, may need further details and instructions. Let’s see what I can do for you . . .

The moose cross-stitch bookmark pattern.

How to Stitch

If you’ve never cross stitched before—or it’s been ages and you think you need a refresher—here’s a short video on How to Cross Stitch.

Wondering how to read a cross-stitch pattern? I’ve got you covered.

These patterns use fractional stitches to create angles. Yep, I’ve got a tutorial on fractional stitches.

How to Make a Bookmark

You manage to stitch a pattern, but then what? How do you make it a bookmark? Oh, the options here are endless!

If you sew, sew the embroidery to a backing.

Use an adhesive (white glue, fabric glue, spray glue, iron-on adhesive, super-strong craft tape) to attach a backing. Be aware that some glues may discolor fabrics over time. If you care about this, stick with acid-free and adhesives designed specifically for fabrics.

One of my favorite ways to finish small counted-thread projects (cross stitch is a “counted thread” technique), is with the overcast backstitch. Why, yes, I’d be happy to show you how!

There are lots more ideas and tutorials over there on the Funk & Weber website. Grab a cuppa and click around. The How-to page is a good place to start.

If you’re ready to take embroidery, crafting, and bookmarks to a new, super-fun level, check out the Bookmarks 101: Simple, Smart, and Swanky Finishes e-book. Heads up: This one isn’t free. Well, looking is free. Go ahead and click.

Stop the Overwhelm!

Overwhelmed by all those tutorials and ideas? Skip ’em!

Needle. Thread. Fabric. Pattern. Go!

Truly, embroidery isn’t, as they say, rocket science. There are no embroidery police. Well, there are, but they wield only the power you give them. Great things come from winging it. If you’re unsure about how to proceed, grab a kid and let him/her lead the way. They know how.

Something Else Entirely

Do needle and thread give you the heebie-jeebies? All right, how ’bout this: Use a wide-mesh screen for a grid, and paint dots through the grid where the stitches would be.

Get the idea? How else might you use these patterns?

Thanks!

Thanks for checking out my book, Been There, Done That: Reading Animal Signs. I hope you have heaps of fun with the book, looking for animal signs on your hikes, and now with these cross stitch patterns.

I’d love to see pictures of your projects. You know where to send them, right?

Indie Bookstore Alternatives

Prefer to shop Indie? Great!
(Note: The book is available in both hardcover and soft. Also e-book and Spanish. Get the one you want.)

Fireside Books | Powell’s

Head’s up! Links to purchase the book are affiliate links. That means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase after clicking through those links. The price you pay is the same.