This fun cross-stitch design book is one I had meant to look at for some time. I had at one time had temporary access to an ebook, but it was just a sample and so I put it aside until I could get hold of the actual book. All the projects in here are small ones, and most could be done in a weekend.
The introduction gives some insight into the reason for the book and how it came to be that I found interesting. Then, the first two sections are preparation for beginners. One describes the tools used in doing crossstitch and the other gives the basics of the craft. Less useful to me as I've been doing it for quite a while, but both very well done with good pictures.
The designs are categorized into three sections: Hipster Snark; Ironically Domestic; and Talk Nerdy to Me. As you can tell from these topics, there's a lot of fun going on here. Hipster Snark includes ten patterns, with my favourite one being "Sweet Campfire Dreams", although I really liked the negative text "Nope" too. Ironically Domestic includes twelve patterns, and here my favourites are "I'll Cut You" and "Armed and Creative". Talk Nerdy to Me has ten patterns, and I really liked the "Princess Not in Need of Rescue" and "Grammar Police".
Because these patterns have a text element to them, the book also includes three complete alphabets for you to customize and even create your own designs. They are a sans-serif alphabet, a script alphabet, and a line alphabet.
There is a section on finishing and framing that gives tips for those who want to do this final part themselves. And of course, along with that idea of DIY, there is a section on designing your own custom patterns with some good advice for creating your own simple designs.
This book is actually a lot better than I thought it might be, with only a few having profanity, and a lot of sly humour. The designs are fun and with the additional advising chapters, easy to customize for your own preferences.

It leans toward cute more than improper, but still this is a worthy addition. The Gnomes are cute. It takes a second to realize the one in the middle is being cheeky. Subversive Cross-Stitch, a pioneer, is still my favorite, but I have room on my walls for all.

I had trouble with the formatting of the book on my kindle, so I had to wait until I could buy a copy to look at in person. The patterns are awesome, the directions clear, and the projects are good for all skill levels. A must buy for any sassy stitcher

These are the best! I made several as gifts, and they were well loved. Nothing better than irreverent fiber arts projects.

This book is a fun, witty, example of how the modern cross stitcher has changed. Probably not a good idea for your grandmother. However a grad student who needs to destress and stab something with needles thousands of times, ABSOLUTELY!

While this was a charming book, it wasn't as provocative or "improper" as was promised. I can find more improper cross stitch patterns on Etsy.

A book of naughty patterns designed to satisfy snarky stitchers. If you have a sarcastic yet crafty friend, then this volume may be just the thing.

A whimsical little book, some amusing designs, but nothing very new. I did enjoy it, and the designs are easy to follow and execute.

This book was very easy to read and will great for any beginner cross-stitcher! That being said I wish that the copy I received would have had at least a couple of patterns to test. Overall a very good book.

Cute book for those who are novices to cross stitch as well as those don't have the time to create their own cross-stitch charts and are interested in this subject matter. Instructions are well crafted and easy to follow .

Thank you Netgalley for allowing me to read and review Improper Cross-Stitch. First of all, I thought given the title that the sayings would be improper, they weren't. Some were rather cute. However, there weren't any patterns, only pictures of completed needlework and basic instructions that you can get on the internet. Overall I was very disappointed.

Improper Cross-Stitch brings fun, whim, and a bit of modern snark to a traditional craft. The beginning covers basics of the tools and techniques important for successful cross stitch projects, making it an ideal gift for beginners. The tutorial section includes tips and tricks that advanced stitchers will appreciate. The designs range from mild "cat lady for life" to the ironic "wine and cats" to the nerdy "Squad Goals" and more. This title provides a starting point for unique and personal stitching through the inclusion of different alphabet designs, tips for design success, and details on finishing the pieces for display. This is a well thought out, delightful, and inspiring book for cross-stitch.

I love cross-stitching and these patterns are fun without being complicated. They're great projects for beginners and experienced stitchers. It was clear and concise and I know I will use some of these for future gifts.

A great brisk read for people who enjoy cross-stitch and humor. Includes helpful tips and ideas for displaying finished work.

I love to do cross stitch and this book has a bunch of funny sayings and pictures. I am not too sure I would say it was improper but it is off the regular.

Cute gift for any cross-stitcher.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Cross-stitching isn’t just a craft, it’s a life style. Believe me. I’ve been cross-stitching now for over 20 years and never stop being amazed at both the ingenuity that patterns exhibit in modern times, and the rapid resurgence and popularity of antiquated past-times. When I was younger, cross-stitching was something grandmothers did, but the newer generation of crafters have embraced it and modernized it beyond belief. And Improper Cross-Stitch embodies this movement.

Improper Cross-Stitch presents over 35 beginner-level cross stitch patterns that break the mold when it comes to needlepoint. These patterns verge on NSFW, and include profanity, nudity (as seen on the cover), and sexual innuendos. They are simple, and relatively small patterns that could be completed by individuals of any skill level. There is really a pattern for everyone. Some are cute and endearing, others laugh out loud funny, others subtle in their spunkiness.

When it comes to the directions for the patterns themselves, I do have one main criticism. The way the patterns are designed is by presenting colored squares and each color represents a different thread color. This is very difficult to interpret when there are a couple similar colors, and even more difficult for individuals that have difficulty distinguishing colors. I prefer to see symbols used instead for these reasons. I also find it helpful if the final size of the project is listed in order cut the fabric to a proper size prior to stitching. Other than that, the patterns were easy to follow and the instructions on how to design your own patterns were a welcome addition that few books include.

*I would like to thank the publisher, author, and NetGalley for providing an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

Absolutely adorable! Perfectly thought out stitches for those that do not want to stick to the "generic" cross stitch patterns. I will definitely be making some of these to hang up in my home. The pictures are bright and colourful while providing the perfect diagram of the stitches.

With clear instructions to guide both fledgling and advanced cross-stitchers, Pierson-Cox’s Improper Cross-stitch provides plenty of snark and hilarity. Find the perfect piece to express your true feelings in humourous fashion! While I myself do not cross-stitch, it requiring greater vision than I can provide, I enjoyed flipping through the designs. My sister does cross-stitch, and I plan to get her a copy. I loved the cover, with its mooning gnome. My favourite, though, was the cat lady design.

***Many thanks to Netgalley and St Martin's Press for providing an egalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This was a fantastically hilarious twist on a popular DIY category. I liked the pictures and felt like the instructions were pretty clear.

Like many crafts, Cross Stitch is finding it's way with a new generation and Improper Cross Stitch is exactly what many people have been looking for.,
It begins with a great introduction to Cross Stitch, the standard how-to for stitches and what the count on fabric means, along with how to read charts. So this book works for the very basic beginner to a crafter that has been stitching for a while. There are full color photos alongside the charts, which helps a beginner to see what a finished project should look like.
I received an ARC of the book and it contained just a couple of charts, "Grammer Police" is my favorite, I'd definitely do that one for my mom and daughter, and there may be some included that aren't for all audiences but nothing that I saw would preclude me from buying it for any ages that were interested. Most projects seemed like ones that could be completed in a short amount of time, which is all most of us have for crafting lately.
I'll be on the look out for this book during the holiday season. I think it would make a great stocking stuffer or quick gift for anyone looking to get into Cross Stitch or a quick craft with a bit of attitude!