As the spring 2026 season arrives, cross-stitch is experiencing a vibrant resurgence, moving beyond traditional samplers to become a go-to hobby for those seeking a low-pressure, creative outlet.

It used to be so easy for fantasy fans. Knit a striped Tom Baker scarf and you'd be guaranteed instant kudos from fellow followers of the Doctor. But these days you've got to do something pretty ...

In 2003, Julie Jackson stopped by a craft store to buy a really ornate cross-stitch sampler — the kind with a guide to stitching the alphabet so it could be personalized as a wedding gift — as a kind ...

On nearly every wall in JoAnn Myers' home hangs at least one sampler featuring the alphabet, animals, flowers and decorative borders. Myers created most of the samplers, often using a magnifying glass ...