About Stitchbound

When I first started cross stitching, I was overwhelmed by how intricate and intimidating patterns could be. I saw other stitchers creating these massive, gorgeous needlework pieces, and while I loved them, I was positive that I wasn’t ready for such massive projects. I needed something small that I could stitch in a couple of days. I needed clear patterns with clear explanations for different parts of the stitching process. And when I couldn’t find any projects I felt comfortable stitching as a beginner, I started designing them myself. I started making my own cross-stitched pins and patches, and I was surprised to see that not a lot of people were engaging with the craft in the way I was.

So, about a year after I started designing patterns, I launched Stitchbound in June 2019. It was a small little Etsy shop with only a dozen or so patterns, but I poured my heart and my passion for the hobby into them. I combined the craft with some of my favorite movies and video games, and I was shocked and excited when people liked my patterns, too! Since then, I’ve designed massive pattern collections around different themes and games, all with beginners in mind. The majority of Stitchbound patterns are small, simple, and fun, making them perfect for both first-time stitchers and seasoned crafters looking for a quick project.

My goal as a maker, a content creator, and a seller is to make cross stitch approachable and accessible for everyone. I’m here to help you along every step of the way, from picking patterns from my shop to teaching you the basics during my livestreams. And we’ll have a little fun along the way, too.

a little more about me

I’m Shannen Angell (she/her), the woman behind all of the crafty shenanigans you’ll find Stitchbound up to. I’m a Utah-based fiber artist, copywriter, and big, soft nerd. It’s nice to meet you! 👋

I’ve been engaged with fiber arts since I was a kid, whether it was crocheting hats or making friendship bracelets, but nothing really clicked for me until I found cross stitching in 2017. I was at a gaming convention, and there was a booth in the artist alley that was selling Pokémon cross stitch kits. I picked up a Flareon kit on a whim, stitched it in a weekend, and the rest is history.

While I wouldn’t describe myself as an artistic person, I’d absolutely call myself creative. I have a hard time bringing specific ideas to life through drawing (and believe me, I’ve tried). But I love to make. There’s something magical to me about starting with a few basic materials—fabric, wood, string—and turning them into a work of art. I’ve branched outside of cross stitch in recent years and started making punch needle pieces and polymer clay bits & bobs, but for me, it all comes back to the meditative, repetitive nature of cross stitch. I love being able to share what I make with the world, and I’m always coming up with some new hairbrained ideas for new projects.

Outside of Stitchbound, I love playing comfy indie games, watching niche pop culture video essays, and experimenting with new baking recipes when I have the time. I’m a writer and editor. I graduated with my English degree in December 2020, and I’m a copywriter working in higher education during the day. I love blending my writing knowledge with my craft expertise to write patterns and guides with instructions that just make sense.

Whether you need an embroidery piece done or some banging copy edits, I would be thrilled to work with you.