Stitch People Stars: Katy Loyd

We continue our little mini series of special Stitch People persons with the amazing Katy Loyd!

If there were ever a natural born cross-stitcher, Katy would be a prime example.  Katy is an active member of our dedicated facebook group which is where we first came across her work.   

What we love most about Katy’s work is how she exemplifies everything we dreamed for the Do it Yourself Stitch People book. 

She has taken the patterns and used them as fuel for her creativity; fearlessly stitching all different manner of portraits.  

Enough of our gushing, we’ll let you see why we love her using her own words.

Let’s dive in…

Tell us about yourself!

My name is Katy Loyd and I have been married to my husband Tim for almost 11 years this October. We live in High Ridge, Missouri with our two kids, Brooklyn (8), Jason (4), one dog named Bailey and a cat named Scout.

I work in downtown St. Louis as a legal assistant to three very awesome attorneys. The firm I work for is fantastic and I love my job. I also happen to love everything crafts! Painting with acrylic is my favorite. I like painting on all different surfaces such as paper, canvas, flower pots, barn wood etc.

How did you first come across the Stitch People book?

I just started cross stitching in February when I saw a friend’s FB post where she created a wedding gift from your stitch people. I immediately looked up stitch family portrait on Pinterest and came across your book. I bought your book your book right away because I loved the concept of the step-by-step format and I wanted to start making some families. I’ve wanted to do something besides paint for a while and I remember watching my mom cross stitch when I was a little girl. I also really enjoy the snarky cross stitch patterns because they make me laugh and anything boehemian.

What was your first Stitch People piece and how did it go?

I taught myself to cross stitch by reading your book and watching YouTube tutorials. I have already made 6 families (working on my 7th) and 5 snarky patterns non-related to stitch people. My first stitch family was my own, pre-Scout. Your book is so easy to follow from start to finish. It went pretty well. It is however very simple (no special detail), has a few mess ups and the back is a horrendous mess! My husband and I both wear glasses so I had to do french knots for the eyes. After several attempts I had to call my mom to help me. (I’m now a semi-pro french knotter)

Katy’s mom & dad

What have you enjoyed about making the portraits?

Cross stitching is my new favorite obsession next to coffee and reading. Making portraits is so relaxing AND I can listen to my audiobook and drink coffee at the same time! I love creating families from start to finish. I love opening up your book and picking everything out (hair, clothes, etc.), drawing it and the finished product; Which gives me a sense of accomplishment.

What’s been your favorite piece so far?

My favorite stitch people portrait has been a piece I made for an attorney at my work who is getting married in September. It’s my favorite because I used a lot of details that made it stand out. She is wearing an eye veil, a tea length dress, strapless with a crisscross front. I even gave her royal blue shoes because she is wearing royal blue converse at her reception.

How have you developed your cross stitching skills?

The more pieces I do the better I get. I joined private cross stitch groups on FB where everyone shares their ideas, I read a lot about cross stitch on various websites and I also hop on to Pinterest and google to look for examples. I think this only helps me get better at developing my skills.

What advice would you give to people just starting their cross stitching journey?

The only advice I would give someone just starting out would be to have fun! Your finished piece will make you and others feel good.

Where can we see more of your work?

I currently post all of my crafts on my Pinterest page under the board “Stuff Made By Yours Truly”

This fall (after years of nagging from friends and family ) I will be opening up an Etsy shop to sell some cross stitch items and other crafts.

Thank you for this book Lizzy! You rock!


Thank YOU Katy!  We’re so happy to get to know you more and can’t wait to follow all your future projects!

As always, if you think you know someone who would make a bright and shining Stitch People Star, let us know at info@stitchpeople.com.

Happy Stitching!

Scroll to Top