KIRSTY VICKERY

Consulting
& Education

Criminology, made accessible

Tutoring

Criminology tutoring and academic support for students at all levels. From essays to theory and critical thinking, build confidence and deepen your understanding of crime and justice.

Learning Resources

Downloadable worksheets, guidance sheets, and study tools designed to support learning in criminology. Perfect for students, educators, and curious minds alike.

Training & Talks

Guest lectures, workshops, and consultancy on criminology, the criminal justice system, and lived experience. Tailored sessions for organisations, educators and events, drawing on nearly 20 years working in criminal justice.

ABOUT ME

Hi, I'm Kirsty!

I'm a criminologist, educator, and consultant with nearly 20 years' experience working across the criminal justice sector.

My work has focused on supporting individuals within the system while navigating the complexities of resettlement, substance use, mental health, and multi-agency working. This real-world experience sits at the heart of everything I do.

Alongside my practice, I work in criminology education, supporting students through distance learning and contributing to academic programmes through teaching, assessment, and curriculum development. I'm particularly interested in making complex ideas accessible, relevant, and grounded in lived reality.

Through consultancy and training, I bring together practice and theory - offering insight that is both academically informed and shaped by frontline experience.

My approach is thoughtful, practical, and collaborative, with a focus on supporting meaningful understanding and real-world impact.

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Back to stitching something just for me today! 🪡🧵

After a few very intense weeks getting everything ready for @crimecon_uk (have I mentioned that I went to CrimeCon??!! 😂), I’m very much enjoying the chance to slow down and stitch with no deadline ♥️

No crime theme in this one, but projects like this are still such a big part of what @crimeandcraftuk is built on - just a genuine love of crafting and creating!

This sweet project is part of the fantastic @cottonandtwinecrossstitchbox subscription, which is such a gorgeous monthly treat! @ricamidimarula has already shared the super cute designs for autumn and winter, so I really need to catch up 🤩

#crimeandcraft #cottonandtwine #cottonandtwinecrossstitchbox #historicalsamplercompany #crocetteagogò

Back to experimenting 🧶 because Bank Holidays were made for crafting!

I’ve been playing around with some new colourways for future mug cosies — and I’m really enjoying seeing these beauties come together 🤩

The plan is to finish these with a contrasting (or complementary) border and handles, plus a little charm to tie it all together ✨

And why would you need a mug cosy, I hear you ask? So that your cuppa doesn’t become a cold case! ☕️🔍

What do we think of these colour combos? What shades would you like to see?

#crimeandcraft #crochet #mugcosy #bankholidayfun #yarncolours

So... what actually is Crime&Craft?

I realised after @crimecon_uk that a lot of people were asking the same question - and I love that, because it means this is something a bit different!

Crime&Craft sits right in the middle of:
* criminology and true crime
* creativity and craft
* education, not sensationalism

Everything I create is designed to make you think a little deeper about the world of crime - while also giving you something hands-on and creative to do.

Whether it's a cross stitch kit inspired by forensic principles, or a cosy 'case file' bundle... there's always a story and meaning behind it.

If you found me at @crimecon_uk - hello again!!!
And if you've been here for a while... thank you for being part of this!!!

#crimeandcraft #truecrimecommunity #creativebusiness #crossstitch #criminology

I don’t even know where to start with this weekend… 🤯

CrimeCon was my first time sharing Crime & Craft in the real world — and honestly, I was terrified. There were tears, stress, and a very dramatic start to the day…

But what followed was something I don’t think I’ll ever forget.

I sold around 75% of my Cosy Case Files book bundles, sold out of mug cosies, and watched strangers snap up over 60% of my cross stitch kits ♥️
But genuinely, the best part wasn’t the sales — it was the conversations.

People stopping to ask about the meaning behind the designs. Talking about criminology, and why this kind of approach to “true crime” feels different. Watching people genuinely get it 🤩

That’s exactly what I wanted Crime & Craft to be — creative, thoughtful, and rooted in real understanding. And this weekend showed me that there really is a space for that — and that people are just as excited about it as I am.

Also a huge shoutout to the incredible kindness and support — from friends, creators, window cleaners, and complete strangers. It really didn’t go unnoticed, and I’m so, so grateful ♥️

Safe to say… this feels like just the beginning. And I am already brewing at least 1,839 additional ideas for what’s coming next… I also some ridiculously exciting links to follow up on regarding some tutoring, training, and guest speaking opportunities. Honestly, I’m still blown away by it all!

Thank you so so so much to my nearest and dearest for your unwavering support, gentle nagging, tough love, honest feedback, and much needed hugs ♥️ CV, JP, LP&SH, KD&UD, my stitchy girls, BM, and many more.

Stay curious 🔍🧵

#crimeandcraft #crimeconuk #makersgonnamake #truecrimecommunity #ididit

Case files ready. Evidence sealed. 🔍

Each bundle is a mystery — you won’t know your book until you open the bag…

Whether your preference is true crime or crime fiction, this is the perfect way to indulge in a great read, handmade gift, and delicious sweet treats!

#crimeandcraft #bookbundle #staycurious

If you’ve ever watched a crime documentary and wondered how they always find something… this is why. 🔍🧵

This pattern is inspired by one of the most important founding principles in forensic science — that whenever two objects come into contact, there’s an exchange.

Every room you’ve ever entered contains a tiny part of you… and vice versa.

“Every contact leaves a trace.” – Locard, 1920

Featuring key tools and examples of evidence collection, Locard’s Exchange Principle is my second design and will be available as a full cross stitch kit from next weekend 👀

#crimeandcraft #crossstitch #truecrime #forensicscience #crossstitchkit

Just over a week until the official launch of Crime & Craft at CrimeCon… and I’ve had my first preorder 🔍🧵

I honestly didn’t know if I’d ever get this far — from doodling out my ideas to creating things that people actually want to buy.

Seeing one of my own cross stitch kits heading out into the world feels a bit surreal… but mostly I’m just really excited (and very proud).

If you’re coming to CrimeCon, you’ll be among the very first to see and shop what I’ve been working on — I can’t wait!!! 👀

* BIG NEWS *

I can now confirm that I will be attending @crimecon_uk to represent Crime And Craft!!! I’ll be selling items such as cross stitch patterns and kits, crafty accessories, book bundles, handmade gifts and more - so keep an eye out for sneak peeks!!! Can’t wait to chat true crime with you all!!!

#crimeconuk2026 #crimeandcraft #truecrime

🔎 True crime Tuesday 🔎

A family tragedy, a controversial investigation, and a conviction that's still being questioned decades later - we're unravelling the murders of the Bamber family.

#crimeandcraft #truecrimetuesday #truecrimetuesdays #whitehousefarm #truecrimecommunity #crimedocumentary #truecrimestories #craftycreators #ukcrime #uktruecrime

☕️ Mugshot Monday ☕️

Exhibit A: extra strong tea and a crochet mug cosy
Exhibit B: festive work in progress (WIP)
Exhibit C: my favourite needle minder that looks just like my dog (scroll to spot the difference!)

Cross stitch: ‘Christmas Rules’ by @primrosecottagestitches
Needle minder: ‘Corgi’ by @caterpillarcrossstitch

#crimeandcraft #mugshotmonday☕️ #crossstitch #crossstitcherofinstagram #primrosecottagestitches #christmasrules #cupoftea☕️ #mugcosycrochet #festivewip #lunchbreaks

👋🏻 Hello! Welcome — or welcome back if you’ve been around for a while — to Crime and Craft!

I’m Kirsty, the maker behind Crime & Craft 🔍🧶 I first set up this page as a place to share my love of true crime and crafty things — a space for curiosity and creativity. Lately I’ve been feeling lots of inspiration about how to blend the two even more and share that with like-minded folk 🤩

I’m planning on introducing a little more structure to my regular posts, and I’ve got some genuinely exciting things coming up! So please do stick around for fun features, true crime case spotlights, crime-themed makes, and more ♥️

Tell me in the comments: Are you here more for the crafts or the crime? 👇

#crimeandcraft #crossstitch #crochet #truecrime #makersofinstgram

It’s been another very busy week in the world of prison resettlement, but I’ve managed to squeeze in a read of the new HMIP report for prisons in England and Wales which was released a few days ago… and what a read! There are some great examples of fantastic practice and improvements happening within the prison estate but, sadly, far too many shocking statistics that need full and immediate attention. For example:
* self harm is 8.5 times higher for women in prison as opposed to men
* one particular prison documented that 40% of released individuals were NFA/at risk of being homeless in the community, a figure which has doubled due to the early release schemes that have been introduced to ease prison overcrowding; a third of those were subsequently recalled to prison
* 29% of women in custody that were surveyed are imprisoned far away from their home areas, making it more difficult for them to maintain positive relationships and a sense of belonging in their communities; arguably this contributes to mental health issues whilst in custody as well as difficulties in resettling upon release

There’s so much that could and absolutely should be done, and my brain isn’t quite ready to switch off just yet, so I’m now watching ‘Jailed: Women in Prison’ to find out more about how (individuals identifying as) females experience custody, what works and what the biggest challenges are. Definitely recommend both the report (https://hmiprisons.justiceinspectorates.gov.uk/hmipris_reports/annual-report-2024-25/) and the programme (available on BBC Iplayer)!

PS. I’m obviously indulging in some cross stitch whilst watching but I can’t show this project just yet as it’s for a special exchange later in the month! 🤫

#crimeandcrossstitch #truecrime #truecrimedocumentaries #prisondocumentary #hmipreport #criminaljusticeuk #criminaljusticework #prisonstatistics #bbciplayer #prisonresettlement

My first visit to the Key Cafe @thekeycharity on Gloucester Road, Bristol. A fantastic space with a relaxed atmosphere, gorgeous food (including Jolly Hog treacle cured bacon and sausage baps and the *filthiest* chocolate cookies you’ve ever seen! 🤤) - and it’s brilliantly staffed by people who have recently left HMP Bristol. Such a wonderful initiative to provide employment opportunities to those who are too often overlooked, but have a lot to give. Definitely recommend if you’re in the South West!!!

#prisoncharity #thekeycharitybristol #jailjarjam #lifeaftercustody #prisonskills #workafterjail #givingbacktothecommunity #placestoeatbristol #cafesinbristol #bristollife

Another fantastic weekend of learning, discussing and debating all things true crime at @crimecon_uk!

Some of my personal highlights:
* talks from inspirational experts, academics professionals such as @vfh12 @c0linsutt0n @kerrydaynespsychologist @cultvaultpod @laurarichards999 @insidejustice_uk
* an insight into the challenges faced by victims of crime including long term impacts, ongoing fight to survive, lack of support, and trying to put good back into the world after experiencing the worst of humanity
* the experience of restorative justice (different perspectives - very thought provoking)
* a space to acknowledge, honour and reflect on the experiences of direct and indirect victims of crime
* debates around sentencing, the main principles of prison (punishment, deterrence and public protection) - what’s going well and what isn’t
* understanding the nature and impact of coercive control on women and children, and within cults, and the ongoing battle for this to be recognised in legislation
* an opportunity to catch up with one of my degree students! So proud of her!
* discovering several more podcasts to add to my regular listening @trulycriminal1 @serialnappernik @generationwhypodcast
* a brief but always much appreciated chat with @emeritusdavidwilson who never ceases to amaze and inspire

#crimecon #crimeconuk #crimeconlondon #restorativejustice #chrisdonovantrust #crimepodcasts #cultvaultpod #criminology #inspiration #insidejustice

A little more progress on the beautiful ‘Meant To Be’ by @littledovecrossstitch. This rose tree is *stunning* - the gorgeous colours and spiral details are so pretty! 🤩

#crossstitchersofinstagram #littledovecrossstitch #meanttobe #crossstitcher #lovecrossstitching #sundaystitching #dmcthread #crossstitchlovers❤️ #wipgo2025

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