100 Best Embroidery Books of All Time

Embroidery is the ultimate stitch dictionary and the ideal guide to embroidery, whatever your level of expertise. The perfect reference guide to needlework, Embroidery is a comprehensive guide to inspire and inform sewers of all levels. Find advice on which thread, needles, or fabrics work with which techniques, and take a look at an incredible 200 stitches — with levels of difficulty, step-by-ste

This follow-up to the best-selling Doodle Stitching offers fans expanded and updated basics, 400+ easy embroidery motifs on the page and on a CD sealed in the back of the book, 17 projects, and lots of added inspiration. More than a dozen categories include Alphabet, Asian Chic, Baby, Celebrations, Embellishments, Fruits & Veggies, Space, Trees, Flowers, Winged Wonders, and Woodland Creatures-and

The outstanding classic reference guide for embroiderers, now in paperback. First published in 1934, Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches has long been a well-loved favorite of novice and experienced embroiderers alike! The new and redesigned paperback edition of this indispensable handbook includes the internationally-renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton's revisions to the original text, wit

Asian-inspired lampshades embellished with flying fish. Canvas sneakers decorated with pink and white swirls. A pretty pillow adorned with a sleeping bunny, sweetly curled up. All it takes to create these appealing projects—or add charming embroidered touches in no time at all—are a few simple stitches, some easy techniques, and the nearly 30 projects in this book. Begin by learning several styles

How does color affect embroidery? How can it bring needlework to life? Crafters will uncover the possibilities in this unique, in-depth exploration of color in embroidery. From color selection and blending to choosing complimentary colors and creative contrasting and shading, it highlights a variety of techniques for surface and counted thread embroidery projects. More than 200 stitched examples w

More than 200 stitches are photographed and accompanied by easy-to-follow charts in this essential reference for embroiderers. From basic cross-stitch and chain stitch to more complicated couching, laid work, and drawn thread work, this is the stitch bible for embroiderers wishing to improve their technique and add new dimensions to their work. Stitches are arranged according to their use, includi

Embrace a simpler approach to stitching with bold one- and two-color embroidery motifs
Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia.
The task of picki

Renowned embroiderer Trish Burr passes her creative secrets on to stitchers--especially beginners--who want to take their needle painting skills to the next level. In 15 projects organized in three levels, from novice to intermediate, Trish provides expert, easy-to-follow guidance on techniques for surface stitching that provide subtle shadings and a soft, paintlike blending of colors. Sections on

Small, embroidered "paintings" can have all the detail, form, and beauty of a larger piece—except they're much quicker to stitch! These fresh and appealing designs all capture the pretty, romantic images typical of the Victorian and post-Victorian eras. All the projects—which include traditional portraits, birds, and flowers—have detailed thread diagrams, and easy-to-follow instructions teach the

For the wealthy, the 18th century was a period of decadent splendour, and their clothing was no exception - sumptuous fabrics were embellished with lavish, ornate embroidery. In this book, Gail Marsh looks at some of the techniques and tools that embroiderers of the day used to create their stunning items of clothing.

Helps readers learn about silk ribbon stitches, crazy-quilt stitches, composite stitches, and left-handed stitches.

“An unusual, almost do-it-yourself guide...Nicholas gives instructions to complete all parts of the embroidery, covering materials and equipment, more than 45 individual elements...and some nearly 20 projects...a 35-stitch glossary is included...every possible theme can be realized.” —Booklist. “A treasure for broadening needlework skills and inspiring imagination in stitches.” —The Cloth Doll.

Vibrant color and rich textures abound in Hoop Dreams, a stylish embroidery guide for the modern maker. Author Cristin Morgan of Marigold + Mars outlines the basics of 10 classic embroidery stitches and then teaches you how to use them to create 20 beautiful and practical projects for hoops, for the home, and to wear. New and experienced embroiderers alike will be delighted by the fresh motifs and

Presented in a quick and easy-to-understand format, this essential guide includes 30 favorite embroidery stitches to practice and inspire creativity! Providing needle and thread reference charts and step-by-step techniques for backstitches, blanket and buttonhole stitches, chain stitches, feather stitches, fly stitches, French knots, running stitches, stem stitches, and much more, this book is a m

Sashiko, the traditional Japanese technique of needlework quilting, uses simple running stitch to create beautifully decorative patterns ideal for patchwork, quilting and embroidery. Sashiko (pronounced shash-ko) means 'stab stitch' and refers to the small running stitch that is worked to build up distinctive decorative patterns, of which there are hundreds. The book begins by exploring the origin

Embroidery empress Jenny Hart taught her legion of fans the basics with the best-selling Stitch-It Kit and Sublime Stitching. Now she takes stitchers one step further with instructions and diagrams for more than 35 stitches, some published here for the first time. To top it off, Embroidered Effects includes dozens of original (and reusable) iron-on transfers. With lots of project photos for guidan

Here's the classic, illustrated, collectible hardcover volume! Detailed instructions in embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, applique, quilting, patchwork, macrame, crochet, rug-making, and lacework. Over 500 pages filled with photos, diagrams, and other illustrations.

Crewelwork is the art of embroidering with woolen linen, and has been around for centuries. This book offers a fashionable, contemporary update of crewel embroidery with designs and a colour palette that will have every crafter reaching for their needles and thread.

A Rainbow of Stitches is a how-to-stitch guide, a project idea book, and an encyclopedia of motifs, all in one go-to reference. Begin by choosing a motif from this extensive collection, which ranges from elegant alphabets to 1970s-inspired flowers and leaves, from sweet fairies to vintage-chic ladies in classic Dior dresses. The "Get Stitching" section gives you the basics you need to get started,

A learn-by-doing guide to the most-prized hand embroidery techniques explains the four basic stitches, with projects to match. The Silk Shading stitch features a Landscape, Iris, Dog Portrait, and Tree Bark. Crewel Work offers you a Jacobean Leaf Sampler, Fish Sampler, and Abstract Window. Blackwork provides four dark-bordered nature and geometric designs, and Goldwork projects include an art nouv

In an expensive London restaurant Julia Lovat receives a gift that will change her life. It appears to be a book of exquisite 17th-century embroidery patterns but on closer examination Julia finds it also contains faint diary entries. In these, Cat Tregenna, an embroideress, tells how she and others were stolen out of a Cornish church in 1625 by Muslim pirates and taken on a brutal voyage to Moroc

As makers, we tend to learn different stitches over time without thinking much about how they relate to one another. But when Natalie Chanin and her Alabama Chanin and The School of Making teams began to look at needlework closely, they realized all stitches are based on geometric grid systems—and by using grids as guides, they could make learning stitches, even seemingly elaborate ones, as easy a

Enjoy the tranquility of slow stitching with this step-by-step, visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs, and extras. Go beyond basic color theory-robust color charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, silk ribbon, buttons, beads, and trims. Then take your embroidery to the next level with luxurious seam treatments and stunning stand-alone designs! Best-selling author Christen Brown

Contemporary embroidery motifs for a year of seasonal stitching--from spring flowers to summertime swimmers, fall pumpkins, and winter snowflakes.

Yumiko's unique aesthetic comes through in these 38 stunning embroidery designs. In the style of Scandinavian design by way of Japan, these colorful and detailed designs follow the course of a year, with imagery inspired by each month. From snow flowers

For the ancient Egyptians the beetle symbolized life, rebirth, and immortality, and for centuries, artisans have used the scarab motif to adorn everything from textiles and jewelry to the tombs of kings. This definitive collection of beetle-themed designs offers instructions for using the 17th century art of raised stumpwork embroidery, the metallic threads of goldwork, and glittering beadwork to

Elizabeth Taylor, Carrie Fisher, Tracey Ullman, and Laura Dern all own her work. Now, in her much-anticipated first book, embroidery pioneer Jenny Hart brings her sublime designs to everyone. Expanding on the offerings of her Stitch-It Kit, Sublime Stitching offers all the instructions, tips, and hip patterns needed to create hundreds of stylish projects. Perfect for stitchers of all experience le

For Alicia Paulson, embroidery is so much more than simply pulling needle and thread through cloth. It’s a way to let loose the imagination, elevate everyday materials by decorating them with fanciful designs, and perhaps most of all, to enjoy the quiet reflection resulting from embroidery’s unique textures, vibrant colors, and gentle rhythms.

If Alicia’s first book, Stitched in Time, could be cons

Here is all the help needed to get the most out of your sewing machine's embroidery functions, including details about the types and formats of available designs, how to get these designs off the internet and onto your machine, how to stabilize your fabric, which threads and needles to use to get the best results, and of course how to use the patterns creatively for stunning results. It also provi

A guide to more than 180 stitches and stitch combinations for hand embroidery, silk ribbon embroidery, and crazy quilting. It is illustrated in full colour for both left- and right-handers. It is a suitable tool for a needleworker or quilter who wants to enhance a sewing project with hand embroidery.

Here is the classic reference for all needleworkers, the one handy volume that covers all major types of stitchery and their techniques, tools, and materials. Over 1,400 detailed illustrations showcase every basic stitch or knot and its variations, and the more than 1,000 entries include bargello, crewel, crocheting, embroidering, knitting, macramé, needlepoint, rugmaking, sewing, and tatting. Fin

A unique source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in goldwork embroidery.

Embroidery has long been relegated to the work of women in the home, seen as mere decoration on tablecloths, curtains and men's clothing. The craft, despite its intricacies, has historically been perceived as an act of domestic labor rather than of creative talent. But in the 1960's and 70's, feminists utilizing needlework and embroidery started reclaiming their techniques as works of art.

From Thr

Master embroiderer Shuji Tamura shows how to create beautiful traditional Japanese embroideries using detailed illustrations and diagrams for more than 50 stitching techniques. Techniques and designs are presented with instructions for curves, angles, and texture. Metal threads are an integral part of the designs, creating stunning texture and depth.

Exquisite and timeless, the needlework portrayed in these guides promotes the Royal School of Needlework’s mission to keep the art of hand embroidery alive in the 21st century. Focusing on some of the oldest and most essential stitches and patterns, the books in this craft series are spiral-bound and lay flat on the table. Step-by-step photographic instructions on framing and transferring designs

Quilters, crafters, and embroiderers of all skill levels will be thrilled with these whimsical patterns from Australian designer Gail Pan. Featuring full-sized hand-embroidery designs, Patchwork Loves Embroidery is for anyone who wants to enjoy the relaxing hobby of putting needle to thread. Select from 15 patchwork and hand-embroidery projects, including wall hangings, table runners, totes, and f

This magisterial volume is a stunning labor of research and love by Gail Marsh, textile and knitwear authority and designer extraordinaire. Focusing on pre-World War II tools and techniques, and on the hand-embroiderers who used them--including famous names like Jessie Newbury, Ann Macbeth, Mrs. Foster, and more--Marsh draws extensively from the renowned RBKS Collection at Gawthorpe Hall, Lancashi

In the 19th century, the craft of embroidery became a pastime for ladies of leisure. This beautiful new book explores the shift from industry to hobby and how embroidery was crafted and displayed in the home. Each chapter is packed with a close look at the techniques that were used, detaileddrawings and unique photographs of original 19th century embroidered pieces. Interweaved into the book are s

“Millions will welcome this joyous event as a flash of color on the long road we have to travel.”—Sir Winston Churchill on the news of Princess Elizabeth’s forthcoming wedding

London, 1947: Besieged by the harshest winter in living memory, burdened by onerous shortages and rationing, the people of postwar Britain are enduring lives of quiet desperation despite their nation’s recent victory. Among t

Whimsical, beautiful embroidery motifs created by an avid gardener—stitch roses, bees, or whole garden scenes.

Kazuko Aoki has a unique talent for translating the beauty of the garden with needle and thread. By offering forty motifs, Aoki invites us to explore her gardens through embroidery. The forty motifs explore the roses and wildflowers that appear season to season, as well as the bees and but

Alongside the stitches are practical hints on using different threads and fabrics, tried and tested tips for the beginner and gorgeous projects using and combining the stitches described in the book. Common problems are solved and suggestions given on choosing and storing equipment, starting and finishing and the use of hoops and frames. More experienced embroiderers will find inspiration and idea

Important Note about PRINT ON DEMAND Editions: You are purchasing a print on demand edition of this book. This book is printed individually on uncoated (non-glossy) paper with the best quality printers available. The printing quality of this copy will vary from the original offset printing edition and may look more saturated. The information presented in this version is the same as the latest edit

Aneela Hoey offers basic instructions for simple stitches, along with a generous selection of original embroidery patterns.

This sequel to Lesley Wilkins' successful 'Beginner's Guide to Blackwork' offers a rich source of of new ideas and inspiration to embroiderers, whatever their skill level.

How to Embroider Almost Everything is an inspiring, fun, and sophisticated collection of 500+ stitch motifs from embroidery designer Wendi Gratz that offers a fresh new take on embroidery.
Get a detailed checklist of everything you’ll need to embark on your stitch journey: threads, needles, fabric, and more.
Find step-by-step tutorials for essential stitches and other techniques for creating the mot

“Nicholas...indulges her love of nature in this book devoted to needlework dragonflies formed from a variety of threads, beads, and delicate fabrics...projects for a ‘specimen box’ of nine dragonflies with general instructions for embroidery, construction, and mounting. The finished insects are quite beautiful and very lifelike...suitable for general arts and crafts collections.” —Library Journal.

Reveals not only the author's secrets of craft and artistry, but also the colourful and vital history behind the ancient art of silk embroidery in Korea, China, and Japan. She guides readers through the fundamentals of her craft, showing readers how to paint with a needle as artisans in East Asia have for millennia.

Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of wonderful designs - flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything - from what materials to use and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Patterns are created by small stitched units which are combined in many different ways - some heavily textured, some delicate and light

Nothing shows off beautiful stitching and embellishments like the blank canvas of a crazy quilt. Jenny Clouston's gorgeously illustrated primer shows you how to make your own heirloom crazy quilts. Learn which fabrics, threads, and needles to use; how to piece crazy quilt blocks; how to embroider with thread, ribbons, beads, and other embellishments; how to assemble your blocks into a finished qui

Annemieke Mein demonstrates how to combine embroidery, fabric painting and textiles to create an exciting sculptural medium.

'One of the most amazing, stimulating, visually perfect and beautifully presented books for a very long time.' -Sewing World

'...a stunning book which beautifully presents her textiles in words, sketches and photographs. Each page is a treasure to be studied and then studied a

Drawing inspiration from over 1200 years of history, this book provides a collection of 75 embroideries alongside sketches from the author's workbook. It includes full instructions for all techniques and stitches.

Fat, striped, cheshire, or grumpy, this books offers more than 300 embroidery stitch patters for cat lovers. Each set of patterns offers a range of ideas in different styles, shapes, genres from simple to more complex. A purrfect book for embroidery beginners or those looking for fun and simple patterns. Original designs and clear instructions make this book a must have for any embroidery enthusia

A comprehensive, expert guide to stumpwork embroidery, written by a graduate apprentice of the Royal School of Needlework.

Boho Embroidery is a book that details 20+ embroidery stitches that work well with hoop art that incorporates applique. It will visually inspire creativity with the goal of creating your own textile art that can be displayed in a hoop, or that can be applied "outside the hoop" and onto other objects.

This book includes instructions for 10 different embroidery stitches and discusses how to use color

The author reveals the secrets of embroidering a range of wildflowers, including poppies, mallows, cornflowers, rambling roses and the foxglove. Each chapter culminates in a masterclass project, and a colour template is provided for five designs, graded in difficulty.

The long awaited new book by Jacquie Carey detailing the stitches used in Elizabethan embroidery.

All stitches shown have been found on existing items from the period and presented with step-by-step instructions. Lovely color photographs and diagrams throughout.

Jacqui Carey is brilliant, a master of both embroidery and Japanese braiding and knotwork, bringing historical techniques to life for the m

“Trish Burr has painstakingly recreated blooms from the paintings of 19th century botanical artist Pierre Joseph Redoute in exquisite embroidery. Using only the simplest stitches, she provides instructions, illustrations and photo- graphs to take you step-by-step through stitching 17 beautiful buds—roses, lilies, birds of paradise, dahlias, magnolias and more. A gorgeous gift for anyone with a pas

This, the eighth book in the fantastically successful A-Z needlework series from Country Bumpkin Publications, has as much to offer, if not more than its predecessors. This newest release introduces you to the tradition that is crewel embroidery and its transformation into an art form that is still popular today. The book is a perfect introduction for beginners and a 'must have' for more experienc

Examples of medieval stumpwork

Flowers and embroidery have been inseparable on dress and furnishings from the age of Queen Elizabeth I up to the 20th century. This book, by the author of The Embroiderer's Garden, is an expression of a passion for flowers - their beauty, their history and their use in embroidery - and a pattern source book. The illustrations show the remarkable variety of style and technique used - canvaswork, b

Let one of the most accomplished and creative crewel and embroidery experts into you home to teach you the ABCs of these increasingly popular handicrafts. Just turn the pages of this encyclopedic handbook and you will find her precise explanations and clear illustrations on how to work 178 different stitches and their variations.
Logically organized for easy use, the book is divided into ten sectio

Embroiderers everywhere won’t find the time—they’ll make the time to create these delicate, artistic crewel and surface embroideries. The 16 achievable projects are challenging but not overwhelming, decorative but also practical, with pleasing color schemes and clear step-by-step instructions. The inspirational floral designs require the minimum number of stitches to create the exciting and impres

This classic book of embroidery stitch instructions shows more than 200 different stitches, many of them endangered ethnic types which have not been in print before. Many countries including France, Spain, India, Mexico, and the Orient are represented. Step-by-step diagrams and photographs of finished articles will inspire even a beginner.

An exquisite, full-color guide to sashiko, a simple Japanese stitching technique that uses stunning patterns to decorate or repair clothing, accessories, and home textiles.

Requiring no special equipment other than a sewing needle and thread, Make and Mend introduces the incredibly simple technique of sashiko--a striking hand-sewing method using a running stitch to form pleasing geometric pattern

From an iconic portrait of a young Elizabeth I to the many paintings of Charles I by Flemish master Anthony Van Dyck and the glamorous “Windsor Beauties” of the court of Charles II, sixteenth- and seventeenth-century portraiture has long been a source of great interest to costume historians. Given the scarcity of surviving garments, it also tells us most of what we know about Tudor and Stuart dres

A modern refresh of an age-old craft!

Author Libby Moore teaches basic embroidery stitches and how to choose materials, and shares original patterns with easy-to-remove perforated pages.

Thread Folk Includes:
• 15 embroidery projects
• Step-by step instructions & modern patterns
• 14 different stitches, from straight stitch to lazy daisy
• Techniques to stitch on clothes, shoes, tote bags, and pillows

Th

Here are more than 100 embroidery stitches to learn, all with step-by-step directions, grouped in stitch families. Includes 20 projects, a special techniques section covering crewelwork, beads, monograms and more, plus over 75 design motifs.

s/t: Photographs, Diagrams and Instructions for Over 260 Stitches
Embroidery is imaginative and individual, and adds grace, elegance, and style to clothes, bedcovers, furnishings, and wall hangings. Now you can use your imagination and make any piece uniquely yours with the 263 stitches presented in this book. A photograph of each stitch, along with a description of its main uses, easy-to-follow in

First published in Great Britain in 1999.

Perfect for beginners, this project guide features step-by-step instructions and stunning close-up photography for more than 30 flowers designs in a wide variety of styles. A comprehensive tutorial on techniques covers all of the basic skills needed to make beautiful ribbon flowers, including how to handle and work with ribbon, transfer a design to fabric using a template, and paint ribbons and ba

Dive into Laura's delightful world of embroidery and learn how to create small, free-form embroidery pieces that are alive with color and texture. With instructions for 21 embroidery stitches and 6 projects, all in Laura's signature colorful, whimsical style, you'll transform a flat, plain surface into a joyful, design-packed art piece. Stitch on wool, felt, or silk, and enjoy the simple pleasure

Your One-Stop Source for Crazy Quilting Know-How

From Victorian quilts to contemporary works of art, crazy quilting has evolved into a beautiful mixture of piecing, embroidery, and fabric techniques.

Crazy Quilting: The Complete Guide tells you everything you need to know to create your own beautiful heirloom crazy quilts, including:


10 different methods for piecing
More than 100 embroidery stitches f

This book is full of practical expertise on how to create beautiful goldwork embroideries, enhanced with silk embroidery, while conveying the history and tradition of goldwork down the years. There is detailed information about the threads and equipment needed, with clearly illustrated instructions and many hints and tips to help you achieve the best results.

Add dimension and luster to your sewing projects with 125 decorative bead embroidery and bead woven stitches! Embellish 8 stunning projects from bedazzled jewelry to wallhangings and a sewing caddy. Search both the complete visual guide (with stitches organized by type) and the A-to-Z stitch index for easy reference. A robust gallery of features beaded creations in a variety of skill levels, perfe

More and more sewists and quilters are adding embroidered details to their work. While there are a bevy of stitch dictionaries currently available, Bead Embroidery Stitch Samples goes beyond basic and traditional embroidery stitches to incorporate beads, allowing readers to create delicate and striking trims and embellishments.

Stitch patterns range from elegantly simple single motifs, to complex a

In medieval Europe, embroidered textiles were indispensable symbols of wealth and power. Owing to their quality, complexity, and magnificence, English embroideries enjoyed international demand and can be traced in Continental sources as opus anglicanum (English work). This sumptuously illustrated book draws on new research and detailed photography to offer an introduction to their design, producti

For the embroiderer who appreciates the value of beautiful stitches but also likes to break a few rules along the way, Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops is a refreshing new resource for both standard and out-of-the-box techniques.
Based on the popular classes Ringquist leads across the country, Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops teaches everything from the “proper” way to form a Frenc

In her first two Doodle Stitching books, Aimee Ray proved that doodling isn't just for paper anymore! Now she brings her irresistible art to a variety of embroidery techniques in a timeless resource for anyone with a needle and thread. Appealing to stitchers of all levels, the beautiful decorative stitches and techniques here include stumpwork, appliqué, Shisha, cutwork, and Sashiko. They're all p

There is nothing as beautiful as a wonderfully-worked embroidery design, either used to adorn clothing or as an embellishment on a home accessory. Now a new generation is rediscovering the pleasures of the centuries-old craft. Written for beginners and experts alike, Stitch-Opedia describes in detail hundreds of embroidery stitches. Each stitch is grouped into sections that include: canvas work, c

The appeal of ribbon embroidery is timeless and thousands of embroiderers have been captivated by its ease of use and fabulous results. Here you will find every stitch and technique fully explained with step by step photographs and clear instructions. Accomplished embroiderers have compiled advice on choosing ribbons, fabrics, needles and frames, as well as a host of other hints and tips. There ar

Through her unique combination of wool and cotton thread, designer Yumiko Higuchi reinvents traditional embroidery for modern makers. Simply Stitched includes 20 beautiful embroidery motifs, plus project and instructions. Use these stunning designs to create accessories, clothing, and home decor.

Enjoy classic embroidery motifs that are made new with fresh color combinations and incredibly textured

Embroidery Now is a stylish hand-embroidery guide for the modern maker. Author and textile artist, Jennifer Riggs, known on Instagram as @Threadhoney, walks you through the embroidery process. You'll learn about the materials included in the practice, nine different stitch techniques with illustrated step-by-step instructions, and 30 individual projects designed for you to use in your home and war

This comprehensive guide to bead embroidery features more than 30 stunning and versatile projects. With over 440 step-by-step photographs, it brings bead embroidery within the reach of anyone who can thread a needle. Find out how to work tambour beading, beadpoint, padded beading, how to handle sequins and bugle beads, and so much more. Discover the best tools for the task and learn to identify di

Globally recognized needlework expert and best-selling author Judith Baker Montano shares 180 stitches and 70 combinations in this must-have stitch guide featuring the best from Elegant Stitches and Floral Stitches. With even more traditional embroidery stitches, silk ribbon stitches, and crazy quilting combinations, this beautiful handbook has an updated section of free-form techniques for improv