Introduction
Stitch selector
Embroidery essentials
The stitch collection
Stitches for fabric
Line stitches
Chain stitches
Blanket stitches
Crossed stitches
Feather stitches
Satin stitches
Couching stitches
Laid filling stitches
Detached stitches
Raised stitches
Woven stitches
Insertion stitches
Smoking stitches
Drawn thread stitches
Pulled stitches
Stitches for trimmings
Stitches for canvas
Diagonal stitches
Straight stitches
Crossing stitches
Composite stitches
Loop and pile stitches
Working practice
Counted thread techniques
Freestyle embroidery techniques
Canvaswork techniques
Finishing touches
Glossary, index and credits
Betty Barnden is a freelance needlecraft designer who studied furniture design at the Royal College of Art (where she made her first tubular knitted chairs). Betty has designed knitting patterns for companies such as Sirdar, Patons, Jaeger and King Cole. Her knitwear, embroidery and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines over the years, and she has also designed embroidery projects and kits. Betty regularly contributes to Sewing World magazine.
A beautiful and comprehensive book with great illustrations and
explanations. What more could you need? Excellent!
*Customer review*
Comprehensive directory of stitches with clear photographic
reference and easy-to-follow diagrams. 200 embroidery stitches in
all for cross or chain stitch, couching, canvas work, laid work,
drawn thread work and decorative stitches. They are arranged
according to use. This book should be on every embroiderer's
bookshelf. It is particularly useful to beginners or those wishing
to enlarge their knowledge of stitches and expand their embroidery
work. There is a stitch selector and embroidery essentials.
Alternative names for the stitch are given where known as well as
usage and notes. The front cover says 'pages lay flat for ease of
working' - this is incorrect - the pages do not lay flat. This book
has been previously published and is an updated edition.
*Karen Platt*
Expand your enjoyment of embroidery by learning over 200
stitches. Whatever your preferred style or fabric there is a
stitch for it and this larger format reissue of the 2003 original
is an essential resource for all levels of embroiderer. Although a
total beginner might be daunted by the sheer number of stitches,
they could learn all the basics (and more) from this useful
book. As well as the stitches there are sections on all the
essential topics from what you need to start through to choosing
fabrics, working from charts, using a hoop and finishing off.
Turn to the back for a short section looking at various types of
embroidery, both freestyle and canvas. Each short description
contains photographs and diagrams to whet the appetite, plus lists
of stitches associated with the style and a brief history.
The bulk of the book is given to the stitches themselves, which are
divided into two sections (fabric and canvas) and helpfully
showcased at the front in a stitch selector. The stitches are
grouped in families eg line, chain, blanket, smocking, loops,
pulled etc which makes searching for a stitch suitable for a
particular effect or style easier. Each stitch is shown
photographed, and then how to work it is shown in one or more
colored diagrams. These are very clear because they are drawn
with the thread a contrasting color to the background, which also
contrasts with the white page. They are also large enough to
be easily seen, and backed up with written instructions. At
the base of the page the stitch’s uses are given, plus any
notes. There is an index at the back, and a page showing more
embroidery books by Search Press so you can take your knowledge
further. There are no patterns or projects but this is not
that type of book; instead this is one you will never finish
working through which is suitable for every level of
embroiderer. Highly recommended.
*myshelf.com*
This is one of my absolute favorite stitch dictionaries. It’s
really good! I love the layout of the book and the instructions. I
like the clarity of the diagrams, I like the samples of the
stitches, I like the various information about the stitches,
including alternate names and so forth. I also like the way the
stitches are categorized and the “visual” table of contents. It’s
just a great stitch dictionary to have on your shelf!
*needlenthread.com*
Probably the most comprehensive embroidery book I've seen. Really
well illustrated, each stitch has photos as well as diagrams, which
I find very helpful. Also shows finishing techniques and a
description of various embroidery styles. If you only buy one book
on embroidery, this should be it!
*Customer review*
This is a fab book. I can't put it down! As a beginner to
embroidery, and student at a creative textile class, this is
invaluable. All types of embroidery is covered and when you find
the areas you are really interested in, the instruction is clear,
detailed and easy to follow, not just a brief overview. The
photographs are inspiring and tempting to try. Looking forward to a
2018 full of new stitching ideas!
*Customer review*
What a beautiful, colourful book. It shows the stitches in an easy
to follow format and is a great addition to any embroiders
collection. The book covers different aspects of work including
canvas,cross stitching and even shows you how to complete projects.
I am very pleased with this book and sure it will be well used.
*Customer review*
Lovely book. Clear photos, good charts and written instructions for
each stitch so whichever method you prefer, you’ll have no problem
replicating the examples.
Well organised into different types of stitches - canvas work,
fabric embroidery etc.
Makes me feel much more confident about picking up my needle again
after many years.
*Customer review*
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