The Embroidery Stitch Bible

First of all, the ORGANIZATION of the book is FABULOUS!It starts out with a 15-page "stitch selector" which includes color thumbnail photos of all the stitches covered. The stitches are separated into two groups: Stitches for Fabric and Stitches for Canvas. Within these, the author shows each one of the basic foundational stitches and 6 - 9 of the variations on that stitch, giving page numbers to go directly to those insructions.Next, is an Embroidery Essentials section, which goes through the basics of tools and materials. In this section, she does a great job of talking about the appropriateness of various tools and materials to a particular piece of work. For example, which needles to use for embroidery on silk fabrics, which fabrics are best used for freestyle embroidery and which for counted stitch work. Also here are instructions on marking a design on fabric, stabilizing fabric, working from and reading charts, how to create your own chart, and the basics on beginning and ending a stitch.Each section on the stitches themselves, begins with a photo of a sampler that includes the stitch and its variations covered. The mechanics of each stitch are illustrated and described, topped by a photo showing the stitched used in various ways (like variations on the variation). The author also talks about where and how the stitches are usually used. It's all very clear and easy to follow.There are over 100 pages devoted to the first section on stitches for fabrics, which includes 16 basic, foundational stitches and 6 - 9 variations on those. Over 50 pages are devoted to stitches for canvas, detailing 5 basic stitches and 6 - 9 variations. Over 200 stitches are fully illustrated, photographed and described.The last 50 or so pages are devoted to more information on various techniques such as cutwork, quilting, applique, counted stitch, freestyle embroidery, shadow work, how to finish off and display, etc.HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend this to the beginner who wants to teach themselves the basics of embroidery, to the more advanced needle worker who wants a good reference on over 200 stitches.

En general bastante comprensible su ilustración, me he apoyado de tutoriales por que no he entendido un par de puntadas. Bonito libro,ahora entiendo porque dan mucha referencia de él.

I haven’t used it yet but intend to very shortly. It appears the stitches are well laid out for me to follow and I can’t imagine that there’s anymore stitches to define. I’m really looking forward to using it.

Great resource book!

Lots of photos. Fantastic spiral bound book!! Before buying I had checked out this book from the library so many times that they wouldn't let me get it anymore. Bought one for myself and then one for my daughter-in-law. THE go-to reference!!!

There are many embroidery stitch dictionaries and encyclopedias, each with something special to recommend them. This has a good selection of basic and intermediate stitches with good photographs, illustrations and examples of the stitches used in projects. This book also includes a large number of needlepoint and canvaswork stitches, which is unusual, but the thing that really sets it apart is the fact that the book addresses the problems that left-handers have with the usual instructions. I am not left-handed but my mother is and that makes me aware of the issues left-handed people face.I had mom try some of the instructions and she rated them very good to excellent. Four out of five stars for the right-handed embroiderer but five out of five stars for lefties whose needs are rarely addressed.

I'm not quite sure what I expected, but this was not it.The book itself is beautifully spiral bound, which I love. There are tons of pictures and descriptions of every type of embroidery stitch and style. It's a great book!While it wasn't what I wanted (hence the 4 stars), I still think it is a worthwhile book to have.

Everything you will need to know, from gross beginner to accomplished achiever, is in this beautifully photographed and arranged encyclopedia of stitches. Book includes fabric consultation, needle size, and most effective threads to achieve each effect. Even if there is a design laid out for you, this book is thorough enough for you to maybe choose an alternate stitch to design your own effect. I'm not there yet, but the book inspires me to want to get good enough to do that!I highly recommend this book.

It arrived on time and in good condition.But the book is literally the best if your starting out and need a dictionary and guide for every stitch and term. This has the basics to the most complex looking embroidery but all explained through step by step imagery and directions. There is examples on doing it on fabric but also on canvas and cross stitch fabric... also some beading examples. There is a nice final chapter on how to do finishing touches such as making it into a display and framing your work.

I bought this for my Mum who absolutely loves it. She had borrowed a copy of this from the local library and enjoyed it so much she wanted a copy to keep. It is a good size and easy to use. It has a contemporary feel to the layout and colour scheme inside, which is quite refreshing, as it doesn't make you feel you are pursuing some fuddy duddy craft.My Mum loves hand embroidery and is very competent , but was amazed at the variety of stitches and techniques and has enjoyed using it to expand her knowledge. Stitches are clearly explained and easy to follow. Made me want to get my sewing box out when I had a look through it too!

Got this for myself, but also my daughter, I wanted to brush up on stitches not used for a while. However daughter not so sure of herself and this book as given her much needed confidence, due to its clear information of how to do each stitch.So a book for all levels.Ring bound also so easy to keep your page, so very pleased I got this.Thanks to Amazon for speedy delivery and excellent packaging also.

Product so far easy to follow and understand learn. Teachings in it are good and simply and well presented. Excellent selection of types of stitches. Only one thing misconstruable as which is correct thing to do in this book so far. That is excellent going for a instructional book.

It was not what I ordered so I wasn’t happy! Couldn’t cope with the hassle of returning it as I wanted to learn some new stitches now! The book itself is ok.