Sewing World
Add variety to every needlework project with this treasury of techniques, containing more than 145 new stitches. Combined with the original A-Z of Embroidery Stitches, this book completes a comprehensive dictionary of embroidery stitches and techniques. It offers every embroiderer a perfect way to add variety and interest to every new stitching project. Step-by-step photographs make it easy to learn and historical insights and beautiful embroideries add to the inspiration.
Stitch
September 2015
Newly published as a Search Press Classic, the subtitle '145 NEW stitches to add to your repertoire' sells this book short. One of its biggest strengths is its detailed information about subjects not normally covered in such depth. For example do you know the difference between S twist and Z twist embroidery threads? Or why it's important to mark the 'flat spot' on an embroidery hoop? Ever struggled to differentiate between a milliner's needle and a sharp darner once removed from the pack in which they were so helpfully labelled? You'll find the forensic-style photography and text given to these most essential tools of the embroider's trade invaluable. These pages are sprinkled with delicious images of vintage sewing ephemera, but this is no mere nostalgia fest. Fibres new to the market such as soy and bamboo are covered, with useful guidance on how to select the best thread for the job- particularly welcome when the choice is overwhelming but funds limited. Plus, of course, there are those 145 new stitches from across the world and across time. The range of edging stitches such as beaded Hedebo. Antwerp and Armenian are ideal for customising a simple cardigan. A worthwhile investment, for new or more experienced embroiderers.
Popular Patchwork
August
A good embroidery stitch handbook is a very useful tool for quilters and patchworkers and this is an exceptionally comprehensive and complete pretty edition to any sewer'[s bookshelf. There is a fantastic level of detail in both the text and in the wonderful step-by-step photography, which clearly shows you exactly how each stitch is constructed. There is much interest here; even experienced embroiderers will learn something new from this excellent guide. The variety of stitches is incredible and includes many interesting designs from around the world, far beyond the usual commonly known stitch library. The 'Getting Started' section is also worth a read, as this is also more in depth than usual, featuring for example, illustrations of the effect of thread twist on different stitch styles.
Karen Platt Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk/crafts
June 2015
Adding even more stitches to your embroidery repertoire, this book contains 145 new stitches. They are easy to learn with the step-by-step photographs in this book. Aimed at all levels from beginners to experienced stitchers looking to add new ideas to their work. Historical insights and examples of work are given. Clear and easy to use. Very comprehensive and a good addition to a stitch library.
Mary Corbet's Needle 'n' Thread
Embroidery Stitch Dictionaries are handy books to have on your shelf, if youre a die-hard embroidery fanatic.
Even if you only dabble in hand embroidery as an occasional hobby, youll never be sorry you have a stitch dictionary or two at hand they are wonderful reference tools to have on hand, especially when you want to expand your stitching horizons a bit.
One of my favorite series of how-to books for embroidery is the A-Z series, which used to be published by Country Bumpkin, but is now (as of 2014) published by Search Press.
Today, I want to show you one of their stitch dictionaries A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2. Its a terrific stitch dictionary for stitchers wishing to increase their stitching repertoire.
As the title suggests, this is the second A-Z book on embroidery stitches. The first one, A-Z of Embroidery Stitches , is excellent, too, but I especially like this second one because it delves into stitch combinations, variations, and so forth that are not as commonly seen as those stitches found in the first book.
A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2 features over 145 embroidery stitches, variations, and combinations, each shown in detail with step-by-step photos of the actual stitch in progress.
The book begins with a long index of the stitches included within!
Before the stitching instructions begin, in the front of the book youll find some excellent information for the embroiderer. For example, there are several pages devoted to needles used in embroidery, including what types are used for what, and a page of actual sized photos of the various types of needles. How many times have you wondered if youre using the right needle for your work? Or which needle to choose before you start? This is a great resource that helps answer those questions!
Theres a good section on using an embroidery hoop, binding a hoop, and keeping your work clean excellent information for beginners and beyond.
But the real meat of the book, of course, is in the instructions. The step-by-step photos of the various stitches are what make the book perfect for learning.
Besides regular surface embroidery stitches, youll find some ribbon embroidery techniques included throughout the book
and in this particular book, youll find lots of interesting composite stitches, filling stitches, and stitch variations.
A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2 has been on the market for a while Im not reviewing a new book here! but since lately Ive found myself returning to it over and over again for stitch ideas, I thought it would be a good one to review. Combined with the first A-Z of Embroidery Stitches , these two books make up a very thorough resource for embroidery stitch instruction.
If youre looking for a good stitch dictionary that will allow you to add some variety to your stitches, you cant go wrong with this book.
