Library Journal USA
Appliqué is most closely associated with quilting, but the technique of applying fabrics on top of one another is also used in fashion sewing and embroidery. In this guide to artistic appliqué, Cross, an instructor at the UKs Royal School of Needlework, presents tutorials on the basic layering of fabric, and delves in to embellishing and adding dimension to decorative embroidery. Three guided projects allow embroiderers to practice their appliqué skills; the lessons throughout the book also lend themselves to the creation of original works. VERDICT Art quilters and embroiderers interested in exploring appliqué techniques will benefit from the detailed information found in this guide
Workshop on the Web
This new book in the RSN (Royal School of Needlework) series looks at appliqué techniques. It is approached from a traditional stitching point of view but combines illustrated techniques with a series of projects so that you are able to take a hands-on approach.
East Kent Embroiderers Guild
Kate is a RSN graduate and teacher and presents this, her first book, as a complete guide to the subject. She explores the history of applique then details the materials and tools required, continuing with a comprehensive explanation to the basic techniques. Kate has included two projects giving both the beginner and the more experienced sewer an opportunity to experiment with the methods and techniques and to take their ideas forward to create a unique piece of work. An excellent book for all embroiderers.
Sandra Hooson
What more can you ask for; a book to inspire you whether a beginner of applique or someone who's done a bit but wants to gain more confidence, skills and inspiration! Techniques explained not just in 'pictures' so you can see what your 'go' should look like but simple and clear written instructions step by step of each skill/stitch or technique. The Inspiration chapter will certainly inspire you to recreate your version or just have the confidence and ability to design your own applique projects. To top it all off you get a brief insight into the history and Introduction into the art of Applique plus a brief resume of The Royal School of Needlework. Having had a brief encounter with my own version of applique which wasn't brilliant! I'm now looking forward to creating a piece of applique using techniques gained from this book and knowing when completed it hopefully will be stunning and admired by family and friends!
Brenda Amberge
I was so pleased to see this latest book from the RSN series larger than previous ones. This is an amazing book extremely well written and easy to follow. It contains a wealth of information covering the RSN, the History of Applique, embroidery stitches and a page illustrating different types of needles and their uses. The quality of photography is excellent and much enhanced by the larger book size. I would have no hesitation in recommending this book to an absolute beginner or someone who wishes to brush up on skills because it is so inspirational.
Mary Corbett's Needle 'n Thread
Appliqué is a needlework technique that involves adding smaller fabric shapes onto a larger piece of fabric, usually in some kind of ornamental way.
While we often hear the term appliqué in association with quilting, its also a technique thats closely associated with embroidery. Some embroidery books out there address the very basics of appliqué, but finally, theres a new book on the market that delves very (and I mean very ) thoroughly into appliqué as it pertains to hand embroidery.
The book is called Appliqué: Techniques, Projects & Pure Inspiration , a Royal School of Needlework book by Kate Cross and published by Search Press.
If I had to pick one word to describe this book, it would be thorough . It is a Gem of a Book, full of precise, clear instruction, plenty of inspiration, and some nice projects to get you started in pursuing the wonders of appliqué with embroidery.
Unlike the previous books in the RSN Essential Stitch Guide series, Appliqué is a larger book, and it covers more than just the basics to get you started in the technique.
Its a book thats suitable for beginners who have never tried appliqué in embroidery, as well as for advanced embroiderers who want to take their embroidery to another level.
In a Nutshell
Its been a long time since Ive been as impressed with an instructional book as I am with this book. Sure, Ive reviewed a lot of project books that are terrific but when it comes to really detailed, comprehensive instruction, this book tops the charts in recently published instructional needlework books.
After reading it cover to cover, I didnt find anything that was vague. It covers everything you need to know about the subject, and then some. Its a really good book, and if you have any interest in adding the kind of dimension to your embroidery projects that appliqué affords, then this is definitely an instructional book you want on your shelf!
Especially for folks who are interested in ecclesiastical embroidery, embroidery from the 17th century and other historical periods, goldwork and other metal thread embroidery, the book is a must!
Full review: http://www.needlenthread.com/2016/08/rsn-applique-book-review.html
Jo Udall
A great book for ideas and techniques.
Kaiserin Maggs
This book starts off with a simple introduction to the history of needlework and how people have used it through the ages. It has full colour, clear images through out with some fantastic ideas to inspire you. My favourite applique picture is on p9 - the underwater picture! The many, many photo tutorials are clear and concise with plenty of images in case you get stuck. There is a contents page, a glossary and an index. There are even fantastically useful pages where you can learn different types of stitches and knots to improve your work further. I liked their pages on different types of needle - I didn't know there were so many different types! It has lots of information available, even for the beginner applique sewer. The book has a list of books at the back in case you would like further information on the subject and even gives the web addresses of places where you can buy supplies. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and have taken quite a few ideas on how I can improve my own sewing work further. Ten out of ten, well worth a read.
Naomi Clarke
This book begins with the history of the Royal School of Needlework before moving onto the history of appliqué itself which is fascinating. It then takes you through a process which invites you to consider the range of materials, threads, tools, fabrics, colours and designs that you may use. Whilst the title states the book is about appliqué it extends so much further and provides a really comprehensive guide to a range of appliqué techniques as well as other stitches and textile processes that can be used in and of themselves as well as in combination with appliqué. All in all this is a well written, clearly set out and easy to follow book which is both informative and inspirational so I would highly recommend it.
Natalie Morrison
This book is beautiful. It's photo's, clear descriptions and factual text really make you interested. This is a new craft for me to learn and this book has really helped. I'm looking forward to taking part in some of the workshops run by the Royal School of Needlework because if this book is anything to go by, then I'm going to learn SO much. A true treat
Nicci Elizabeth Jedrzejczak
An absolutely fantastic book, especially for leaners or those wanting to scrub up on their techniques.
Tara Morris
This book has given me loads of inspiration and really handy tips for starting off and getting projects off the ground.
Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk
It is good to see the RSN books get a larger format. Applique is a much bigger subject than many would imagine - if you think of it as animal and flower shapes sewn onto quilts or bags, take a look at this book. It explores the subject fully. Starting with the illustrated introduction and history, followed by materials and techniques, you'll learn all you need to know about applique. It includes unusual aspects of the craft such as working with sheer fabrics. The techniques and two projects have step by step instructions and photos. Discover inspirational galleries of completed works by different artists. There is also a stitch dictionary at the back of the book. Recommended.
