The Embroidery Stitch Bible

by Betty Barnden

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, including outlines, filling stitches, isolated stitches, motifs, edgings, hems, insertions, flat stitches, backgrounds, and textures. Concealed spiral binding allows embroiderers to read and practice simultaneously.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Sewing

256 pages, Spiral-bound

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

BETTY BARNDEN is the author of 200 Knitting Tips, Techniques & Trade Secrets and is an experienced needlecraft designer. Betty has designed hundreds of knitting patterns for various companies and her knitwear, embroidery, and crochet designs have appeared in many magazines. She also designs embroidery projects and kits.

Reviews

[Leaflet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was trying to teach myself embroidery stitches from the internet - and I found some good sites for that - but something about sitting with needle in hand while peering at a glaring computer screen just didn't appeal to me. Thus, the purchase of this handy little book. Spiral-bound so it lies flat.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best guide to stitches I've seen. The photos are excellent, and the instructions and diagrams are very helpful.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over 100 different stitches for embroidery plus stitches for Canvas work. There is a nice index at the front of the book, categorized by stitch type, i.e. satin stitches, line stitches, chain stitches, etc. with pictures so you can browse for the stitch you want, then go to the designated page to find the directions. It will be awhile before I learn every stitch.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A go to! Beautiful photos and clear instructions.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of embroidery stitches! Have to get started embroidering immediately!

[Chocolategoddess · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really handy book. The contents page has thumbnails of each of the stitches, which is a great visual guide for when you're wondering what stitch would work on your project. The rest of the book details how to do each of the stitches. It'd be better (but also really, really big) if there were step-by-step diagrams, but the instructions are good enough, and you can always search for a video online if you're confused.

There's also a handy section at the end talking about ways to use the stitches in different types of embroidery like Assisi, goldwork, blackwork, freestyle etc. I'm familiar with most of them but I found a few tips I hadn't seen before!

I'm definitely going to be using this a lot so I'd better make space on my shelf right next to my desk ...

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great reference and a keeper. Since the hard to find Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches by Reader's Digest only seems to be findable at the library, this book is a great, handy, usable substitute.

[Nitrorockets · Rating 5 out of 5]

One book that a needle crafter should have. Great pictures clear instructions all you need to create the various embroidery stitches to create fabulous things.

[Shanon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm going to be sad when it comes time to return this to the library. One of the few stitching books I plan on buying.

[Jennifer Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

embroidery; fabric usage

[Lily C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference to many stitches helpful colourful diagrams.

[Nicolle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Small, handy reference. I probably wouldn't recommend it for brand-new beginners, but it's nice book to have for just about any level skill.

[Terelyn Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this book! I teach a basic embroidery class and this is one of the two books I use as a reference.