Embroidery: Techniques & Patterns

by Marie-Noelle Bayard, Place des Editeurs

More than 100 stitches, organized by type and illustrated in close-up color photographs, plus a host of patterns and techniques, make this the ultimate luxurious reference for embroiderers. It’s comprehensive and a superb value, filled with ideas for creating a variety of looks, highlights, and ornamental elements. In detail, it covers selecting the best textiles, preparing the fabric, and choosing the tools. There’s also a complete “Embroiderer’s ABCs” to start beginners off. Featuring such lovely stitches as the daisy, feather, and fishbone outline—all presented in simple steps—these beautiful projects range from Jeweled Buttons to a charming Advent Calendar.

Genres: Nonfiction, Crafts

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book probably features all the different possible kinds of embroidery stitches that have ever existed! There are so many; from the basic backstitch and stem-stich to complicated but beautiful ones like the "woven overcast bar with spider stitch" and the "self-padded satin stitch". There are enough techniques in this book to have something to practice for a lifetime, but there all well explained, step by step and illustrated with colour photos. I am seriously thinking of buying this book because I think it will be something I will want to refer to over and over again, and it's really great to have all the different kinds of stitches explained in one book. All the stitches are grouped by family, and at the end of each family there is a project featuring their respective kinds of stiches, but it wasn't always specified exactly which stitch was used and that was confusing because my inexperienced eye cannot easily recognize them all. Most of the projects weren't my style anyways, which is I why I give if a 4 instead of 5, but if you are looking for a book on embroidery techniques, this is really helpful.

Also, a note to self: the spider-web stitch, which looks super beautiful with ribbon to make roses, looks kind of weird with embroidery floss. Or is it just me?

[Ami · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent collection of embroidery stitches, organized by stitch "family". The instructions were easy enough to follow once I got started, but I sort of had a major gripe with the photographs. The stitches in the photos are very small, and are similar colors for thread & fabric. The labeling of A, B, C, etc for entry & exit of the needle were helpful, but I wish there were better photos of, say, stem stitch than tiny little pink stitches on pink fabric. Harumph.

[Kelly (Maybedog) · Rating 3 out of 5]

The instructions for stitches are pink on pink. Seriously? Is this so people won't photocopy pages in black and white? Or maybe on a color copier it wouldn't work well? Oh and then there's blue on blue and green thread on green (with some gold to show second steps), and gold on cream. Well if anyone has poor eyesight, this is not the book for them.

It's organized by types of stitches with projects following each one. But the instructions for the projects feel more like suggestions than anything useful. For example, the entire entry for embroidering cloth and using it to cover a box lid, is all of 14 sentences. It's so weird to have an book that is for people new to the craft that has no real instructions for projects.

I want to give the instructions for stitches, and for having so many projects that utilize those stitches, five stars. I want to give -5 stars for forcing monocolor instructions on me and the terrible instructions for the projects.

[Bekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been causually looking for a good embroidery technique book and have found it!!!! This is the best book I've seen yet- though that doesn't mean there isn't a better one- but I really liked this one. The book contains SOOOO many stitches, great photos and pretty clear instructions. The book is going back to the library, but at some point I want to try some more complicated embroidery and I now have a text to turn to. So- for all you embroidery fanatics out there- here you go- and for the rest- well hopefully you aren't even reading this. :)

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Contains photographic step-by-step instructions for stitches such as the stem, chain, Daisy, herringbone,and encroaching satin stitch as well as all not needed for embroidery. It has stitches I've never even heard of! This is a perfect go-to reference for any sewer.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty comprehensive book on Embroidery. Good instructions on types of stiches. A great reference book.

[Jakeyfatdog · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fab book with loads so stitches clearly explained. I had to return my copy to the library so I ordered it on amazon.

[Nora · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I need to buy a copy of this one to keep. ;)

[Cynthia Siira · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. It had all the information I needed and then some! Directions and illustrations are easy to understand.

[Miss · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent reference book.