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Zakka Embroidery: Simple One- and Two-Color Embroidery Motifs and Small Crafts
Embrace a simpler approach to stitching with bold one- and two-color embroidery motifs
Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia.
The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more.
With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.
Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia.
The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more.
With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.
192 pages, Paperback
Published October 25, 2016
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271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 29, 2024
Lovely Yumiko Higuchi book. I have 6 of her books and none have disappointed. Obviously I’m a big fan and she has a lot of my money 😂.
About this book: it is on the minimalist side. The front cover states “simple one- and two-color embroidery motifs and small crafts, in the Zakka style.” Keep this in mind, if you are looking for new stitches or fancy tricks, this is not the book to buy. Her stitches in this book are beginner stitches with not much fancy loopdeedoos (is this a word??) It’s what she does with the stitches that warms my heart.
Also good to know: Higuchi’s cover design is consistent with the actual content of the book. I say this because I’ve bought books with amazing projects on the cover, only to find out that the cover shows the only amazing piece in the book. Yep this happens. Not naming names, but it’s a bummer when we pay good money for a one-hit-wonder. Not the case here, Higuchi is consistently awesome.
So, yes, what blows me away is what Higuchi does with her stitching: everything is clean and perfectly finished. Color and pattern combos are strategic and “just right.” Motifs are dainty yet bold (how does she do it??!). And so endearing: perfect for details on just about anything, like book marks, old pillowcases, backpacks, sneakers, your car seat, or whatever. It’s so much fun to embroider, especially the unexpected items.
Zakka embroidery is recognized typically by its sparse, organic, nature-inspired designs. It fuses the Scandinavian and Japanese styles, resulting in a minimalistic folklore blend, bold yet dainty and organic, just lovely. Actually most of this paragraph is written on the inside front cover (I paraphrased it), but just in case you are wondering what the bleep is Zakka, there you go. It’s one of my favorite, go-to embroidery styles.
I have to add here, I don’t have patience for huge projects, I love little things I can do in one sitting. Never gets boring. That’s me. If this is what you do too, then hey, keep reading:
Higuchi has a designer’s eye (and heart), no doubt. She is über strategic with color and pattern choices, as I’ve mentioned already, but must emphasize because she really rocks it. (In this book up to 3 colors when paired with the fabric color).
She knows how to place, balance, and execute her designed motifs, never crowding or underwhelming the space. Her work is timeless, like heirlooms, yet nothing feels dated! I sound like she is my relative and I’m selling her book. No, never met her, yet. Would love to, if you read this Ms Higuchi, take me to Japan and let’s play with colors.
Obviously I’m teasing, I am truly a fan of hers (I’ll share books by other artists I also follow, to give them love as well!!) As an artist I’m all for supporting other artists. It takes a village.
My background is in illustration and design and I have lived in Sweden, so perhaps I’m super biased when it comes to Zakka. And more than anything, I bought this book primarily for inspiration. Yes I embroider, but my collection of art books is diverse, all fantastic inspiration for my day to day design work as well as hobby projects. So I admittedly cannot speak for pattern copying. I don’t get too caught up on thread color numbers, I tend to eyeball and tweak things to make them my own. I want to disclose this, because if you are looking for a review from someone who’s followed Higuchi’s patterns to a T, then my review may not be helpful.
Cheers creating, can’t wait to read others’ reviews as well! ♥️♥️♥️
About this book: it is on the minimalist side. The front cover states “simple one- and two-color embroidery motifs and small crafts, in the Zakka style.” Keep this in mind, if you are looking for new stitches or fancy tricks, this is not the book to buy. Her stitches in this book are beginner stitches with not much fancy loopdeedoos (is this a word??) It’s what she does with the stitches that warms my heart.
Also good to know: Higuchi’s cover design is consistent with the actual content of the book. I say this because I’ve bought books with amazing projects on the cover, only to find out that the cover shows the only amazing piece in the book. Yep this happens. Not naming names, but it’s a bummer when we pay good money for a one-hit-wonder. Not the case here, Higuchi is consistently awesome.
So, yes, what blows me away is what Higuchi does with her stitching: everything is clean and perfectly finished. Color and pattern combos are strategic and “just right.” Motifs are dainty yet bold (how does she do it??!). And so endearing: perfect for details on just about anything, like book marks, old pillowcases, backpacks, sneakers, your car seat, or whatever. It’s so much fun to embroider, especially the unexpected items.
Zakka embroidery is recognized typically by its sparse, organic, nature-inspired designs. It fuses the Scandinavian and Japanese styles, resulting in a minimalistic folklore blend, bold yet dainty and organic, just lovely. Actually most of this paragraph is written on the inside front cover (I paraphrased it), but just in case you are wondering what the bleep is Zakka, there you go. It’s one of my favorite, go-to embroidery styles.
I have to add here, I don’t have patience for huge projects, I love little things I can do in one sitting. Never gets boring. That’s me. If this is what you do too, then hey, keep reading:
Higuchi has a designer’s eye (and heart), no doubt. She is über strategic with color and pattern choices, as I’ve mentioned already, but must emphasize because she really rocks it. (In this book up to 3 colors when paired with the fabric color).
She knows how to place, balance, and execute her designed motifs, never crowding or underwhelming the space. Her work is timeless, like heirlooms, yet nothing feels dated! I sound like she is my relative and I’m selling her book. No, never met her, yet. Would love to, if you read this Ms Higuchi, take me to Japan and let’s play with colors.
Obviously I’m teasing, I am truly a fan of hers (I’ll share books by other artists I also follow, to give them love as well!!) As an artist I’m all for supporting other artists. It takes a village.
My background is in illustration and design and I have lived in Sweden, so perhaps I’m super biased when it comes to Zakka. And more than anything, I bought this book primarily for inspiration. Yes I embroider, but my collection of art books is diverse, all fantastic inspiration for my day to day design work as well as hobby projects. So I admittedly cannot speak for pattern copying. I don’t get too caught up on thread color numbers, I tend to eyeball and tweak things to make them my own. I want to disclose this, because if you are looking for a review from someone who’s followed Higuchi’s patterns to a T, then my review may not be helpful.
Cheers creating, can’t wait to read others’ reviews as well! ♥️♥️♥️
November 2, 2016
Like others have already said, this book is a keeper for its beautifully artistic designs. As I easily feel cluttered, designs that use simplicity to showcase color combinations and subtleties of shape are a breath of fresh air. Higuchi's style allows one design to be the center point so that it can be fully appreciated, which is a nice contrast to the type of embroidery designs I usually see in craft stores.
I found these patterns easy to replicate (and cheap!) despite being a beginner. It was also obvious that my first attempt did not live up to the pictures, but they were inspiring enough to keep me going and I quickly noticed improvement. There are only 8 types of stitches used in this book, which contributed to ease of learning. I thought the repetition of the same stitch over and over in a pattern quite lovely.
All of the small sewing projects that showcase these patterns were things I would make to gift or use. One thing I greatly appreciate is that each pattern is made up of several smaller pieces. That way you can choose how much time you want to spend embroidering and do, say, one flower or a whole collection. They are also easily replicated on household items you would like to personalize (tea towel, canvas shoes, tote ect.), even if you don't want to do the small sewing projects.
For a full review and pictures visit The Willow Nook!
*Review copy courtesy of Roost Books*
I found these patterns easy to replicate (and cheap!) despite being a beginner. It was also obvious that my first attempt did not live up to the pictures, but they were inspiring enough to keep me going and I quickly noticed improvement. There are only 8 types of stitches used in this book, which contributed to ease of learning. I thought the repetition of the same stitch over and over in a pattern quite lovely.
All of the small sewing projects that showcase these patterns were things I would make to gift or use. One thing I greatly appreciate is that each pattern is made up of several smaller pieces. That way you can choose how much time you want to spend embroidering and do, say, one flower or a whole collection. They are also easily replicated on household items you would like to personalize (tea towel, canvas shoes, tote ect.), even if you don't want to do the small sewing projects.
For a full review and pictures visit The Willow Nook!
*Review copy courtesy of Roost Books*
May 24, 2016
This is a book filled with designs that are examples of stunning simplicity. The first section is filled with monochrome projects. The line design is creative and filled with so much style. The second part of the book is multi-colored designs. Again, the combination of design and color is really stunning and eye-catching. There is really something for everyone.
The rest of the book is filled with templates, instructions, and patterns that make it look easy enough for beginning embroiderers, but still creative enough for the more-skilled makers.
As I flipped through the projects, I found myself flipping faster and faster to see all of the wonderful designs/projects. I was torn because I wanted to savor every image and plan how I'd tackle each project (and who I'd give the gifts to), but on the other hand, I wanted to get to the end of the book so I could drop everything and immediately start.
This is a book I will use over and over. I can already imagine so many projects coming from between these pages.
The rest of the book is filled with templates, instructions, and patterns that make it look easy enough for beginning embroiderers, but still creative enough for the more-skilled makers.
As I flipped through the projects, I found myself flipping faster and faster to see all of the wonderful designs/projects. I was torn because I wanted to savor every image and plan how I'd tackle each project (and who I'd give the gifts to), but on the other hand, I wanted to get to the end of the book so I could drop everything and immediately start.
This is a book I will use over and over. I can already imagine so many projects coming from between these pages.
April 20, 2016
This book is just truly inspiring and incredible. The instant I opened it, I fell in love. She features her lovely and elegant embroidery patterns in projects that are both contemporary and classic, and I marveled at the perfect pairings throughout. Yumiko Higuchi's gorgeously photographed collection features a variety of patterns for the home, kitchen, handbags, and clothing, for both children and adults. Definitely makes me want to pick up a needle and get started. For the novice embroiderer, there are excellent and detailed instructions included for how to embroider, how to create all the stitches, how to keep your work neat, and how to prepare fabric. The expert embroiderer is sure to find inspiration in both the embroidery patterns and the ideas for their use. Highly recommended!!
July 15, 2016
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This gorgeous book is right up my alley. As a knitter, spinner, dyer, and formerly an avid sewist, I am always interested in other fiber and needle crafts. I've been drawn to single color embroidery lately and Yumiko Higuchi's designs and inspirational pictures make it easy to find a jumping in point. I can easily see myself using some of these designs on future knitting projects or to embellish kitchen towels, headbands, etc.
The instructions are fairly straightforward, especially if you've done any kind of sewing. The thicker lines of the designs make it easy to trace the pattern using a thin paper and then use transfer paper (aka chalk paper) on to your fabric.
This gorgeous book is right up my alley. As a knitter, spinner, dyer, and formerly an avid sewist, I am always interested in other fiber and needle crafts. I've been drawn to single color embroidery lately and Yumiko Higuchi's designs and inspirational pictures make it easy to find a jumping in point. I can easily see myself using some of these designs on future knitting projects or to embellish kitchen towels, headbands, etc.
The instructions are fairly straightforward, especially if you've done any kind of sewing. The thicker lines of the designs make it easy to trace the pattern using a thin paper and then use transfer paper (aka chalk paper) on to your fabric.
April 25, 2016
Zakka Embroidery shares simple one-and-two color embroidery Motifs that are simply elegant! Taking the patterns from nature, the author provides instructions to craft easy-to-make gifts for adults and children that should please everyone. I hope to be one of the first to purchase a personal copy and then, maybe one for the library, too. Thanks to Netgalley and Roost Books for providing this proof.
April 10, 2021
A useful and inspiring book on many levels. Although I haven’t worked any of the projects, they are all small, practical and achievable - a bit beyond most conventional embroidery projects. The best part, however, is the motifs themselves, so simple and elegant and endlessly applicable and adaptable. I have used a number of them and plan on using more.
The stitch instructions and suggestions are excellent.
The stitch instructions and suggestions are excellent.
December 19, 2017
I was afraid this book was going to be all "Japanese cute" but many of the designs are taken from nature and they are all rather wonderful in their simplicity.
October 22, 2020
Excellent book with gorgeous embroidery plans and instructions. I’m feeling totally inspired.
December 30, 2023
I absolutely love this guide in a way that I *thought* I would the book on Shashiko mending-- but I think Zakka Embroidery (a cross between Scandinavian and Japanese) is just presented better here.
The first half of the book is really lovely: photography of a pattern up close and then how it is used in a craft-- it's essentially shopping the finished product.
The second half of the book covers embroidery basics and craft techniques along with patterns and project instructions, that I think are made more approachable than in other books. Additionally, number 25 embroidery floss is perfectly fine to use, and the book explains how to choose an embroidery needle based off of the quantity of strands you're going to be using.
The projects don't seem to be beginner level items, instructions are brief and make assumptions about your skill level (ex: how transfer paper works.)
1-8, Contents & Introduction
9-51, One color embroidery
52-93, Two color embroidery
94-110, Embroidery basics & Craft Techniques
111-145, Embroidery Patterns
147-189, Project Instructions
The first half of the book is really lovely: photography of a pattern up close and then how it is used in a craft-- it's essentially shopping the finished product.
The second half of the book covers embroidery basics and craft techniques along with patterns and project instructions, that I think are made more approachable than in other books. Additionally, number 25 embroidery floss is perfectly fine to use, and the book explains how to choose an embroidery needle based off of the quantity of strands you're going to be using.
The projects don't seem to be beginner level items, instructions are brief and make assumptions about your skill level (ex: how transfer paper works.)
1-8, Contents & Introduction
9-51, One color embroidery
52-93, Two color embroidery
94-110, Embroidery basics & Craft Techniques
111-145, Embroidery Patterns
147-189, Project Instructions
August 1, 2017
I love how serenity just leaps from the pages of this wonderful book.
Set in two parts, the first for one color embroidery and the second for two color embroidery, the projects are far from what you might think boring.
These rather effective and beautiful projects from flowers and insects to sailboats and birds, brighten up any garment or bag.
Yumiko is amazing at what she does and her book is filled with ideas. Along with a stitch guide, patterns and templates, this is a book that I think every stitcher will love.
It will be inspirational for beginners and a perfect gift for advanced level sewists.
It is a cute size book with 191 pages of color pictures just crying out to be brought to life. These simple and gorgeous designs will keep me a happy crafter for a long time.
Set in two parts, the first for one color embroidery and the second for two color embroidery, the projects are far from what you might think boring.
These rather effective and beautiful projects from flowers and insects to sailboats and birds, brighten up any garment or bag.
Yumiko is amazing at what she does and her book is filled with ideas. Along with a stitch guide, patterns and templates, this is a book that I think every stitcher will love.
It will be inspirational for beginners and a perfect gift for advanced level sewists.
It is a cute size book with 191 pages of color pictures just crying out to be brought to life. These simple and gorgeous designs will keep me a happy crafter for a long time.
August 18, 2017
An adorable little book, and I do mean literally, it's a pleasure to hold and skim through. I loved the idea of single and two color embroidery but I felt like the book is too rooted in the zakka, cute Japanese aesthetic. Single color embroidery could be very impactful and I suppose I was missing what could be done in arenas other than collars and pinafores, projects I'll never replicate. While I appreciate the projects and patterns found here, none of them were something I'd ever try or use.
May 17, 2021
Lovely contemporary embroidery designs using just one or two colors that result in sophisticated and/or charming designs. The stitch instructions were not the clearest, but that’s why we have YouTube. I have not tried the complete projects, turning the embroidered cloth into purses, aprons, and other items. Overall the instructions for the projects seem to require some familiarity with sewing patterns, especially working with linings. A good addition to a crafting library.
April 15, 2018
Lovely, and very simple. This would make an excellent introductory book, and the patterns are fantastic for a variety of levels. I would have loved to see a few more stitches used throughout the book, but the resulting projects have a very tidy, streamlined style with smaller vocabulary of stitches. I also really enjoyed the colorsense of the projects here.
April 11, 2021
delightfully simple looking motifs and patterns; pulled out my embroidery materials while reading it and found 3 unfinished projects that are now set to be done. Thanks for the motivation Yumiko and the clever ideas.
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April 18, 2021Yumiko Higuchi is very popular among embroidery aficionados and in this book, she has used simply one or two colors to use in her patterns. This allows the embroidery beginner to feel and see the beauty of using simple stitches to create fantastic designs.
June 11, 2024
I'm more torn on this one so we'll go with 3.5 stars and round up. The patterns are cute and simple, but the instructions left me wanting more. It could be how my brain works, but the diagrams didn't work for me.
June 30, 2017
Loved that book - the design looks cute and modern and not impossible to achieve - definitely need to borrow again so that I can have a go at some of the motifs.
August 28, 2017
Lovely little book. Has the how-to info, but focuses on the inspirational pictures.
March 7, 2018
I loved this book. Not only are the designs very appealing, they're also easy to do, simply explained and wonderfully created. I cannot wait to try a few.
June 15, 2018
So pretty!
November 10, 2018
Wonderful and inspiring, can't wait to see if I can pluck up the courage to have a go!
July 30, 2019
I sense a new hobby coming on...
Having only done cross stitch as a child, I now want to do all the projects in this book. Eek!
Having only done cross stitch as a child, I now want to do all the projects in this book. Eek!
June 24, 2022
There are some inspiring designs in this book, noting it to refer back to later.
January 27, 2023
The patterns were simple, well done, and the presentation is lovely. The instructions were good. One of the better embroidery books that I've recently read.
February 17, 2023
I liked it, just not enough to want to purchase it.
April 15, 2025
Adorable and simple designs well-executed. I like the way they showed each as a finished piece and then as a finished project (bags, aprons, etc.).
March 22, 2017
Fantastic resource with gorgeous designs and thorough, easy to follow instructions.
March 21, 2017
Simple and beautifully designed motifs
March 4, 2017
A lovely book of designs which are simple, modern and stylish. There are many projects, showing the use of embroidered motifs on different types of crafts such as clothing, bags, homewares and much more. I must say I had never heard the term 'Zakka' before, but nevertheless this book is well worth a look for anyone interested in textile and needlecrafts. Ideal for both beginner and more advanced stitchers, there are easy step by step instructions and templates to follow.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher in return for a review.
An advance copy was provided by the publisher in return for a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews