Stitch Sampler: The Ultimate Visual Dictionary to Over 200 Classic Stitches

by Lucinda Ganderton

Combines both traditional and contemporary techniques with photographs of basic equipment and technique demonstration.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Sewing

160 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Lucinda Ganderton is a talented and highly successful writer, designer and stylist. Having studied Fine Art Textiles at Goldsmiths College, London, she then worked as a producer and art director in video and TV production. From there she turned to writing and has now written or contributed to over 20 books on crafts, interiors and textiles, including The Encyclopedia of Stitches (published by New Holland), Vintage Fabric Style, Creating Your Perfect Wedding and Instant Expert Beading. She also contributes regularly to leading craft and lifestyle magazines. She lives in London with her husband and young son.

- Paper Plus

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent visual guide to both basic and more advanced embroidery stitches. Has a useful stitch gallery at the front to quickly find the ones you're interested in, and each stitch has very clear instructions, with contrasting coloured step by step pictures to guide you through.

[Katharine Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good, I found a copy via Amazon.

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘The art of embroidery has been defined simply as the ornamentation of textiles with decorative stitchery.’

In this book, Lucinda Ganderton provides a clearly illustrated, step by step guide to over 200 decorative and practical stitches. A copy of this book has been part of my reference library for almost ten years, and I refer to it whenever I am looking for a decorative stitch for a particular purpose or when I need to remind myself exactly how to work a particular stitch.

‘It is an ancient craft which encompasses a wealth of history, and the same stiches are used by embroiderers throughout the world.’

After a section entitled ‘How to Use This Book’, this book contains six chapters. The first chapter covers the equipment, threads and fabrics used for stitchery, and the different techniques involved. This is followed by a library of the 234 stitches featured within the book, with the page reference to the instructions for each particular stitch.

For example: Back Stitch Rings (p102). Turn to page 102 for pictures of how to work the stitch, advice on what it is useful for and the method used and materials required to work this intermediate level stitch. I could have really used this book when I was attempting my first French knots!

The stitches are organised into four categories:
Line and Border Stitches
Filling Stitches
Openwork Stitches
Needlepoint Stitches

The colour illustrations for each stitch are clear and uncluttered, and there is an illustration of the completed stitch as well.
I most recently referred to this book for decorative border stitches for some applique I’m attempting. The only problem I have is that there are so many different stitches to choose from: an entire world of possibilities.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Georgia Ruocco · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is an encyclopedia of stitches. Great reference.

[C Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all the embroidery books I've read, I think this is my favorite. I love how all the stitches have examples in one place that so you can easily find exactly the look you want. It doesn't quite have all the fancy/difficult stitching an embroidery expert might be after, but for someone just starting out that wants examples of what the stitches look like this is the best.

[Aurora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is very much benificial if you are an embroidery lover.. It has over 100 colourful and vivid illustrations of various stitches with details of how they are done which are just amazing ♥… Hope this book will inspire you to learn and create beautiful pieces of embroidery..
Read, practice and be creative :)

[Mary D · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous reference book for those of is who love to stitch. The pictures and diagrams are clear, simple and extremely helpful. It is a treasure of a book. I would have given it 5 stars if it had included pictures and diagrams for left-handed stitchers; then it would have been a perfect book.

[Lorraine Nother · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wxcellent resource with clear images and instructions.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is excellent reference book for beginners and advanced embroiderers. The basics are explained but most of the book is dedicated to explaining the techniques for some 200 definite stitches.

[Janalee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pictures and instructions for every stitch you can imagine. A must have for the embroider's bookshelf.

[Lindsay Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a helpful guide! Full color photos and great step-by-step instructions for accomplishing every stitch you can imagine. Best reference I’ve seen.