The Hand-Stitched Surface: Slow Stitching and Mixed-Media Techniques for Fabric and Paper

by Lynn Krawczyk

“Improvisational hand-stitching lies at the heart of Krawczyk’s collection of embroidery projects . . . The overall style is loose and free-wheeling.” —Library JournalAdd new color and flair to your home with hand-stitching projects! Written by noted surface designer Lynn Krawczyk, The Hand-Stitched Surface offers inspiring techniques and beautiful projects for creating richly layered mixed-media surfaces on paper and fabric. It’s a fast world we live in; it’s important to remember to slow down and savor your handiwork, and hand-stitching is the perfect craft for that.After Krawczyk gives you an overview of tools and supplies you’ll be using, she will move you into a section on stitching essentials which covers a range of basic stitches and how they can be modified.You will learn the following Mixing thread weights for textural effectsUnique ways to create patterns for hand stitchingExploring colorTips and tricks for improvisational stitchingAnd much more! The fifteen keepsake-quality projects are perfect for the times when you feel you need to disconnect from the modern world and enjoy a quieter, more meditative hobby.“Delightful.” —The Papercraft Post

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Crafts, Sewing, Reference

135 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2017

Reviews

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book did a good job of providing information about hand stitching using basic stitches on either fabric or paper. In the section on materials and tools for stitching on fabric, it was difficult in some cases to match the fabrics described in the text to the ones in the accompanying picture. Also, even though the author does not use embroidery hoops to stitch, a lot of people like them and are unable to stitch without them. Since the book is aimed at beginners, I think it should have included more information about hoops and stitching frames.

I was impressed by the stitch samples because they showed how simple stitches can be arranged in a variety of ways on the fabric. The information about stitching on paper is very good and the project ideas are clever.

[Yaaresse · Rating 2 out of 5]

Managed about 50% before DNFing this. Just didn't see anything attractive about the projects, and there are better explanation and graphics of the techniques elsewhere.

[Cari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been doing hand stitching for years and found this to be very inspiring as I am looking to start an Etsy site after I retire.

[Tracy Shephard · Rating 4 out of 5]

What this book does is very inspiring..

It takes your sewing to another level. in that almost everything can be stitched.

With cards, paper, fabric and notebooks the creativity that fills these pages is simply divine. Even photographs get the needle treatment.

The ideas are so simple and sometimes quirky, it is easy to expand the information given and make up your gorgeous creations.

There is so much color, and I loved the Doodle designs. They are just perfect for bags and small projects.

The book has a few templates, and shows techniques for each project. There is also a guide to threads, texture and is visually very pleasing. It is a book that allows you to think 'outside the norm' of sewing, and take it to another level.

The book suggests a slow stitching ideal, to enjoy and think about your work. This is brilliant for mindfulness and mental alertness. 

The Handstitched Surface is an easy book, the projects are simple and very beautiful. The author has done a good job to use simple ideas in order to get us to be creative and just enjoy.

[Irene Adler · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a primer for learning how (and why) to slow stitch / embroider this is pretty good.

It covers the basic tools required and stitching techniques very well - the glossary of stitches from pages 28 to 43 is one of the best I have read and demonstrates the different effects small changes of thread type, colour, thickness, stitch length etc make to the finished work. There are a lot of ideas to inspire and explore.

I am less excited by the projects but that's personal taste and I am sure many will find them interesting. And it doesn't matter, as the first section on stitches is so good the book is worth reading for that part alone.

[Ligaya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty book with a boho kind of style. Simply stated directions and creative but easy projects. What I have concerns about is the durability of the finished fabric pieces. With all the raw edges and exposed backs, I bet many of these items unravel like bird's nests and lose much of their cuteness after the first couple washes. I did learn a new stitch though, the super-cute Thread Rose. The paper pieces were less interesting to me, cute but nothing I'd concentrate on. I wished there were more fabric projects than paper. I do much more stitching with a sewing machine than by hand and see that I can translate some to my sewing machine, so I'll do that, with judicious hand work.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may be my favorite of the slow stitching books. The photos are detailed and the stitches are very clearly presented for even the newest stitcher. The author definitely loves the craft and did a great job of presenting the material in a concise yet detailed way, thanks to the photographed examples. She gives good directions and examples as well as a number of projects for the reader to gain experience with both stitches and materials (fabric and paper). If the reader is new to slow stitching (hand stitching and embroidery) this is a very good book to have in your collection.

[Kate Castle · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inspiring and Practical Manual

The author has lovely, simple and clear instructions! That's a must for me , a person
with real problems following instructions, especially written
ones. Bravo to you Lynn! And generally she has a light casual tone that breeds
confidence in the newbie. Also, I like her projects which are quite original but
ones you might actually make! This book is definitely worth the quite modest
investment!

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great little book with very clear instructions for stitches and techniques. Has a number of projects and most are not my style but the info on techniques is still helpful. Also like the simple tips scattered throughout. My favorite: you don't have to worry about making the back of your stitching as neat as the front.

[Scott Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have never stitched and you like funky, crafty looking projects, this is for you.

I am not the target market, but I liked the French Knot illustration and discussion, mainly because it was new to me and, while the author says it has a bad rap as being difficult, she made it look pretty simple. I will try it later this week, for certain.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book especially when the author talked about different stitches and showed examples of each stitch and then the stitches together. Also enjoyed looking at the projects. I would say this book would be recommended to beginners and intermediate hand embroiders.

[Emily Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exciting compendium of new ideas for embroidery. Includes: new approaches to working with applique, working with patterned fabrics and improv embroidery by hand. There are a few interesting projects but the real value is in inspiration for your own designs.

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some cute projects and ideas.

[Lulu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of inspiration and explanations. Loved it. Will use it on a regular basis.

[Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I usually make beadwork, crochet, and knit with the help of looms, this has given me some ideas as to how to extend my creativity.

[Cathleen Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute ideas, lovely photography. I especially enjoyed the embellished photos. as this dovetails with my art.

[Kristine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring. I've dabbled in this media before. This book gave me a boost to pick it up again...particularly stitching on paper. Straightforward info and instructions, while leaving lots of space for one's imagination to soar. Beautifully executed graphics. Author shared just the right amount about herself...gave me a sense of who she was and what this process means to her... without being coy or overly chatty:) Thank you, Ms Krawczyk, for lighting my fire.