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The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects
A rich source of embroidery stitches, techniques and projects from the Royal School of Needlework.
New from the world-renowned Royal School of Needlework, this beautiful book is a rich source of embroidery techniques, stitches and projects, covering eight key subjects in detail: crewelwork, bead embroidery, stumpwork, canvaswork, goldwork, whitework, blackwork and silk shading. Containing all the trusted, bestselling content from the RSN Essential Stitch Guide series, plus a new section on mounting your finished work, this fantastic book is a must-have for all embroiderers. Fully redesigned and integrated, the original eight titles have been given a new lease of life in this larger format.
Review from Mary Corbet's Needle 'n' Thread:
In a nutshell: The RSN Book of Embroidery is an extensive, multi-technique-encompassing reference book that would make a good addition to any needleworker's bookshelf. If you've wanted the content of the Essential Stitch Guides but were hesitant to collect each individual book, now you can have them all in one more affordable package - and that's pretty neat!
New from the world-renowned Royal School of Needlework, this beautiful book is a rich source of embroidery techniques, stitches and projects, covering eight key subjects in detail: crewelwork, bead embroidery, stumpwork, canvaswork, goldwork, whitework, blackwork and silk shading. Containing all the trusted, bestselling content from the RSN Essential Stitch Guide series, plus a new section on mounting your finished work, this fantastic book is a must-have for all embroiderers. Fully redesigned and integrated, the original eight titles have been given a new lease of life in this larger format.
Review from Mary Corbet's Needle 'n' Thread:
In a nutshell: The RSN Book of Embroidery is an extensive, multi-technique-encompassing reference book that would make a good addition to any needleworker's bookshelf. If you've wanted the content of the Essential Stitch Guides but were hesitant to collect each individual book, now you can have them all in one more affordable package - and that's pretty neat!
400 pages, Hardcover
Published June 26, 2018
83 people are currently reading
361 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 24, 2024
In a past life, I would have lived in England and attended the Royal School of Needlework (RSN). There is nothing more beautiful, at least to me, than a silk shaded flower. And although I have numerous degrees behind me, I still daydream about getting a degree from the RSN. For some time now, I have eyed up “The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects” by the Royal School of Needlework. I finally decided to treat myself to this beautiful book. And I have not regretted it.
I purchased the Kindle book, but did so a little hesitantly. Another reviewer also bought the Kindle version and complained about the images and text being blurry. Apparently, this issue was fixed because I didn’t have that problem; the text and images were very clear when I zoomed in.
This book covers all of the embroidery taught at the RSN, including, but not limited to, whitework, blackwork, silk shading, and stump work. Teaching needlework is a real art and nothing beats hands-on learning, but the images created in the book are extremely clear and the directions are easy to follow and understand, enabling me to to make a variety of different stitches without physically being present with a skilled embroiderer.
I absolutely love how the RSN made separate sections for all of the different types of embroidery and even included a list of stitches that are used for each. I thoroughly enjoyed how the RSN also included the history of each art form and incorporated GOBS of images—both modern and historic—of each form.
This is a book that I will reference over and over again, and I think that everyone (except for the true experts, of course) will do the same. This book is one of the best investments that I’ve ever made regarding embroidery. I absolutely recommend this book. If I could have given this book 10 stars, I would have!
I purchased the Kindle book, but did so a little hesitantly. Another reviewer also bought the Kindle version and complained about the images and text being blurry. Apparently, this issue was fixed because I didn’t have that problem; the text and images were very clear when I zoomed in.
This book covers all of the embroidery taught at the RSN, including, but not limited to, whitework, blackwork, silk shading, and stump work. Teaching needlework is a real art and nothing beats hands-on learning, but the images created in the book are extremely clear and the directions are easy to follow and understand, enabling me to to make a variety of different stitches without physically being present with a skilled embroiderer.
I absolutely love how the RSN made separate sections for all of the different types of embroidery and even included a list of stitches that are used for each. I thoroughly enjoyed how the RSN also included the history of each art form and incorporated GOBS of images—both modern and historic—of each form.
This is a book that I will reference over and over again, and I think that everyone (except for the true experts, of course) will do the same. This book is one of the best investments that I’ve ever made regarding embroidery. I absolutely recommend this book. If I could have given this book 10 stars, I would have!
June 10, 2018
This is a massive book, and perfect for lovers of embroidery.
It is beautiful. The stitchwork is photographed in full glossy colour, which shows each design and technique to it's best effect.
The projects and methods are easy to follow, and all are very detailed. This is a book perfect to teach, learn and master new skills.
There are specific notes and tips which give extra information for your work and everything from equipment to displaying your finished piece is covered.
I love that a history of each technique is given. Each section covers a method of embroidery, and the stitch section is amazing.
If you need an embroidery book then this is the one to have.It covers everything, it is a good reference guide and the beauty of it is in the stitches themselves. I adored the Goldwork, and I cannot wait to have a go.
The RSN Book of Embroidery is like a having a personal tutor at your fingertips.
It is beautiful. The stitchwork is photographed in full glossy colour, which shows each design and technique to it's best effect.
The projects and methods are easy to follow, and all are very detailed. This is a book perfect to teach, learn and master new skills.
There are specific notes and tips which give extra information for your work and everything from equipment to displaying your finished piece is covered.
I love that a history of each technique is given. Each section covers a method of embroidery, and the stitch section is amazing.
If you need an embroidery book then this is the one to have.It covers everything, it is a good reference guide and the beauty of it is in the stitches themselves. I adored the Goldwork, and I cannot wait to have a go.
The RSN Book of Embroidery is like a having a personal tutor at your fingertips.
July 3, 2022
Amazing book BUT...
This is an amazing book, the information inside is clear and comprehensive.
I'm enjoying relearning things my older relatives taught me and many other new techniques.
I bought this in very big hard back book and kindle to read on the go, I'm sorry to say I would not but the kindle book version as it is obviously a scanned book and not in proper digital book format.
You have no option of font, text size or any of the usual options you take for granted with a digital book.
When you enlarge the text manually the text becomes blurry and it makes the whole reading difficult.
4 stars for the amazing content in the book, loss of 1 star for the difficulty in reading the kindle version of the book.
This is an amazing book, the information inside is clear and comprehensive.
I'm enjoying relearning things my older relatives taught me and many other new techniques.
I bought this in very big hard back book and kindle to read on the go, I'm sorry to say I would not but the kindle book version as it is obviously a scanned book and not in proper digital book format.
You have no option of font, text size or any of the usual options you take for granted with a digital book.
When you enlarge the text manually the text becomes blurry and it makes the whole reading difficult.
4 stars for the amazing content in the book, loss of 1 star for the difficulty in reading the kindle version of the book.
February 3, 2021
I have to admit I'm not even an embroiderer (yet) and I bought this book for the pictures, which are lavish, and for the little sections about the history of various embroidery techniques, but it mainly serves as a very useful stitch and how-to guide for everybody from beginners to experts. A nice thing to flick through even if you're not a practitioner, though.
May 23, 2024
I am but a humble cross-stitcher (cross stitch is not included here) but I am fascinated by the wider world of embroidery and loved learning about techniques, histories, materials, and more in this volume. The stitch tutorials are very well done.
September 24, 2025
4.5 stars
A brilliant resource, with a vast wealth of information, created by some clearly very skilled artists. I was astounded to find it available on Kindle Unlimited. If I have one small complaint, though, it is that the book has not been properly formatted for Kindle reading so you will not be able to use all of the Kindle tools.
A brilliant resource, with a vast wealth of information, created by some clearly very skilled artists. I was astounded to find it available on Kindle Unlimited. If I have one small complaint, though, it is that the book has not been properly formatted for Kindle reading so you will not be able to use all of the Kindle tools.
December 25, 2024
Amazing information about the history of embroidery, materials used and tons of inspo for future projects
April 22, 2022
nice reference
Not exactly a book for casual reading but the illustrations, explanations of materials and methods, and short histories of the techniques will certainly serve as future reference for personal projects.
Not exactly a book for casual reading but the illustrations, explanations of materials and methods, and short histories of the techniques will certainly serve as future reference for personal projects.
October 1, 2022
This is an incredible book of history and instruction. It will be my go-to guide for embroidery work of all kinds.
March 12, 2022
This gorgeous, glossy book is, apart from anything else, amazing value for money. It collects together all of the eight "Essential Stitch Guides" published so far by the Royal School of Needlework, on Crewelwork, Blackwork, Whitework, Silk Shading, Stumpwork, Bead Embroidery, Canvaswork and Goldwork. These have now been republished in larger format, but in case you do not own all of them, well this book costs about two guides, so definitely worth having.
In addition the book has a chapter on mounting the work.
The only possible drawback is that this glossy, beautifully produced hardback book is pretty hefty at 2kg weight, so not something easy to carry around, though it will look beautiful on any desk (or even show off on a coffee table).
In addition the book has a chapter on mounting the work.
The only possible drawback is that this glossy, beautifully produced hardback book is pretty hefty at 2kg weight, so not something easy to carry around, though it will look beautiful on any desk (or even show off on a coffee table).
August 28, 2022
In my opinion,ya🤔
The book have 8 titles and each was published between 2010 till 2013. All the books are gathered and published between 2018 till 2021.
The 8 titles are basic introduction and stitches.
My only regret was expecting after each title there will be a few easy projects to apply the stitches with colour thread reference.
To a newbie like me it will be a good practice. Worth buying though.😉
The book have 8 titles and each was published between 2010 till 2013. All the books are gathered and published between 2018 till 2021.
The 8 titles are basic introduction and stitches.
My only regret was expecting after each title there will be a few easy projects to apply the stitches with colour thread reference.
To a newbie like me it will be a good practice. Worth buying though.😉
September 13, 2024
This is a very detailed book on the history of various types of needlework that is full of lush photographs. It is great to learn about the arts and as a source of inspiration and does have some instruction in it. But, it is not the best source for a beginner. It is excellent for someone who already has the basics down and is looking to expand their knowledge and skills.
November 29, 2024
Phenomenal resource. A ton of techniques, a ton of step-by-steps, and some historical context, as a treat. The focus is mostly on techniques that are historically English, with both historical and contemporary examples. As an adventurous beginner, it's one of the best needlework books I've ever encountered.
July 21, 2023
No other reference required. This book has it all. Embroidery, silk shading, stump work, blackwork, canvas work, Goldwork, and beading. Beautiful illustrations and instructions. A brief history of each technique is provided as well as tips on how to design your own work.
June 17, 2022
Simply the best embroidery book I have read. Highly recommend.
January 11, 2023
So much detail and plenty of examples to create pieces that honor embroidery traditions, but can also allow you to create your own unique pieces.
March 17, 2023
Fascinant. Passionnant.
October 7, 2020
I did enjoy this book but was not what I was looking for, still beautiful photos and good instructions and did learn a few titbits. I gave this book 3.5 out of 5 stars...it is a beautiful book!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews