For centuries, the peoples of Sub-Saharan Africa have been producing domestic and professional embroidery to decorate themselves, their families, clients, homes and public spaces. Embroidery is an expression of artistic, personal, family, regional and even political creativity which has played an important role in the social and cultural lives of people throughout the region. It has also reflected economic and political changes over time as well as social, religious and artistic contexts. This is the first reference work to describe the history of embroidery throughout Africa south of the Sahara from the early modern period through to the present. From quilted armour to embroidered caps and leather sandals, it offers an authoritative guide to all the major embroidery traditions of the region and a detailed examination of the material, technical, artistic and design dimensions of the subject. Generously illustrated with 395 images (362 in colour) of clothes, accessories, and examples of decorated soft furnishings such as cushions, bed linen, curtains, floor coverings and wall hangings, the Encyclopedia is an essential resource for students and scholars of the subject.

Hazel Everett is an exceptionally skilled goldwork embroiderer, and in this beautiful book she passes on her knowledge and expertise in a way that is both practical and visually stunning. Drawing on traditional methods, she creates works that are brilliantly executed, in a style that is both modern and unique. Here, Hazel provides expert guidance and advice on an extensive range of goldwork embroidery techniques. Her detailed descriptions and step-by-step instructions are accompanied by clear diagrams and embroidered samples, all carefully and exquisitely worked by the author herself. Throughout the book there are numerous examples of the author's own work, providing inspiration for embroiderers who wish to extend their skills in this fascinating area. The book ends with ten fabulous projects, including richly worked samplers, Christmas tree decorations and needle books, all using the full range of techniques, threads and other materials that the reader has learnt about in the previous sections of the book. This is an invaluable reference for those already familiar with the art of goldwork embroidery, as well as an excellent starting point for anyone wishing to embark upon it. A unique source of information and inspiration for anyone interested in goldwork embroidery. All of the major techniques and materials associated with goldwork embroidery are explained through clear, step-by-step instructions, worked samples and diagrams, and there are ten fabulous projects to put into practice all the reader has learnt, allowing them to produce beautiful embroideries of their own. Numerous exquisitely worked pieces provide inspiration and ideas.

This classic book of embroidery stitch instructions shows more than 200 different stitches, many of them endangered ethnic types which have not been in print before. Many countries including France, Spain, India, Mexico, and the Orient are represented. Step-by-step diagrams and photographs of finished articles will inspire even a beginner.

Big Embroidery is all about stitching beautiful designs up fast using yarn instead of embroidery thread. Designer and author of Modern Folk Embroidery, Nancy Nicholson has created a collection of stunning designs based on traditional crewel work, and adapted them for a modern audience using everyday yarn.

Crewel embroidery is traditionally done using 2ply wool and stitched onto linen. Nancy shows how to get beautiful results using different types of yarn and fabric, including upholstery fabrics, woollens and tweeds to create a collection of stunning quick-to-stitch projects.

Choose from home decor items such as cushions, bags, wall hangings and table runners, as well as ideas for embellishing clothing. Nancy shows readers how to do all the key embroidery stitches with a stitch library featuring easy-to-follow diagrams of all the basic crewel embroidery stitches in detail.

Inspired by the banners and signs at recent marches around the world, Really Cross Stitch takes all that anger, outrage and protest and puts it inside a pretty, decorative border. Along with some snarky commentary and general annoyance.

Featuring more than 40 truly original cross stitch designs, the book also contains instructions on techniques for new stitchers.

Stitching for public protest is not new. First-wave feminists in the US and in Britain used needlework in their demonstrations and public protest lectures during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Needlework and other handcrafts, however, declined throughout the twentieth century, with second-wave feminists arguing against 'the oppression of the needle'. In the 21st century however there has been a steep resurgence and many are turning to crafting, especially needlework, as an activist strategy. In Knitting for Good, feminist Betsy Greer makes this point strongly when she proclaims, 'I think every act of making is an act of revolution.'

This comprehensive survey of the traditional embroidery arts covers everything from applique to smocking. Over thirty different types of traditional needlework are introduced, including black work, cut work, Hardanger embroidery, Jacobean embroidery, patchwork, quilting, and more. Instructions. Helpful hints on materials and equipment. 421 black-and-white illustrations.

Stitch a colourful array of cozy wool creations that will brighten any room in your home. Choose from a mix of cheerful little projects, including coasters, wall hangings, sewing accessories, bags, and more. Create stunning effects with easy hand stitching, simple applique, and artful wool layering Achieve an effortlessly embellished look with simple techniques that even beginners can master quickly Detailed how-to photos and clear instructions are included

Embroidery: A Maker's Guide contains 15 beautiful step-by-step projects for crafters at all levels. Each one takes its cue from a different historical tradition - from English goldwork to Indian beetle-wing embellishment, from Japanese kogin to Irish whitework. Projects include a bargello purse; blackwork moth and dragonfly motifs on napkins; a William Morris artichoke motif on a small cushion; Chinese-inspired motifs for adorning a denim jacket; Mountmellick whitework on a decorative necklace-collar; Indian shisha mirrorwork on a clutch bag; and machine-embroidered lilies on lingerie. Designed by teachers and practitioners at the leading edge of today's craft revival, the projects are both functional and fashionable, and include tips on how to take next steps towards developing your own designs. This modern maker's guide will inspire all readers with the confidence to express their creativity through the age-old craft of decorative stitching.

Also known as 'counted thread openwork' or 'drawn fabric embroidery', this beautiful whitework technique is achieved by simply pulling on the threads of the fabric, without cutting or drawing them. It is worked on loosely woven fabrics using a fine tapestry needle, and involves accurately counting the threads to create intricate, geometric designs. Pulled thread embroidery is well suited to modern-day decorative use, either on its own or combined with other techniques such as hand embroidery, patchwork and quilting. Create gorgeous, delicate edgings for table linen, or beautifully simple yet intricate designs for cushion covers, lampshades or purses. With clear instructions, stitch diagrams, charts and photographs for over 140 stunning designs, plus inspiring photographs of finished pieces, this book is an invaluable resource for anyone interested in this exquisite form of openwork embroidery.

This book contains lots of little cross stitch motifs which are quick and easy to stitch. It was inspired by the trend for making very small cross stitch items which can be used to adorn jewellery, such as pendants, bracelets and earrings. You could also make them into little pictures by mounting them into a small hoop or a tiny picture frame. There are designs which can be used to decorate mobile phone cases too. The designs cover a variety of themes, including flowers and cacti, gardens, birds and butterflies, seaside motifs, tropical motifs, and animals. The designs are colourful and pretty and will take crafters no time at all to stitch!

How to Embroider Almost Everything is an inspiring, fun, and sophisticated collection of 500+ stitch motifs from embroidery designer Wendi Gratz that offers a fresh new take on embroidery. Get a detailed checklist of everything you'll need to embark on your stitch journey: threads, needles, fabric, and more. Find step-by-step tutorials for essential stitches and other techniques for creating the motifs, plus answers to common questions and invaluable tips and tricks. Explore an amazing 500+ modern motifs for almost everything, including people and pets, trees and flowers, everyday objects, food, home, and more. Either re-create the motifs exactly as shown using the accompanying templates and stitch guides, or give them your own creative spin by changing details and colors to suit your own style. How to Embroider Almost Everything helps you take your first steps to embroidering to your heart's content and creating beautiful drawings with needle and thread! Each book in the Almost Everything series offers readers a fun, comprehensive, and charmingly illustrated visual directory of ideas to inspire skill building in their creative endeavors.

Stitch exquisite embroidery projects with original fauna and flora designs in a variety of threads to create a 3D effect. The book is filled with novel concepts in mixed-media embroidery and offers many interpretations and techniques, with striking examples of textured finishes. Lavishly illustrated with beautiful, commissioned photographs, it offers 12 colour themes to help embroiderers understand and play colour, along with inspiring projects to encourage them to produce their own creative work. Also included are an extensive stitch glossary and templates for the designs. Previously published as Embroidered Flora & Fauna.

This fantastical collection of iron-on embroidery transfers by best-selling author Aimee Ray includes 50+ designs featuring mermaids, unicorns, fairies, dragons, gryphons, centaurs and more! Iron-on transfer book makes transferring designs a breeze.

Precise explanations and instructions, clearly illustrated, on how to work chain, back, cross, knotted, woven stitches and many more-178 in all, including Cable Outline, Whipped Satin, Lazy Daisy, and Eyelet Buttonhole. Each stitch illustrated front and back.

Popular author Corinne Lapierre creates a charming range of 20 exquisite folk embroidered felt birds, including a swan, a hen, a goose, a partridge, an owl, a dove, a peacock and a flamingo. Beautifully made in lovely, soft colours, the birds are filled with toy stuffing and embellished with folk-style surface embroidery in different-coloured threads. The stitches include chain, feather, fly running, blanket, French knots and satin stitch. There are also bead and sequin embellishments on some birds. The book includes pretty hand-drawn step-by-step illustrations and there are same-size templates at the back of the book for all the designs. The birds all have optional ribbon hangers for display.

No animals were harmed in the making of these magnificent trophies! With these delightful fabric animal head projects you can have all the impact of these magnificent beasts but without any fur flying. The 15 stunning projects include a ravishing rabbit, a magnificent moose, a pretty pig and an elegant elephant. Each project includes clear step-by-step instructions and stunning photography. The book includes an extensive techniques section telling you everything you need to know to embark on these wonderful projects.

With Magical Cross Stitch, cross-stitchers will find over twenty-five truly magical projects destined to become favorite keepsakes. This guide: -Includes a range of gorgeous designs, from a Celtic fairy queen and Chinese dragons to beautiful mermaids and a majestic unicorn -Incorporates glittering metallic threads and gleaming beads into many of the patterns for a stunning effect -Shares a multitude of projects, including full-sized pictures, cushions, greetings cards, sachets and bags, and quick-to-stitch gifts and accessories -Features easy-to-follow color charts and complete step-by-step project instructions This guide presents truly unique and beautiful fantasy designs--one of the most popular subjects for cross-stitchers today.

Learning how to embroider and cross stitch has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner's guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of hand stitching techniques. This beginner's guide, by embroidery professional Linda Wyszynski, uses easy-to-follow, photo-illustrated instruction to teach you the basics of classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch techniques. In no time, you can use these methods to create beautiful, personalized designs. After a review of equipment and supplies, fabrics, threads, patterns, and stitching basics, jump right in with these step-by-step projects: Creative embroidery - Embroidered Jacket Collar and Embellished Pillow Case Crewel - Paisleys and Pearls Pillow and Touch of Gold Fedora Hat Cross-Stitch - Violet Blossoms Candle Band and Springtime Journal There's a first time for everything. Enjoy the journey and achieve success with First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch. Each book in the First Time series distills how-to guidance and advice from an expert on a specific topic into targeted step-by-step instruction geared toward the absolute beginner.

Welcome the autumn season with warm-and-woolly wonders from the best-selling author of A Change of Seasons. Start with classic patchwork projects in harvest hues, including lap quilts, pillows, and runners. Then delight in playful nods to the lighter side of the season--grinning cats, squirrels, jack-o'-lanterns, and more will inspire smiles all season long. Made with a mix of crisp cottons, warm wools, and Bonnie Sullivan's Woolies flannels, these pieced and appliqued projects will make friends and family fall . . . for fall! Full-sized patterns included.

Begin your sashiko embroidery with ease using these traditional Japanese design stencils. Includes three 5" x 9" durable plastic stencils and instruction booklet.

Starting and completing these sweet little framed stitcheries is a breeze! With 16 charming projects that all measure 2 1/2" x 4 1/2", it's easy to mix and match their uses. Display finished embroideries: * Framed with beautiful watercolor mats (mats included!) * On sachets and note cards * As bowl fillers or on pillows The choice is yours! Instructions for creating each type of pretty project are included. Themes include redwork houses, bluework birds, garden decor, and more, all shown in alternate colorways so you can choose your favorite look. Also included are a trio of decorative mats (three of each) featuring Kathy's original watercolor designs. Everything you need is inside! Cut out or photocopy the mats to use behind your framed embroidery pieces. Together, they'll be picture perfect.

Maria Diaz, renowned for her cross-stitch design, shares her original love of hand embroidery in this beautiful embroidery sourcebook that offers great versatility both for experienced hands or those new to the craft. From fun motifs to pretty florals in a variety of sizes, the designs can be used to adorn anything from table cloths, towels, and cushions, to clothing. Each inspiring pattern has a color key and stitch suggestion indicated; beginners can simply backstitch the outline of the pattern to gain confidence, while experienced crafters can test their imagination by filling the shapes with any number of stitches in their repertoire. All embroidery techniques used in this book are clearly explained, and drawings that show the type of the embroidery for each part of the pattern makes the book easy to follow.