Everything embroidery bundled into one helpful how-to guide! Start simple and learn how to choose tools and threads, achieve the perfect stitch, and then start designing your unique embroidery project. From basic stitches to complex combinations, each of the 500+ designs come with step-by-step instructions. Best-selling author Christen Brown provides expert guidance for all including tips and instructions for left-handed embroiderers.

Stumpwork is a highly decorative and imaginative embroidery technique, which typically uses raised and padded stitches that are rich in texture. This practical book explains how to create your own piece of stumpwork embroidery. Beginning with an introduction to the appropriate materials, equipment and tools, it instructs on a wide range of stitches and techniques, and illustrates them with ten delightful projects. It then explains how to design your own piece of stumpwork before advising on finishing, presenting and caring for you work. Written by a leading embroiderer, this beautiful book will inspire and encourage you to try this exciting technique and create your own exquisite designs.

From picnics to garden themes, this book features lovely, happy cross stitch charts for both beginner and advanced sewers. The featured patterns can be used for any number of projects. Many of them are smaller in size and would be ideal for home crafting projects such as cards, pictures, cushions, sachet bags, or pincushions. The cohesive floral theme makes it easy for the sewer to create larger and more elaborate patterns. Crafters are sure to enjoy this collection of pretty, colourful designs.

Cats, dogs, horses, rabbits, budgies, guinea pigs, goldfish, rats and ferrets are just a few of the popular animals featured in this parade of pets in cross stitch. Over 40 popular breeds of dog and cat alone give the stitcher plenty of choice, whether they want a detailed portrait or a nose-to-tail likeness. Additional themed alphabets, fitting sentiments and cute motifs reflect the humorous side of being a cat or dog lover. Other pets are also represented, from the tiniest mice and goldfish to wide-eyed reptiles, mischievous ferrets and familiar farmyard friends. Advice is given on changing thread colour to match your subject, and many chart keys feature alternative colour combinations. Gift and keepsake ideas suggest how to display your prized pet's pictures.

A guide to harnessing the world of nature to create sustainable textile art. Textile artist Alice Fox shows how to work with found, foraged, gathered and grown materials to create fabulous textile pieces that are inspired by, and made from, nature. She encourages crafters to be open minded and experimental, using local (and sometimes) unconventional materials, working with the seasons and learning what materials are available at different times of year to ground artists in natural cycles and integrate creative activity with a strong sense of place and character. Alongside advice on growing your own plants (such as flax or nettles) for creative work, the book is packed with practical ideas for foraging - from weeds, dandelions and other plants useful for making cordage, or leaves that can be stitched, quilted and shaped into vessels, to grass, wool, plastics and mud that can be gathered and delightfully repurposed by the textile artist. Other ideas for found materials include stones, shells and wood that can be wrapped or woven into, as well as a multitude of urban treasures that find a new life in creative hands. Alongside advice on growing your own plants (such as flax or nettles) for creative work, the book is packed with practical ideas for foraging - from weeds, dandelions and other plants useful for making cordage, or leaves that can be stitched, quilted and shaped into vessels, to grass, wool, plastics and mud that can be gathered and delightfully repurposed by the textile artist. Other ideas for found materials include stones, shells and wood that can be wrapped or woven into, as well as a multitude of urban treasures that find a new life in creative hands.

Accomplished cross stitch designer Helene Le Berre brings you 14 stunningly beautiful alphabets to embroider. All of the alphabet designs are inspired by natural themes, including birds, animals and flowers. There are comprehensive instructions and stitch charts for each one, plus ideas are provided on how to use the motifs to decorate projects such as a make-up bag, an apron and a tote bag. All of the essential techniques are given at the back of the book, making this delightful collection of embroidered motifs a must-have for beginners as well as more experienced stitchers.

In Wardrobe Embroidery, Warunee Bolstad of @plystreknitwear shows you how to easily breathe new life into your wardrobe by adding embroidery to clothes both old and new. Warunee presents a collection of charming embroidery patterns, ranging from beginner-friendly hearts and daisies to intricate floral arrangements. Use these lovely designs to freshen up worn out blouses and jeans or to personalize plain white t-shirts and boring bags. Colourful step-by-step photos will help you master your stitching technique and offer inspiration for developing your own embroidery designs.

Exquisitely detailed and sumptuously worked, Michele Carragher's embroidered art is breathtaking to behold. This comprehensive insight into her work guides you from her initial ideas, right through to the finished, astonishing pieces of work, collectively titled Trace. Rich in symbolism and drawing inspiration from throughout history, the book contains three created, embroidered artefacts: a lavish glove, jewelled bodice and Japanese-style hair pin. From these she extracts a narrative which becomes the basis for three embroidered artworks, exploring themes of human duality and our behavioural effects on society and the planet. The book begins with an immersive, exquisitely photographed gallery tour of all the pieces, showcasing Michele's work in incredible detail. Following on from this, each artefact and artwork is discussed in detail, giving insight into the working process, creative choices and techniques used. Michele has worked for many years in the film and TV industry, including as Costume Embroiderer for HBO's Game of Thrones, and HBO's 2005 Emmy award winning production of Elizabeth I. The last chapter of the book features a selection of images from her inspiring catalogue of work.

Discover the world of punch needle embroidery with this modern take on a traditional craft. It's easy to master as you're guided by clear step-by-step instructions, patterns and beautiful photography. Faustine and Cathy will teach you all you need to know about punch needling through the creation of 20 adorable, contemporary animal motifs including a folk-inspired leopard, a delightful rabbit, a llama and a cunning fox. Each project is accompanied by a list of all the tools and materials, including the wool colours and stitches, you'll need to bring your adorable new friends to life. The reuseable, iron-on templates make taking up this popular craft even easier! Grab some yarn and a punch needle, and relax with this fun, simple craft as you create a whole menagerie of punch needle friends.

Fiber artist Judith Baker Montano is back with this handy little reference guide that belongs in every needleworker's sewing basket. You can always find the perfect stitch for your project, with dozens of flat, linked, cross, looped, composite, floral, and silk ribbon stitches to choose from.

A range of designs that are suitable for all sewing abilities. The essence of this book is to keep it simple, fun, and easy to stitch. With that in mind most of the designs are sewn using only whole cross stitch, and back stitch is kept to a minimum. The patterns vary in sizes. From small quick stitch designs for tags, pincushions, key fobs, and cards, to larger, more involved designs for notebook covers, pictures, fire screens, or table cloths. Many of the designs can easily be used in multiple ways. A single small design or band could be used to edge a place mat, table cloth, towel, or curtain tie back, or you could combine several designs together to make a sampler. A stunning collection of patterns for both new and experienced stitchers alike.

**SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER** **RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK** **WATERSTONES SCOTTISH BOOK OF THE MONTH** 'An astonishing feat' Christina Patterson, Sunday Times 'An inspiring and moving sideways look at history' Eithne Farry, Sunday Express An eloquent blend of history and memoir, Threads of Life is an evocative and moving book about the need we all have to tell our story. From political propaganda in medieval France to secret treason in Tudor England, from the mothers of the desaparecidos in Argentina to First World War soldiers with PTSD, from a POW camp in Singapore to a family attic in Scotland, Threads of Life is a global chronicle of identity, protest, memory and politics. Banner-maker, community textile artist and textile curator Clare Hunter chronicles the stories of the men and women, over centuries and across continents, who have used the language of sewing to make their voices heard, even in the most desperate of circumstances. 'A beautifully considered book... Clare Hunter has managed to mix the personal with the political with moving results.' TRACY CHEVALIER

*** WINNER *** Won BEST CRAFT BOOK in The Craft Business Awards 2021! Learn from experienced crafters Roz Dace and Judy Balchin how to master the art of needle felting. Perfect for beginners, this fun, felty book teaches a different technique in each project. The authors take you on a journey, building up your skills from basic needle felting to confidently using armatures. They share their secrets with you and teach you how to capture expression and character in faces, as well as how to create realistic figures or more exaggerated caricatures. You can sculpt miniature teacup worlds, endangered and garden animals and even your friends and family - it's all covered. With twelve varied projects to get stuck into, you just need to choose where to start. Beginners will love this much-needed guide to a fascinating craft.

Blackwork has a rich history that has developed over the years into an iconic and sophisticated style of embroidery. This practical book presents a number of ways to approach blackwork embroidery, from forming basic stitches and patterns to developing complex shaded pieces with confidence. Through an assortment of exercises, it introduces the principles of shading along with several projects to further explore the potential of blackwork. Detailed instructions on designing and developing shaded pieces of blackwork embroidery are given along with guidance on how to choose suitable images for translating into stitch. Step-by-step instructions on how to form basic stitches and how to form patterns are included as well as almost 250 shaded patterns, indicating how differing patterns appear when worked in different thicknesses of thread. Finally, patterns are grouped by family for easy identification and pattern blending.

The Embroiderers' Guild was founded in 1906 and has in its collection embroideries from all over the world. These wonderful works, which somehow survived through the ages, could be said to be one of the most important group of embroideries assembled in one place. Stitched pieces and fragments and were gathered together by early members of the Guild and inserted into portfolios that were circulated among members. Nature has always been a huge source of inspiration to embroiderers and this fantastic book showcases the Embroiderers' Guild's huge collection of embroidered flowers through the ages. Featuring full-colour photographs , items are shown in full and also with detail images to show off the flowers at their best. These wonderful embroidered treasures are as varied as wall hangings, children's dresses, bridal bags and samplers, some of which date back to the 17th century. The images are shown with extended captions. Collected from many different countries, this is an opportunity to see fabulous works that are very rarely seen in public.

From projects like Wicker Man to Black Rabbit to Blood Moon Weeping Willow, Lindsay's signature style lends a touch of macabre to cross-stitch projects that you'll be eager to hang on a wall or give as a gift. The dark, witchy aesthetic is becoming more and more trendy in fashion and art, and cross-stitch is the perfect medium to try it out. Easier and more accessible than embroidery, cross-stitch is growing in popularity and is an easy craft to pick up and dive into. With moody subjects like nocturnal creatures, thistles, ghostberries and graveyards, these incredible designs will turn you into a cross-stitch master in no time! This captivating collection is full of easy-to-follow patterns and all of Lindsay's best tips and techniques for creating bewitching cross-stitch projects. So whether you're a lifelong Halloween enthusiast or a fan of gothic art, adding a little subversive charm to your cross-stitch repertoire couldn't be easier or more fun.

Textile artists find inspiration all around them - from fleeting memories to treasured items, sketches, poems and photographs. But how do you collect and record these precious thoughts and ideas? Tilly Rose shows you how, by creating stunning fabric and paper journals filled with inspiration to spark your creativity. A lovingly created journal tells a story. It provides a fascinating glimpse into your world and is a beautiful object in its own right to be cherished by generations to come. There are eight beautiful designs to choose from, incorporating a range of exciting techniques that include layering and collage, hand embroidery, transferring your own designs to cloth, stamping, applique, embellishing, patchwork and free motion machine embroidery. All of the techniques are explained with clear instructions and step-by-step photographs, so even those who are just setting out on their creative journey will find inspiration and all the know-how they need to make their own gorgeous daydream journals.

Eight popular cross stitch designers have come together to bring readers the Cross Stitchers Countdown to Christmas. A ready resource of festive cross stitch motifs, each of the 25 chapters provide an inspirational way to create charming cards, beautiful keepsakes and delightful items for the home. Designs range from the classic to the contemporary and many are ideal to stitch in an evening or a weekend - perfect for that busy time of year. With clear color charts, photographs and easy-to-follow stitching instructions, readers will be well on their way to stitching something special this Christmas.

'After seeing mediocre needlework books and knits and whatnot aimed at children come and go over the years, I'm really happy to see this particular book. It's a terrific information, reference, instructional, and project book. I like it a lot! I like it so much I've purchased copies of it to use for summer birthdays and bundled it basic supplies.' Mary Corbet, Needlenthread.com Transform your plain stuff into awesome stuff with just a bit of fabric and thread! Glam up boring bookmarks, tote bags, and even your jeans! Bored during a road trip or on a rainy day? Grab your favorite colour thread and get stitching! Learn and choose from different stitches to make each project exactly what you want. Make presents that your friends and family will love. Put your own stamp on pillows and picture frames. Stitch up some cuteness! There are 23 great gifts to give to your friends and family for their birthdays and holidays and the 15 easy projects and 17 stitches show you how to personalise all your stuff. Unplug from tech devices and make something handmade!

The classic book on sewing church linens, newly revised.

The classic book on sewing linens for the church is back in a revised edition. This complete explains the materials and equipment needed, a variety of hemming options, special instructions on the small linens such as purificators and palls, working with fair linens, white work embroidery, and caring for church linens. New to this edition are directions for rolled hems, chalice veils, more specific directions and an improved worksheet for planning shrinkage, special advice specifically for beginners, an updated "Sources and Resources" section, and new patterns.

While everyone else is blessing-their-mess, you can stitch out a little dose of reality. This cross-stitch-kit-for-the-rest-of-us by Brass Monkey includes everything you need (besides the patience): an embroidery hoop, needle, Aida cloth, and all the floss you could possibly want. That's what they call the thread...you'll have to provide your own dental care supplies. * Features a 6" bamboo embroidery hoop, Aida cloth, and a needle. * Includes all the thread you'll need to complete the design on the front of the box. There might even be a bit left over-friendship bracelets, anyone? * Comes with a design guide-and tutorial instructions suitable for beginners & experts alike (but the experts will likely judge us). * Bonus: It all comes in a pretty box...if we do say so ourselves. * The outer box measures 7.6" square by 1.64" deep-that's 193mm by 42mm if you're fancy.

Bring new life to your old clothes and fabrics with this fun, easy-to-follow guide to modern mending. Across the globe, we send tonnes of clothing to landfills each year. In fact, clothing consumption in the UK and US is one of the highest in the world. But the good news is that mending is trending, and it's never been easier to repair and reinvent your favourite clothes. Inspired by the slow fashion movement that's taking the sewing world by storm, Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald has created a comprehensive guide to repairing your own clothes in a way that combines creativity and sustainability. In Modern Mending, she demystifies mending and shares step-by-step instructions for a range of techniques, including stitching, darning, patching, needle felting and machine darning. Furthermore, there's an invaluable "Troubleshooting" section at the end of each tutorial, as well as a "Quick-fix" section for buttons, snags, ladders and zippers, so no stone is left unturned in your mending process! So next time you tear your favourite jeans or find a hole in your jumper, think twice before throwing them away. With Modern Mending, you'll gain the skills and confidence needed to rebel against fast fashion, be less wasteful and more sustainable for years to come.

Learn the historical art of fine whitework in this informative, instructional guide from the Royal School of Needlework and master skills of Jenny Adin-Christie. This exquisite guide provides a historical background to fine whitework, and an exploration of the key stitch techniques involved in this intricate style of hand embroidery. Discover how to master five key areas of whitework technique: sculptured, translucent, filigree, fretted and voided; then apply these to two detailed and stunning pieces - a delicate button with scabiosa motif, and an elaborate embroidery honoring the 150th anniversary of the RSN. Clear step-by-step instructions and stitch diagrams aid the reader in their own whitework embroideries, and there is plenty of inspiration by way of Jenny Adin-Christie's own elegant works, and those of other RSN students and tutors.