Embroideries from the Greek islands dazzle with their bright colours and charming motifs. This publication reveals little-known pieces from the Ashmolean Museum at the University of Oxford, newly photographed and published here for the first time. The embroideries include fragments of pillowcases, bed valances, tents and curtains, as well as items of dress. As with all collections of textiles, the story of the Ashmolean holdings is chiefly about their makers and their ingenuity. Once forming the bulk of bridal trousseaux, Greek embroidered textiles were produced and maintained by young and old women for themselves and the house using locally produced materials. A mark of their worth and a platform for self-expression, embroidered textiles also helped Greek women to negotiate their place in the community, signalling status and affiliation.

How to Cross Stitch is the perfect starting point for all those wanting to learn this rewarding and accessible craft. This simple-to-follow project-based book takes you through the basic techniques of how to cross stitch. Each technique is clearly explained and accompanied by a stylish project to make, with clear step-by-step instructions. The straightforward explanations combined with desirable projects means that no matter how little cross- stitch experience you have to start with, you'll soon be impressing friends and family with your new-found practical skills.

In Freestyle Embroidery on Wool you will learn how to kickstart your creativity and become confident at making your own colourful and expressive designs using applique and embroidery on felted wool fabric. Using her own detailed and imaginative embroidery as examples Karin Derland teaches you how to go about creating your own designs using applique and embroidery on wool felt. Karin shares plenty of instruction and helpful tips on making colour choices, how to apply ribbons, mirrors and other accessories, making and using cardboard templates for applique shapes and how to combine different types of threads and stitches for best effect. Sketches, diagrams and detailed photographs of different types of embroidered pillows, cushions, cases and other items will give you a head start on creating and applying your own designs. The book also offers plenty of inspirational images through Karin's colourful embroidery that draws on both the Swedish and Indian traditions. These can be used as an inspirational library of ideas when creating your own work. How simple or complex a piece becomes is up to you and your own level of experience and personal choice. Although the emphasis is on developing your own expressive embroidery, some step-by-step projects are included to help build confidence before launching out on your own. This is wool applique embroidery at its best - free, beautiful and generous. A note on materials: The author recommends using klade and vadmal, which are both types of Swedish 100% wool fabric of varying weight. They are made from woven fabric that has an even surface and processed so there is no visible weave. A good equivalent in the UK is a felted wool fabric such as Melton wool. Hobby felt containing polyester is not suitable.

With all the projects tailored to suit babies and young children, this book is the perfect gift for expectant mothers or friends and family. Making these affordable gifts is possible for beginners and accomplished crafters alike following the step-by-step instructions, and will take only a little time and care. With the help of Made in France: Cross-Stitch and Embroidery for Babies, Toddlers and Children, readers can create clothes and accessories from scratch and breathe new life into pre-loved items.

Embroidery artist Hisako Nishisu invites you to try her new collection of elegant cross stitch designs, inspired by the beauty and simplicity of wildflowers and grasses. There are over 30 stunning motifs to choose from, so whether you admire the lily of the valley or the violet, or prefer to stitch the Japanese silverleaf, there is sure to be a project that will catch your eye. After a gallery of beautifully photographed embroideries, a cross stitch overview is provided outlining the tools, materials and techniques needed for completing these charming samplers. This is followed by a clear, full-page chart for each design. Once your floral sampler is finished, frame it and hang it for a beautiful addition to any room, or use the designs to add pretty motifs to your linens, clothing and accessories.

Ribbon embroidery is a simple, beautiful and versatile technique that dates back to the seventeenth century. This book brings it up to date with fresh instruction on floral classics, as well as stunning contemporary designs. With over 400 colour step-by-step photographs to guide the reader through each stitch, Ribbonwork Embroidery demonstrates the speed and simplicity of ribbonwork, and explains how it can be combined with other techniques to add detail and depth to a piece of embroidery.

A sweet and sunny way to learn embroidery! Stitch on the bright side with these sixteen adorable embroidery projects for absolute beginners and beyond! Written by popular fibre art designer and author Celeste Johnston, this book features uplifting projects that focus on positive messages, the beauty of nature, and simple pleasures. Inside you will find: 16 cheerful embroidery projects that build your skills as you work through them; A sunny sampler project to help you practice each stitch; Easy-to-follow stitch diagrams; Inspiring quotes and creative prompts to enhance the relaxing benefits of stitching; Expertly designed full-sized patterns for each project. From fresh florals and farmer's market favourites to adorable chickens and nature scenes, you will be smiling with every stitch. Each project includes a detailed reference photograph, step-by-step instructions, a full-sized perforated pattern, and everything you need to know about stitches, thread, and materials. The perfect book for beginners and advanced stitchers alike!

This comprehensive guide to embroidery stitches contains all the embroiderer needs to know to work dozens of stitches, and includes full advice on everything from choosing materials, beginning and ending a thread and using hoops to working as a left-handed embroiderer and learning how to paint threads. Step-by-step photography and clear instructions make the techniques achievable for beginners as well as providing an invaluable reference guide for experienced embroiderers.

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 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.

Turn pretty embroidery, simple patchwork, and sweet applique details into extraordinary gifts that will inspire smiles! From throws and wall quilts to a quick pincushion and mug rug, these projects are sure to create long-lasting memories. Patterns for a hand-lettered alphabet in two sizes make it easy to embroider heartfelt phrases or to personalize projects with names, dates, sayings, and more. Whether you want to celebrate, inspire, empower, or comfort, these charming gifts will come from the heart.Video

Discover Soutache, the art of creating modern and unique jewellery from looped braids. Donatella Ciotti shows you how to create stunning, expensive-looking costume jewellery, from earrings and bracelets to brooches for hats, with full-colour, detailed photography to guide you through each process. There is even a gallery of images at the end of the book to inspire you to create your own, bespoke soutache masterpieces. Learn about the history of jewellery crafting and the ever-growing trend for affordable yet stylish costume jewellery, before trying your hand at your own soutache pieces. Begin with the basic techniques of finishing and sewing the cords and inserting pearls and cabochons or cameos, discover the secrets behind coiling your soutache braids to make buttons, then begin to make bracelets, rings, headbands and much more. Your soutache creations will be eye-catching and entirely unique to you!

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.

Thread your needle and master the art of embroidery in this indispensable guide to the most popular stitches and essential stitching techniques. Whether you are new to sewing and stitching or you want to increase your repertoire, The Stitch Bible is the ideal reference, with 225 embroidery stitches and techniques, plus 17 gorgeous projects to practise what you have learned. This comprehensive guide includes Freestyle embroidery techniques, Hardanger embroidery stitches both in traditional white and contemporary colours, Blackwork stitches based on geometric designs, Crewelwork tapestry techniques, sparklingly elegant Goldwork, striking Pulled Thread embroidery, bold and beautiful Canvaswork and delicate Drawn Thread techniques. Features include: Beautiful inspirational photography of the projects you can make with these stitches. Step-by-step illustration for all 225 stitches, making it simple to complete each stitch perfectly. 17 contemporary projects to put your new found skills to use straight away. All the templates and charts needed to complete the projects. Comprehensive information on the materials and equipment you need. Advice on the basic techniques such as how to transfer a design onto fabric, how to use an embroidery frame, how to read an embroidery chart and how to lace and frame your embroidery. This essential bible to stitching will become a trusted resource and a firm friend on your craft bookshelf.

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.

Kirsten Glasbrook demonstrates the ancient art of tapestry weaving using wool yarn, fine linen and cotton on simple rectangular frames with notches, or purpose-built looms for larger tapestries. She shows step by step how to weave gorgeous tapestries, from choosing colours and winding warps through to creating images and finishing off with tassels and beads. Readers will learn how to create horizontal and diagonal lines, curves, motifs, shading, outlines, borders and more. There is a gallery of beautiful finished works to inspire everyone from beginners to experienced weavers. This best-selling title has been re-issued to inspire a whole new generation.

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.

Explore nature through a combination of textiles and embroidery in this new, modernised edition of Gilda Baron's inspirational, innovative, step-by-step work. Using painted and dyed backgrounds, and hand and machine embroidery, this guide presents a wonderful variety of three dimensional landscape and flower embroideries. A number of techniques are employed when applying colour to the fabric including batik, salt discharge and brushing dye into a wet surface. Beautiful pictures are then stitched and built up over the background in easy stages. The feeling of perspective is enhanced by the clever use of scale and colour, and all the techniques are explained clearly and demonstrated in a series of stunning projects. This original book is packed with practical advice and information. Anyone interested in pattern, texture and colour will discover a wealth of inspiration when they work through the projects. These highly individual designs will encourage beginners and more experienced embroiderers to create their own embroidered flower designs.

Learn how to do the big stitch technique of sashiko with these 8 simple sashiko sewing projects. Traditional Japanese sewing technique, sashiko, is currently a major sewing trend in craft, interiors and fashion. Big stitches are used to create stunning, geometric patterns and texture to make home wares with a stylish, Japanese minimalist look. This collection, featuring content previously published in The Ultimate Sashiko Sourcebook and Japanese Sashiko Inspirations, includes eight patterns for home decor so you can try this traditional technique for yourself. Choose from eight simple projects including coasters, cushions, wall hangings, bag and greetings cards.

This lavishly illustrated volume is the most complete study of Greek island embroidery yet published.

Each group of islands developed quite different styles and repertoires of designs using linen, cotton, and silk. Varying populations -- urban foreigners and rural natives, Catholic towns and Orthodox villages, invading navies and armies -- all contributed to a fusion of styles and motifs that led to one of the greatest displays of decorative folk art to be found anywhere in the world.

The styles range from aristocratic and patrician designs from Rhodes, the monochrome geometric work of Naxos, to the exuberant narrative style of Skyros and the Ottoman-influenced work of Epirus.

This fantastic resource book contains over 70 iron-on designs from world-renowned embroiderer Trish Burr's best-selling embroidery books, plus 6 new bonus designs. Project instructions for each design are available in Trish's inspirational books Needle Painting Embroidery, Colour Confidence in Embroidery, Miniature Needle Painting Embroidery and Whitework with Colour. Choose from a wonderful range of inspiring designs, including flowers, birds, figures, animals and small vignettes. The book contains a short section at the start which gives colour inspiration for every design plus advice on using the transfers; the rest of the book consists of iron-on transfer paper. Using the iron-on transfers is very simple, and each design can be used, stored then reused multiple times. This book gives embroiderers a bumper selection of designs to choose from - it will provide embroiderers of all abilities with the confidence they need to get started creating their own masterpieces.

Enchanting Embroidery Designs invites you to create your own world using bright thread colors and imaginative stitches. Full of motifs that are both simple and playful, from zany crocodiles, and cuddly cats to big-eared bats and stealthy ravens. This book invites you to be creative with its whimsical designs and step-by-step instructions--whether you use these projects as visible mending techniques or simply to add interest to a piece. The sweet scenes and cute characters are full of life and texture, making them at home on your favorite clothing, home accessories or wall hangings. The unusual and versatile designs in this book include: Cheery flowers on a broach Pretty pine trees on hanging ornaments A colorful curly sheep Fluffy and stormy clouds Bushy-tailed foxes Moss on stone and microorganisms in Petri dishes And more! Simple how-tos take you through every recommended stitch, while a section on combining colors will inspire you to try mixing and matching to create something new. There's also a section on turning your stitchery into embellishments you can use, wear and share. Put your imagination and hands to work with the help of this inspiring embroidery book.

Whether it's a landscape, a garden, an animal or a powerful memory of a place or object, Jan shows you how she develops them all into beautifully stitched representations that exude awe-inspiring detail, colour and expression. Jan begins the creative process by collecting and storing natural items and exploring different patterns, texture, media and markings to cultivate her final design. She uses simple yet effective methods for altering fabric prior to stitching, including dyeing, embellishing and stamping, then transforms her fabric into a vibrant, textured artwork using a combination of traditional hand stitching, machine stitching, and other media. Following a fascinating, illustrated step-by step chapter on Jan's key techniques, join her as she takes you through the stages of three types of work for which she is most renowned: the stitched landscape, the memory cloth and the bird sculpture. Each project also includes a break down of the materials, tools and techniques used, so that you can understand as well as see the development of her astounding, mixed-media creations. Throughout the book, a gallery of Jan's work complements her techniques and projects, providing inspiration for your own textile artwork. These are stunning pieces that will open your eyes and turn your own creative concepts into original, personal work.