Hand Embroidery

An expert guide to popular surface-stitching techniques, suitable for stitchers of all abilities!

Drawing on work previously published in the popular Beginner's Guide to Needlecrafts series, and originally published as The Stitching Book, this definitive guide to stitching provides a must-have reference for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery.

Aimed at both beginners and those wishing to explore new areas or to develop their existing skills, this book provides a complete, step-by-step guide to traditional stitching techniques, including drawn thread embroidery, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel embroidery, Mountmellick and blackwork.

Each section is authored by best-selling embroidery experts Patricia Bage, Jill Carter, Ruth Chamberlin, Kay Dennis, Clare Hanham, Jane Rainbow, Pat Trott and Lesley Wilkins, and leads the reader carefully through the history of the technique; the materials and equipment required; and the most popular stitches used. The sections include hands-on projects 26 projects in all and are beautifully illustrated with examples of the authors' works as well as step-by-step photographs and diagrams of the methods used.

This timely book is the perfect choice for anyone whose interest in stitching has been re-awakened by the current trends in embroidery and sewing, and who wishes to make beautiful, hand-embroidered items for their home.

Book Contents

Introduction 8
Where to stitch 10
What to stitch 11
Transferring a design on to fabric 14
Framing up 16
Starting to stitch 21
Mounting your work 23
Silk Shading 26
Crewel Embroidery 46
Mountmellick 72
Stumpwork 96
Hardanger 136
Blackwork 168
Drawn thread embroidery 192
Goldwork 230
Index 270