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Complete Guide to Needlework
Embroidery, Needlepoint, Knitting, Appliqué, Quilting, Patchwork, Macramé, Crochet, Rug-Making, & Lacework
504 pages, Hardcover
Published January 1, 1984
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
October 18, 2019
No I have not read it all, it's huge. But I bought it some years back from a charity shop and every time I have a "how the hell do I do that" question, this book has the answer.
It's also introduced me to some amazing embroidery styles (blackwork is gorgeous, and now I know what the hell darning is...), has very clear images about how to learn pretty much all of the needlework techniques required for most standard things, how to preserve your work, and gives a good comparison of example and real images to show how the stitch (should!) turn out.
AND it also gives patterns near the back for things like crochet, so serving as a total start to finish garment guide. Not bad for a couple of quid.
It's also introduced me to some amazing embroidery styles (blackwork is gorgeous, and now I know what the hell darning is...), has very clear images about how to learn pretty much all of the needlework techniques required for most standard things, how to preserve your work, and gives a good comparison of example and real images to show how the stitch (should!) turn out.
AND it also gives patterns near the back for things like crochet, so serving as a total start to finish garment guide. Not bad for a couple of quid.
August 14, 2010
This is the best basic book I've come across for basic embroidery, knitting, and crochet. I taught myself crochet from this book, and a lot of knitting too. I still refer to it often, particularly for knitting help. Then I get lost in admiration of the macrame, rugmaking, and lacework, which I really want to get into when I get old and rich and don't have to work.
The instructions in most sections are exhaustive and fairly clear, and one thing that I don't find in other books is an explanation of the effects of choices you make. For example, a yarn-over increase in knitting creates a hole in the fabric, while a lifted increase is inconspicuous. Stitches are described and explained so that you can see your goal before you start, which helps when it's complicated.
Each section includes a nice menu. For example, the chapter on embroidery is stuffed with basic stitches, elaborate stitches, stitches you've never seen before, stitches nobody's ever used except somebody making a princess's trousseau, and then there's the sections on Hardanger, huck, Assissi, pulled-thread, drawn-thread, and cutwork embroidery, just in case you were running out of spare time.
This (1979) edition is rather out of date. Quiltmaking has gotten enormously popular in the past 30 years, with high-tech equipment following along. The patchwork and applique chapters are the only ones that don't start with a list of specialized tools, and the only ones listed in the quilting chapter are frames, hoops, and tracing equipment. Now that photo reproduction is cheap, a lot of books use photos instead of diagrams in their step-by-step instructions, and I find this helpful, as the drawings of threads in this book are not always clear. (Which way is that thread going?)
Another downside of this book is the sheer drabness of a lot of the pictures. The embroidery and needle lace samplers in particular are shabby and dreary and leave you wondering why anyone would want to try those techniques. Then they show you a beautiful hemstitched hanky and you think, oh, that's pulled-thread work! why didn't they show me that before?
Overall, this is an excellent way to start a needlework library and a very good basic text.
The instructions in most sections are exhaustive and fairly clear, and one thing that I don't find in other books is an explanation of the effects of choices you make. For example, a yarn-over increase in knitting creates a hole in the fabric, while a lifted increase is inconspicuous. Stitches are described and explained so that you can see your goal before you start, which helps when it's complicated.
Each section includes a nice menu. For example, the chapter on embroidery is stuffed with basic stitches, elaborate stitches, stitches you've never seen before, stitches nobody's ever used except somebody making a princess's trousseau, and then there's the sections on Hardanger, huck, Assissi, pulled-thread, drawn-thread, and cutwork embroidery, just in case you were running out of spare time.
This (1979) edition is rather out of date. Quiltmaking has gotten enormously popular in the past 30 years, with high-tech equipment following along. The patchwork and applique chapters are the only ones that don't start with a list of specialized tools, and the only ones listed in the quilting chapter are frames, hoops, and tracing equipment. Now that photo reproduction is cheap, a lot of books use photos instead of diagrams in their step-by-step instructions, and I find this helpful, as the drawings of threads in this book are not always clear. (Which way is that thread going?)
Another downside of this book is the sheer drabness of a lot of the pictures. The embroidery and needle lace samplers in particular are shabby and dreary and leave you wondering why anyone would want to try those techniques. Then they show you a beautiful hemstitched hanky and you think, oh, that's pulled-thread work! why didn't they show me that before?
Overall, this is an excellent way to start a needlework library and a very good basic text.
September 9, 2007
My roommate had the late 70's edition of this book, and I had to order my own copy when I moved. Contains exhaustive illustrated how-to guides for every commonly practiced kind of embroidery, quilting, needlepoint, applique, patchwork, knitting, crochet, lacemaking,macrame and rugmaking.
Want to design and knit a cable-ribbed, saddle-yoke sleeved, polo-collared cardigan with pockets? Now you can! And you can crochet one, too! And you can wear them your macrame belt and lace bonnet while standing on your braided rug with your quilted valise full of needlepoint tissuebox holders! No matter how young you are, I guarantee that grandchildren will start appearing at your door.
Want to design and knit a cable-ribbed, saddle-yoke sleeved, polo-collared cardigan with pockets? Now you can! And you can crochet one, too! And you can wear them your macrame belt and lace bonnet while standing on your braided rug with your quilted valise full of needlepoint tissuebox holders! No matter how young you are, I guarantee that grandchildren will start appearing at your door.
October 24, 2020
This is a great resource book. Very clear instructions and graphics, so much so I think that I will need to buy this book (took mine from the library) to have on hand and I think I will be using it often. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars!
December 30, 2023
Got this book because I was taking up cross stitch again and wanted to also do some embroidery work as well. I use to embroider many years ago and wanted to start again. This book is a really, really valuable resource for both of these hobbies but also many others. It also includes knitting, quilting, appliqué, crocheting and many others. It's a wonderful complete needlework book with great information and fairly easy to follow instruction. So glad I bought this book and its a solid 5 out of 5 stars for me and I will be referring to it often I am sure.
July 4, 2020
A comprehensive collection of a large variety of needlework skills: embroidery, needlepoint, appliqué, patchwork, quilting, knitting, crochet, lace, macrame, & rugs. A few projects are included in each section. Clear hand-drawn illustrations take the reader through each step
July 29, 2021
Given this is the 90’s by my husband’s grandfather. Used as a resource for all things needlework, especially teaching myself crochet and knitting stitches. I am constantly amazed at the possibilities.
February 2, 2018
Very easy to follow. Love it. Will be using it as reference for many more projects.
May 4, 2022
Fabulous resource. Heavy on quilting. I wish there were more rug techniques.
October 24, 2025
super helpful for learning new to me crafts! i taught myself crochet and tatting from this book 🤩
June 16, 2009
If you're interested in taking up a needlework kind of craft such as crochet, knitting, quilting, needlepoint, lacework, rug-making, and other such crafts, and if this is the only book you have before setting out to learn, you're pretty much set, as this is the only book you'll ever need to get you started. Consider it your bible, the mother of all reference books when it comes to crafts, the most useful of tomes in your library.
Using both photos and illustration, this book shows the basic steps in making the standard stitches and then goes further and shows how to do a variety of other stitches other books fail to show you. On top of that, it walks you through the concept of making more complicated pieces and the numerous ways you can go about them. So, essentially, you get everything from the beginner's stage to the more experienced stage. It even helps you grow from the kind of crafter who follows patterns to one who designs their own patterns by giving not only inspiration but technique.
The book also provides some basic patterns for projects that you can use for practice or just do for the created results themselves -- blankets, hats, bags, and the like -- and the instructions are so clear and easy to follow that you can't go wrong. The book makes no assumptions; everything is explained, from the standard tools and terminology used in each craft to the different techniques.
This is my mother's book, copyright 1979. The cover doesn't look at all like the one in the GoodReads database. Though I've been through the book a number of times, I find I still come back to it again and again.
Using both photos and illustration, this book shows the basic steps in making the standard stitches and then goes further and shows how to do a variety of other stitches other books fail to show you. On top of that, it walks you through the concept of making more complicated pieces and the numerous ways you can go about them. So, essentially, you get everything from the beginner's stage to the more experienced stage. It even helps you grow from the kind of crafter who follows patterns to one who designs their own patterns by giving not only inspiration but technique.
The book also provides some basic patterns for projects that you can use for practice or just do for the created results themselves -- blankets, hats, bags, and the like -- and the instructions are so clear and easy to follow that you can't go wrong. The book makes no assumptions; everything is explained, from the standard tools and terminology used in each craft to the different techniques.
This is my mother's book, copyright 1979. The cover doesn't look at all like the one in the GoodReads database. Though I've been through the book a number of times, I find I still come back to it again and again.
February 28, 2008
My mom had this book (the 1979 edition) originally. I "borrowed" it for the first time in high school , for the macrame instructions (hemp necklaces), then for the applique (making bags),and finally for the knitting and crocheting directions. The photos and diagrams are simple, and easy to understand. I fall back on this book whenever I need an explanation of a stitch. It's been on my shelf ever since-and it's been years . (sorry mom!)
December 14, 2007
Tatting to Knitting to Crocheting, it is all in there with complete directions. This is actually my second copy as I was foolish and loaned my first copy out to never see it again. Every time that I start a new project even embroidery I end up using this book for at least an illustrated version of what I am looking for my project to look like. A great find!
January 15, 2008
Not bad for a beginning sewing manual. Reader's Digest seemed to put out a series of books aimed at preserving handicrafts for the possibility of an apocalyptic event, and as such this is a pretty good overview. However, if you're interested in getting any in-depth info on sewing, patterning, textiles, tailoring or finishes, you want something more focused.
October 11, 2008
Since I have been finishing up embroidering a sash, and not reading, I thought I would add my needlework book here. This book is amazing! An encyclopedia of needlework stitches, embroidery stitches, knitting and crochet patterns, quilting how-to... If you are into yarn/thread crafts, this is a great resource.
August 6, 2016
Best basic book ever! Feel like you know nothing? Get this book and you will learn what you need to know. And you will want to learn more. It is a positive way to learn and reinforce what you gave learned! Instructive in both wording and illustrations! I actually have the 1979 version
and refer back to this baby all the time!
and refer back to this baby all the time!
April 4, 2014
Other than the awkward, yet cool, long horizon format of the book: implicitly detailed, clean graphics, easy instructions. I have a few of these vintage reader's digest how to books and it seems that Dorling-Kindersly took their clean formatting notion from this predecessor. A must for any needlework hobbyist library (omg the stitches!!!!)
March 29, 2024
Been through this book many times since I bought it. Great reference book and includes instructions for many popular and some not so well known forms of needlework. Some projects as well. When I was a novice to needlework I thought this was the only book I would ever need. I have two copies since I inherited my mil's as well.
November 24, 2014
When I had more time on my hands, I used to crochet alot and this came in very handy. Showed me different edgings and how to shape the piece into different shapes.
I also used to for the cross stitch patterns that stitched onto the crocheted blankets I made.
Of course, there's lots of other tecjniques in here also.
I also used to for the cross stitch patterns that stitched onto the crocheted blankets I made.
Of course, there's lots of other tecjniques in here also.
October 18, 2007
This book has all you ever will need to get started in a multitude of crafts. My mom and gramma both swore by their copies, and I got to inherit my mom's old one when she got a new one. I'd rather have the old one anywho, with all the history in it, and all the projects that it has guided.
April 18, 2011
Everything you ever wanted to know about any and all crafts involving a needle. I own the 1979 edition, and I love this book just as much as I adore the vintage issues of the Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing. Great resource books to have if you sew or craft.
March 21, 2012
This is the book that taught me how to crochet and knit. I learned how to read patterns from this book. I also have referenced the embroidery section. I will always cherish this book as one of the best gifts I ever received. Thanks mom!
July 8, 2016
I'm using this to teach myself embroidery, with absolutely no needlework background. This book has every type of stitch imaginable, it seems. The instructions and diagrams are very clear. Fantastic reference. My only wish is for a newer version which includes sources for some of the items.
August 15, 2007
This is my needlework bible...seriously though, if you like knitting or crocheting or quilting or any other needlework activity this book is where it's at.
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March 21, 20081980 edition
May 17, 2008
I really like this book. I received it from my mother-in-law for Christmas one year. It is a good reference book. Thanks, Lindsey!
September 22, 2008
One of the best craft books ever! It can show you how to do anything.
November 12, 2008
I have an older version of this book and it is great. I used it to teach myself knitting and tatting. It is a great reference guide to needlework.
March 20, 2009
My needlework Bible, *inherited* from my mother when she was cleaning out her bookshelf some years back.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews