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The Stitched Landscape: An Embroidery Field Guide to the Textures, Colors, and Lines of the Natural World
Observe and embroider the natural world with this inspiring guide to nature journaling with a needle and thread.
Transform your appreciation of nature into unique works of art by stitching embroidered landscapes! Artist Anna Hultin’s step-by-step projects blend traditional embroidery skills with experimental techniques that draw inspiration from the lines, patterns, and textures of the natural world. Learn how to embroider flowers, plants, and trees using a few basic stitches, discover new techniques for a variety of non-traditional materials and methods like painting on fabric with watercolors, collaging with fabrics to create depth, and stitching with raw wool, and learn how to compose these elements into an original scene based on your own nature observations.
This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
Transform your appreciation of nature into unique works of art by stitching embroidered landscapes! Artist Anna Hultin’s step-by-step projects blend traditional embroidery skills with experimental techniques that draw inspiration from the lines, patterns, and textures of the natural world. Learn how to embroider flowers, plants, and trees using a few basic stitches, discover new techniques for a variety of non-traditional materials and methods like painting on fabric with watercolors, collaging with fabrics to create depth, and stitching with raw wool, and learn how to compose these elements into an original scene based on your own nature observations.
This publication conforms to the EPUB Accessibility specification at WCAG 2.0 Level AA.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 7, 2025
2 people are currently reading
35 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 5, 2025
Book Review: The Stitched Landscape by Anna Hultin
Rating: 5 Stars
Five stars, no question. The Stitched Landscape by Anna Hultin is one of those craft books that feels like a warm, inspiring conversation with an artist friend who gently hands you everything you need to begin making something beautiful.
At its heart, this is a guide to turning your observations of the natural world into stitched artwork. Hultin walks you through creating embroidered landscapes by combining clear, approachable stitch tutorials with experimental methods that push embroidery beyond the hoop. You’ll learn how to render flowers, trees, and plant textures using a handful of basic stitches, but the book doesn’t stop there — it also introduces ways to work with nontraditional materials and mixed media. Think painting on fabric with watercolors to build subtle backgrounds, layering fabric collages for depth, and even stitching with raw wool to get that lovely tactile dimension. The projects are designed so you can translate your own walks and field notes into original compositions rather than copying pictures, which is what makes the whole concept feel alive and personal.
I have to mention the book’s visuals — that cover is absolutely delightful and really sets the mood before you turn the first page. Inside, the photography and layouts celebrate Hultin’s obvious love of nature and make you want to go outside, look closely, and start sketching. Her background as a practicing artist elevates this beyond a simple stitch manual: she takes time to discuss color choices and the fundamentals of composing a landscape. That was a breath of fresh air for me — whether you’re working in thread or paint, the book gives you the essentials for building convincing scenes, not just pretty motifs.
For beginners, the stitch instructions are detailed and friendly, so you won’t feel lost. For more adventurous makers, the mixed-media techniques are a real delight. Hultin shows how to combine watercolor washes, fabric collage, and various threads and materials to evoke different seasons and atmospheres. The projects range from quietly simple to wonderfully experimental, so the book grows with you as your confidence and curiosity expand.
All told, The Stitched Landscape is gorgeously realized, inspiring, and genuinely useful. I loved it enough that I’m buying my own copy for my shelf. If you enjoy embroidery, nature journaling, or just making tactile art that comes from observation and place, this book belongs in your collection.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Rating: 5 Stars
Five stars, no question. The Stitched Landscape by Anna Hultin is one of those craft books that feels like a warm, inspiring conversation with an artist friend who gently hands you everything you need to begin making something beautiful.
At its heart, this is a guide to turning your observations of the natural world into stitched artwork. Hultin walks you through creating embroidered landscapes by combining clear, approachable stitch tutorials with experimental methods that push embroidery beyond the hoop. You’ll learn how to render flowers, trees, and plant textures using a handful of basic stitches, but the book doesn’t stop there — it also introduces ways to work with nontraditional materials and mixed media. Think painting on fabric with watercolors to build subtle backgrounds, layering fabric collages for depth, and even stitching with raw wool to get that lovely tactile dimension. The projects are designed so you can translate your own walks and field notes into original compositions rather than copying pictures, which is what makes the whole concept feel alive and personal.
I have to mention the book’s visuals — that cover is absolutely delightful and really sets the mood before you turn the first page. Inside, the photography and layouts celebrate Hultin’s obvious love of nature and make you want to go outside, look closely, and start sketching. Her background as a practicing artist elevates this beyond a simple stitch manual: she takes time to discuss color choices and the fundamentals of composing a landscape. That was a breath of fresh air for me — whether you’re working in thread or paint, the book gives you the essentials for building convincing scenes, not just pretty motifs.
For beginners, the stitch instructions are detailed and friendly, so you won’t feel lost. For more adventurous makers, the mixed-media techniques are a real delight. Hultin shows how to combine watercolor washes, fabric collage, and various threads and materials to evoke different seasons and atmospheres. The projects range from quietly simple to wonderfully experimental, so the book grows with you as your confidence and curiosity expand.
All told, The Stitched Landscape is gorgeously realized, inspiring, and genuinely useful. I loved it enough that I’m buying my own copy for my shelf. If you enjoy embroidery, nature journaling, or just making tactile art that comes from observation and place, this book belongs in your collection.
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
August 20, 2025
Thank you, Net Galley and the publishers, for allowing me an advanced copy of this book.
I felt truly inspired by this book. I have only 'dabbled' in embroidery until now, but I have really enjoyed it and have been wanting to take it a little further. I love flowers, plants and nature, so this book seemed the perfect fit for me.
Before I go any further with the book, I'd just like to say how wonderful the author is - she makes you want to run out immediately and embroider everything! Her love for this art shines through, as does her kindness and awareness of the larger role that art plays in our lives, especially with our mental health. There is no judgment or pressure in her writing - just warmth. encouragement, and the acceptance that sometimes our art goes wrong.
But the thing that makes this book so special is the way in which Anna breathes joy into each step, elevating it above a simple step-by-step or how-to, to almost a love letter to nature itself. Just beautiful.
The book covers everything anyone could need, taking you through the entire process of creating an embroidered piece of art. It is an incredibly practical yet inspiring process that Anna encourages us to adopt with examples given throughout. There are also clear descriptions of all of the equipment needed, when you would use different items, and technical information where necessary
Anna also gives lots of hints and tips based on her own experience of things that she does or has found to work, and is as generous with her acquired skills as she is with the patterns and ideas in the book. There is no gatekeeping with her knowledge, and it is very appreciated. As is the index at the back to allow for speedier referencing of particular topics - this is definitely a book that I would return to again and again.
Thank you, Anna, for this truly inspirational book.
I felt truly inspired by this book. I have only 'dabbled' in embroidery until now, but I have really enjoyed it and have been wanting to take it a little further. I love flowers, plants and nature, so this book seemed the perfect fit for me.
Before I go any further with the book, I'd just like to say how wonderful the author is - she makes you want to run out immediately and embroider everything! Her love for this art shines through, as does her kindness and awareness of the larger role that art plays in our lives, especially with our mental health. There is no judgment or pressure in her writing - just warmth. encouragement, and the acceptance that sometimes our art goes wrong.
But the thing that makes this book so special is the way in which Anna breathes joy into each step, elevating it above a simple step-by-step or how-to, to almost a love letter to nature itself. Just beautiful.
The book covers everything anyone could need, taking you through the entire process of creating an embroidered piece of art. It is an incredibly practical yet inspiring process that Anna encourages us to adopt with examples given throughout. There are also clear descriptions of all of the equipment needed, when you would use different items, and technical information where necessary
Anna also gives lots of hints and tips based on her own experience of things that she does or has found to work, and is as generous with her acquired skills as she is with the patterns and ideas in the book. There is no gatekeeping with her knowledge, and it is very appreciated. As is the index at the back to allow for speedier referencing of particular topics - this is definitely a book that I would return to again and again.
Thank you, Anna, for this truly inspirational book.
September 27, 2025
The Stitched Landscape makes me extremely thirsty for landscape embroidery. My hands are full with many embroidery projects on the go but this book ratcheted up my excitement level with lightbulb moments galore. I just love freehand embroidery and one-off projects. The creator Anna Hultin encourages the reader to immerse oneself in nature, including the bare bones of plants exposed in dormant periods. There is beauty in seed pods, bare branches and whispering grasses. Where I am from in Canada, snow covers the land for at least six months of the year. However, one can sometimes spot wrinkled rosehips and dried berries even under the harshest of conditions. But where I now live is much different with a lot more material to work with. I live in nature and study it every day. Going forward when I poke around the landscapes, I will pay extra attention to fronds, stems, flower buds, umbrils, mosses, and other architecturally interesting structures from an embroidery perspective.
Hultin describes the materials needed and gives excellent tips such as using an additional layer of fabric to projects (which really works, speaking from experience), troubleshooting, neatly finishing the project, the importance of layering, and includes delightful building block patterns. The book is arranged according to seasons.
So much to love in this book but amongst the standouts to me are mapping movement, painting watercolour on fabric, setting up intentional space and rituals (such as hot tea), wool roving (can't wait to try this) and how to stitch specific plants such as lavender and carrots, This is a breathtakingly gorgeous and original book. I'm positively hooked! My mind is overflowing with ideas to transform my embroidery into a new-to-me form of art! My stash of fabric and thread is practically unlimited...and so is nature.
Hultin describes the materials needed and gives excellent tips such as using an additional layer of fabric to projects (which really works, speaking from experience), troubleshooting, neatly finishing the project, the importance of layering, and includes delightful building block patterns. The book is arranged according to seasons.
So much to love in this book but amongst the standouts to me are mapping movement, painting watercolour on fabric, setting up intentional space and rituals (such as hot tea), wool roving (can't wait to try this) and how to stitch specific plants such as lavender and carrots, This is a breathtakingly gorgeous and original book. I'm positively hooked! My mind is overflowing with ideas to transform my embroidery into a new-to-me form of art! My stash of fabric and thread is practically unlimited...and so is nature.
October 9, 2025
The Stitched Landscape: An Embroidery Field Guide to the Textures, Colors, and Lines of the Natural World is a superb guide book on how to create remarkably beautiful embroidered landscapes. Anna Hultin, an artist who formed sculptural installations with environmental themes, moved to a new medium, embroidery, after she became a mother. Now, Hultin creates and embroiders complex landscape designs and incorporates unusal materials, including watercolors and wool in her work.
The Stiched Landscape guides both the novice artist as well as those who have been embroidering for years. Hultin provides information on the supplies that one needs in order to get started and where to source these materials. Hultin describes the specific colors and materials she has used for her landscape designs so that the reader can recreate these pieces.
Importantly, Hultin teaches the reader how to see a landscape, sketch its most important elements, and incorporate that sketch into a design that can be embroidered. The way in which Hultin guides her readers with how to begin seeing and creating their own designs is rare. The Stiched Landscape is a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who loves the art of embroidery.
The Stiched Landscape guides both the novice artist as well as those who have been embroidering for years. Hultin provides information on the supplies that one needs in order to get started and where to source these materials. Hultin describes the specific colors and materials she has used for her landscape designs so that the reader can recreate these pieces.
Importantly, Hultin teaches the reader how to see a landscape, sketch its most important elements, and incorporate that sketch into a design that can be embroidered. The way in which Hultin guides her readers with how to begin seeing and creating their own designs is rare. The Stiched Landscape is a wonderful addition to the library of anyone who loves the art of embroidery.
August 7, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. The photographs in this wonderful book celebrate the author's love of nature and encourages the reader to learn how to observe the landscape. The author's background as an artist takes this embroidery book to another level. Not only does she explain how to start a landscape embroidery project using the correct thread colours, but she teaches the reader about colour theory and the elements of landscape art. The author provides essential information for creating a landscape whether you are using paint or embroidery thread. The gorgeous projects include detailed instructions for simple stitches that make the book accessible for beginner embroiders. For the more adventurous sewers, the author shows the reader how to use mixed media within the landscape. She uses paint, embroidery and collage skilfully to celebrate the landscape during the different seasons. I absolutely loved this book and will purchase a copy to add to my library. This book would be a welcomed addition to any embroiders' bookshelf.
November 18, 2025
This is a wonderful book for high beginner/intermediate embroiderers. It will help take you to the next level of your stitching. I went into this book expecting a small how-to section followed by a bunch of patterns. I was pleasantly surprised to discover it is a full workshop in a book for this type of stitching. While it does have instructions and easy to follow tutorials, I loved the fact that it had an Intentional Space section that came before the techniques. The troubleshooting section is invaluable for fixing errors or figuring out why things don't look quite right.
The section on how to include water colours in your embroidery to give it added depth was fantastic. I loved the patterns and how there were some that were full landscapes to allow you to practiced, but also some templates for various elements to help get started with your own designs. This book instructs you on how to take a picture or landscape that you wish and turn it into your own embroidery to make your own patterns, and the cheat sheet at the end is perfect for helping you along.
The section on how to include water colours in your embroidery to give it added depth was fantastic. I loved the patterns and how there were some that were full landscapes to allow you to practiced, but also some templates for various elements to help get started with your own designs. This book instructs you on how to take a picture or landscape that you wish and turn it into your own embroidery to make your own patterns, and the cheat sheet at the end is perfect for helping you along.
August 21, 2025
If you are wanting a little more stillness, a little more creation, and a little more time spent out in nature, then let me tell you about The Stitched Landscape! In here, Anna Hultin has given you everything you need to transfer the landscapes you see onto the fabric in front of you (minus the actual equipment, of course!) It covers the thoughts behind the art, what you'll need, stitches, templates, tips for observing and how to translate what you see into embroidery, and plenty of encouragement. I look forward to trying out some of the new things I learned, and to practicing embroidery with this book!
In conclusion: I really liked it! Definitely recommend to crafters and people who are interested in taking up embroidery. I would suggest playing around with embroidery basic stitches first to increase your confidence beforehand, but there is a good amount of information for beginners in here as well!
Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the e-ARC!
In conclusion: I really liked it! Definitely recommend to crafters and people who are interested in taking up embroidery. I would suggest playing around with embroidery basic stitches first to increase your confidence beforehand, but there is a good amount of information for beginners in here as well!
Thanks to Netgalley and Storey Publishing for the e-ARC!
September 15, 2025
I absolutely loved browsing through The Stitched Landscape. Although I often hesitate to add another embroidery book to my shelves, this one feels refreshingly different—and I suspect I’ll be making space for the physical edition when it’s released.
What makes this book stand out is its thoughtful invitation to stitch landscapes drawn from memory, imagination, or real-life views—whether near or far. It’s not just about technique; it’s about storytelling through thread. The combination of embroidery and watercolour is especially striking, adding a gentle, expressive layer that elevates each piece into something truly personal.
As someone who facilitates slow stitching groups, I can see this book sparking all sorts of creative conversations. It’s the kind of resource that encourages reflection and experimentation, offering inspiration without overwhelming. I’d love to share it with my members as a way to explore memory, place, and texture in new ways.
What makes this book stand out is its thoughtful invitation to stitch landscapes drawn from memory, imagination, or real-life views—whether near or far. It’s not just about technique; it’s about storytelling through thread. The combination of embroidery and watercolour is especially striking, adding a gentle, expressive layer that elevates each piece into something truly personal.
As someone who facilitates slow stitching groups, I can see this book sparking all sorts of creative conversations. It’s the kind of resource that encourages reflection and experimentation, offering inspiration without overwhelming. I’d love to share it with my members as a way to explore memory, place, and texture in new ways.
August 6, 2025
Thank you Netgalley, Storey Publishing, and Jacob A. Pauwels for sending me this advance review copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a really solid beginner embroidery book. The photos are gorgous and very clear on what to do. I love that it goes step by step from the beginning where you plan your project, to picking your design, choosing stitches, basics on color theory, and also great finishing instructions.
It also includes a bunch projects to get you started right away. I think most beginners could pick this book up with a handful of basic supplies and make a beautiful project.
This is a really solid beginner embroidery book. The photos are gorgous and very clear on what to do. I love that it goes step by step from the beginning where you plan your project, to picking your design, choosing stitches, basics on color theory, and also great finishing instructions.
It also includes a bunch projects to get you started right away. I think most beginners could pick this book up with a handful of basic supplies and make a beautiful project.
January 11, 2026
The author starts with an essay about why she started doing this embroidery. Then we move into the art of it and the different supplies you may want to get started. After you’ve sketched out your landscape you’ll need to choose your colors and then prepare to stitch. Then we have a guide to stitches you’ll use. We get chapters of practice designs which include thread colors to work on. This book on stitching is more arty than I’m used to. I’m used to having patterns to work with and this is more make your own design and then stitch it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the advanced copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storey Publishing for the advanced copy.
July 22, 2025
Fantastic book. The Stitched Landscape is a comprehensive guide to stitching realistic landscapes using different embroidery stitches, needle painting and watercolour. The end result is amazingly beautiful art. I can’t wait to give this a go. The pictures, diagrams and text explanations look like they will be straightforward to follow. It’s a well laid out book with plenty of photos. I’m definitely going to buy a copy for myself and to gift to a stitchy friend!
August 8, 2025
This is more than a stitch guide or a book of embroidery patterns - it is a work of art. While the instructions and patterns are wonderful, the inspiring way the author writes about nature was the real star for me, and the visuals are simply gorgeous. This book would be equally at home on my craft reference bookshelf or my coffee table art book stack.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.
August 12, 2025
This is a beautiful meditation on motherhood, and craft, and connecting with nature. I love that it includes not just directions on different stitches but thoughts on composition and color theory. It has some beautiful patterns but really encourages making your own from what is around you. I already know a few people who will be getting this as a gift.
September 12, 2025
I received a copy of this eBook from netGalley for a honest review.
This book gives some amazing ideas and fun patterns but more importantly how to design and make your own landscape patterns. It is useful and informative about using different materials not just your normal thread and linen to make wonderful, creative landscape hoops.
This book gives some amazing ideas and fun patterns but more importantly how to design and make your own landscape patterns. It is useful and informative about using different materials not just your normal thread and linen to make wonderful, creative landscape hoops.
October 23, 2025
Wonderful embroidery book with some great insights on the author's creative process. I loved how passionate she was about landscapes and finding beauty in such simple things as dead grasses. I will continue to reference this book for inspiration and keep the author's advice in mind while working in my sketchbook!
July 24, 2025
I have recently started embroidering and this book was such an inspiration! There are so many techniques I cannot wait to try and the format of the book was easy to follow! The illustrations were extremely helpful. A must have for anyone interested in embroidering!
July 29, 2025
What a beautiful and creative book! I loved everything about it. Hultin gives detailed instructions with lots of photos and projects, plus she is a really wonderful writer and her pieces are gorgeous and original. Highly recommended.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book via netgalley.
I read a temporary digital copy of this book via netgalley.
November 17, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and storey publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Beautiful, with lots of ideas to create your own landscapes.
Beautiful, with lots of ideas to create your own landscapes.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews