Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops: A Bend-the-Rules Primer

by Rebecca Ringquist

For the embroiderer who appreciates the value of beautiful stitches but also likes to break a few rules along the way, Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops is a refreshing new resource for both standard and out-of-the-box techniques.

Based on the popular classes Ringquist leads across the country, Rebecca Ringquist’s Embroidery Workshops teaches everything from the “proper” way to form a French knot and transfer a design to a canvas to new ways to stitch three-dimensionally, work with nontraditional threads and fabrics, draw with thread freeform, and mix and match machine- and hand-stitching.

Also featured are instructions for 20 innovative projects, including a cloth sampler designed especially for the book (and packaged in an envelope at the back), table linens, wall art, and clothing embellishments.

Includes color photographs by Johnny Miller

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Reference, Art, Sewing, Quilting

160 pages, Paperback

First published April 14, 2015

Reviews

[Tisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting, with a good instructional section. I happen to fall on the OCD side of the spectrum, so Rebecca's laissez faire approach didn't resonate with me, but I have cross stitching experience, so know how to make things nice and neat. That being said, the projects also fell flat with me for the most part.

[jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's kind of a terrible idea but I am thinking about taking up embroidery.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is beautiful and inspiring. Rebecca shows mastery but lacks snobbery - it feels like she wrote this book to help me create whatever is in my hands and heart.

I really like how accessible she makes embroidery feel. I have had supplies languishing for ages because it seems hard, but after reading this book I feel so empowered to jump in and play. In the supplies section she gives the bare bones to get you started, but also covers details for those who are interested. It definitely doesn't feel like I have to invest to get started, whatever I have is great. The stitches section details instructions for different types of stitches, including the type of thread she prefers to use for each. She covers how to do the stitches by hand and the approximations you can get from a machine. Then she shows a series of projects ranging from samplers to complex multimedia creations. She finishes with finishing, detailing how to display your work but encouraging you to create without worrying about an endpoint.

I am really looking forward to experimenting with embroidery this year as a result of this book.

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a good embroidery book for someone who doesn't know much embroidery, wants a really good overview of threads and what you can do with them, and is interested in free form embroidery rather than something more pattern driven.
This is not at all where I need to be with embroidery. I already free form embroider, have learned a whole bunch about all sorts of threads--DMC, perle cotton, different weights and different looks, the needles, when to hoop and when not to--but if I was me 30 or more years ago, this would have been a really good jumping off point to launch a more creative embroidery life.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I kind of read this one backwards, but I bet forwards is even better. Great layout, fun writing style, excellent ideas. Well done! I learned tons from this one, and I think I will be consulting it a lot as a colorful and helpful reference.

[Zahnii (Suzanne) Artis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a bunch of new takes on embroidery with this guide. As a tween, I can remember doing samplers and learning a variety of stitches, including the daisy stitch, chain, satin stitch, and running stitch. This book added some that were completely new to me, including the woven picot and spiderweb. Some stitches that I knew were used in new ways like using the blanket stitch to make concentric circles which end up becoming these beautiful patterns. I enjoy doing embroidery on items of clothing and most of the projects were standalone. However, there were a lot of different ideas that I could apply to clothing. For example , I like the idea of playing with polkadots by enhancing the pattern that’s already there. I also loved the triple lined letters and the giant polkadots that look like vintage flowers.

[Ivy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this informative, accessible, beautiful, well-written book. The photography alone makes it worthy of a place on your shelf. There is great information on threads, needle types and sizes, hoops and frames, designing your own embroidery, and finishing techniques. Lots of interesting references, resources,suppliers, and some further reading.

This shouldn’t be your only book if you’re a newbie because the one thing this book lacks is step-by-instructional photos. However, I have my other more embroidery books for that. Plus YouTube!

This is a gorgeous book. It’s fun to read. Rebecca has a great writing voice. I highly recommend adding it to your library.

[Lyndsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clear how-tos mixed with poetic whats and whys made this a good read that I spent more time with than a typical craft book borrowed from the library. I’m inspired to make some embroidered things since I already have everything I need in my craft studio. (Except maybe some micron pens…but those can wait!)

[June Jacobs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's warm, welcoming tone throughout the book will be encouraging to readers who seek to begin their journey with embroidery.

The photographs are well-done and match up well with the objective in each chapter.

I borrowed a copy of this book from our local public library.

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[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

The book could’ve used some editing. Other than that there was really nothing wrong with it, it’s just that I didn’t see anything new that isn’t in 100 other books. I’m some of those other books are really good.

[Carie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful book aesthetically, and yet practical for anyone with fiber projects on their mind. I've started collecting books about needlework and other fiber arts, and this is one of my favorites so far. The book also comes with a small sampler ready to be stitched!

[Ash · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was hoping for more stitch instructions, and an index. The included sampler is nice, but it's missing a lot of the stitches I need to complete one of the author's other samplers. Pretty pictures, basic instructions, I was hoping for more.

[Jennifer Mitchell-Shirley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this will be a good book for my granddaughter to learn embroidery and not be afraid it is not perfect. I liked the section with the listing of types of threads, listing a few that I had not heard of or thought to use for embroidery.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great introduction for anyone wanting to ease into hand stitching, covering the basics you need to get started and offering a selection of achievable projects. Colourful, concise and easy to follow.

[Abbigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very beautiful book with nice projects and ideas, but I find following projects like these through reading to be difficult. There seemed to be a good mix of beginner versus more complicated projects though.

[Patricia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great strengths of this book were the tutorials about adding embroidery to vintage embroidery and using a sewing machine to embroider and enhance hand-done work. I love the idea of creating your own patches.

[Rachelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca Ringquist's Embroidery Workshops... an inspiring combination of stitches and projects that encourages the crafter to push the boundaries and use stitches in imaginative ways for a different style. Great photos and explanations. Very unique example work.

[Paige · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful pictures and descriptions, I just wish the stitch explanations provided more step by step photos.

[Kendra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, but best for finishing info!

[Marcie Lovett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not my style, but interesting to look at

[AJNels · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice intro to embroidery with a good mix of hand- and machine-embroidery instructions and project ideas.

[Kirsti · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully designed book, but for some reason the projects didn't spark much interest in me. Maybe I'm not on RR's wavelength.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some excellent ideas

[Heather Culley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attractive but socially conscious

[LaLa · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh this has BIG chaotic ENERGY and not for me.

[Page · Rating 2 out of 5]

On the one hand, this book was pretty basic. On the other hand, the instructions were so convoluted that I wasn't able to follow them for stitches that I already knew let alone learning new ones.

[Lesia Schnur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely overview of how to begin embroidery and how to improve your skills by embellishing items or creating new ones. Comes with a small sampler.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the general philosophy and advice of this book and looking through the projects for inspiration. I do wish the book covered instructions for more than a few stitches.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful book for the beginner or accomplished embroiderer. It has wonderful ideas on using embroidery to create your own art especially in using vintage or recycled material. Rebecca makes embroidery come alive with her break the rules style and creative ideas. The book even includes a kit in the back, so you can get started right away. Start embroidering now!

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this cover to cover when it arrived today! I've taken Creative Bug classes with Rebecca, and I already knew she was a terrific teacher. The book is excellent because it not only teaches a variety of stitches, but it provides interesting applications in the projects section. A great addition to my hand-work book shelf.