Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to More Than 200 Stitches

by Lucinda Ganderton, D.K. Publishing

Embroidery is the ultimate stitch dictionary and the ideal guide to embroidery, whatever your level of expertise. The perfect reference guide to needlework, Embroidery is a comprehensive guide to inspire and inform sewers of all levels. Find advice on which thread, needles, or fabrics work with which techniques, and take a look at an incredible 200 stitches — with levels of difficulty, step-by-step instructions, and ideas on where and how to use them.

This practical guide covers sewing tips for dressmaking, needlepoint, and embroidery stitches, with detailed information simply presented in illustration-rich pages. With Embroidery it's easy to find exactly which stitch is right for your next sewing project.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, Sewing, Reference, Art

160 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 1999

About the author

Lucinda Ganderton is a talented and highly successful writer, designer and stylist. Having studied Fine Art Textiles at Goldsmiths College, London, she then worked as a producer and art director in video and TV production. From there she turned to writing and has now written or contributed to over 20 books on crafts, interiors and textiles, including The Encyclopedia of Stitches (published by New Holland), Vintage Fabric Style, Creating Your Perfect Wedding and Instant Expert Beading. She also contributes regularly to leading craft and lifestyle magazines. She lives in London with her husband and young son.

- Paper Plus

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was looking for a book of embroidery stitches for a gift. At our local Public Library, I asked a Librarian who is an expert seamstress and quilter for her recommendation for the best embroidery book with a wide variety of stitches. She seemed to relish the challenge and got to work on researching right away! Within an hour she came back with this book and pronounced it "the best." She had even printed out some reviews that she had found online. I checked it out and brought it home to examine thoroughly. I have since bought a copy as a gift for a loved one who has taken up embroidery for a hobby. The illustrations of 200+ stitches are amazing! They are both vivid and clearly diagrammed with easy to follow instructions. I am even tempted to take up embroidery myself!

[Victoria Mendes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

The illustrations and descriptions are great and live up to the claims on the back cover. I feel a little click baited since the cover shows combinations of combined stitches that aren’t explicitly stated in the book. Also it doesn’t really talk much about stitches on the backing - as in how to keep the wrong side neat, which I vaguely remember being taught as a child. Perhaps this takes care of itself by following the pattern descriptions themselves, but I find it strange that with all of the lovely front of stitch photos there isn’t an accompanying back side view.

I do plan to add this to my crafting book collection at some point so I can use it as a reference to make patterns.

[Victoria Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wegen der guten Erklärungen und den schönen als auch informativen Bildern wird dies sicherlich nützlich sein, wenn ich sticke.

Due to the clever explanations and beautiful as well as informative pictures, this will surely become a staple whenever I want to embroider.

[Jessica Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so accessible. I especially loved the brief history of embroidery and the many MANY cool stitches! It has a visual gallery of stitches in addition to having instructions for each stitch and its variations.

[Devanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lots of different types stitching, perfect for learning embroidery.

[Katie Tucker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some of these instructions are a bit confusing, but I'll see how it goes!

[Sammy Stine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has really easy to understand instructions for various stitches, the pictures are helpful to figure out each step in new stitches and it explains what each type of stitch is good for!

[Ruth Ropper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book of how to see a wide range of embroidery stitches. One to dip into when you want to try a new stitch or improve your technique.

[Mal · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful reference on stitches. Excellent for beginners who may not prefer or have access to video/in-person tutorials.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So handy!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent resource.

[Heather M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great instructions.

Lots of stitches. Easy instructions with images. There are no project ideas but there is a lot of inspiration. Soooo many stitches to try!

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really nice book containing colour pictures and step-by-step instructions for a wide variety of embroidery stitches.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Easy to follow instructions and no bs.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great compilation of stitches!! Might want to buy/get as a present!!

[Andreea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great guide for anyone who wants to try picking up embroidery!

[Amber Mccombs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great informational and instructional guide a lot of different stitches shown .

[Erssie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really Comprehensive Beautifully Photographed and Diagramed Dictionary of Stitches

Love the dictionary layout of this book. The instructions for each step carrying out components of a stitch are easy to follow. I am hoping to use these stitches in visible mending of socks or for decorating areas of hard wear on Knits like elbows and heels. This encyclopaedia mainly uses Aida fabric to show stitches. They are quite simple basics so great for starting out. Note there are no complex larger designs suggested, but this is like a compendium of individual stitches. It is laid out in sections of outlining, and filling or borders or edging etc.

[Valora Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for beginners

The detail of this book is great for beginners. I purchased some embroidery supplies for 14 year old. We looked on YouTube and other places for a good guide but this is by far the best we have found so far. The kindle version is great. I may purchase the paperback just to have a hard copy bu the kindle version is sufficient because I an enlarge the images easily.

[Penny · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent guide and reference book for all things embroidery related. The pictures are clear and easy to follow. I would recommend this book to beginners looming for something new to try. Got loads of great stitch ideas for my current projects.

[Kay Bartlett · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent primer of stitches

Brilliant for anyone starting out discovering different types of embroidery. Excellent descriptions and photography stops you getting yourself tied in knots , French or otherwise!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

One for the rteference shelves at home. Unbeatable quality and enormous content.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

lots of different types of stitches including stitches to fill in an area with texture

[Barratt]

Author Lucinda Ganderton.

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up off the new shelves and I think I'm going to buy it for my home library. Super clear illustrations of so many embroidery stitches. It made me want to make stuff all the time.

[Maplefoong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Borrowed from library. Good and detailed instructions for a beginner like me. I will go get a copy to keep for future reference.

[Blutrippe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eine kleine Stickbibel, sehr empfehlenswert.

[Christin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book with lots of information on the different stitches you can do within hand embroidery and cross stitch. I would recommend this book to everyone who hand embroiders.