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First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide - Learn By Doing * Step-by-Step Basics + Projects
Learning how to embroider and cross stitch has never been simpler! Like having a personal instructor at your side, this beginner’s guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of hand stitching techniques.
Filled with detailed descriptions of materials and tools, the easy step-by-step instructions for classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch will have you creating and embellishing projects like jewelry, journal covers, pillows, fashions, and more with confidence.
With First Time Embroidery and Cross Stitch, you’ll be personalizing your own amazing pieces with beautiful stitches in no time.
Filled with detailed descriptions of materials and tools, the easy step-by-step instructions for classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch will have you creating and embellishing projects like jewelry, journal covers, pillows, fashions, and more with confidence.
With First Time Embroidery and Cross Stitch, you’ll be personalizing your own amazing pieces with beautiful stitches in no time.
- GenresNonfictionSewingCrafts
128 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
October 13, 2019
This is the most comprehensive book that I could ever want if I decide to take up embroidery. I have this (probably bad) habit of purchasing everything required for a hobby even as I step into it. When I began crocheting, I bought a huge book and a lot of hooks and did not really use all of yet, comforting myself instead that I am fully armed for the day I finally sit down and not have to run around for the supplies when actually starting (and completing) a project! (The same goes for block printing, sewing and a couple of other such 'hobbies')
This book has all the tips on how to go about doing embroidery(including fabrics and thread types), and all the possible stitches one could employ and how we can use those stitches. It is so detailed (without being too verbose) that anyone could put together a whole new project using it as building blocks apart from the ones suggested by the author. The steps are shown in intricate detail, both as graphics and the actual stitch on the actual fabric. It is well done enough to compete with video tutorials and that I think is something that books usually find hard to compete with. I do not know when I would ever have the actual patience to work on an embroidery project that is elaborate having used cross-stitching to mark my initials into clothes hung out to dry in the corridor after washing in my college hostel. I hoped that that would deter people with itchy fingers and I might have been partially successful with that ploy. I may not have gone farther than a few stitch kits from ANCHOR company that came with explicit details and a ring cum frame to hang in the same box every summer in middle school but I aspire to someday work on something more interesting.
For everyone out there considering Embroidery and thinking of picking up a comprehensive guide, this would probably be it! I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my reading experience and my past brushes with cross-stitch.
This book has all the tips on how to go about doing embroidery(including fabrics and thread types), and all the possible stitches one could employ and how we can use those stitches. It is so detailed (without being too verbose) that anyone could put together a whole new project using it as building blocks apart from the ones suggested by the author. The steps are shown in intricate detail, both as graphics and the actual stitch on the actual fabric. It is well done enough to compete with video tutorials and that I think is something that books usually find hard to compete with. I do not know when I would ever have the actual patience to work on an embroidery project that is elaborate having used cross-stitching to mark my initials into clothes hung out to dry in the corridor after washing in my college hostel. I hoped that that would deter people with itchy fingers and I might have been partially successful with that ploy. I may not have gone farther than a few stitch kits from ANCHOR company that came with explicit details and a ring cum frame to hang in the same box every summer in middle school but I aspire to someday work on something more interesting.
For everyone out there considering Embroidery and thinking of picking up a comprehensive guide, this would probably be it! I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the review is completely based on my reading experience and my past brushes with cross-stitch.
September 10, 2019
This beginners guide to embroidery and cross stitch is a truly pleasant surprise.
I am an experienced cross stitcher, and so won't be commenting on those sections in particular, though they do appear to cover most of the major points. This is an introductory book, and I am not the intended audience here.
I am however a complete novice who has felt intimidated by Embroidery/Crewel. Every piece of information is relevant, and all easily accessible. Personally I particularly appreciated the details about alternative methods on how to transfer patterns. This book would one which I would happily purchase to keep around as a stitch reference!
I have looked at many books similar to this in the past, selling and recommending titles to others — this will be on the top of my list from now on. The stitch diagrams are so wonderfully clear. There are also excellent photographs of what a stitch should look like as you are in the process of stitching, and as a final result.
A few more sample projects would have been a pleasant addition, and this really is my only major criticism.
[This eARC was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
I am an experienced cross stitcher, and so won't be commenting on those sections in particular, though they do appear to cover most of the major points. This is an introductory book, and I am not the intended audience here.
I am however a complete novice who has felt intimidated by Embroidery/Crewel. Every piece of information is relevant, and all easily accessible. Personally I particularly appreciated the details about alternative methods on how to transfer patterns. This book would one which I would happily purchase to keep around as a stitch reference!
I have looked at many books similar to this in the past, selling and recommending titles to others — this will be on the top of my list from now on. The stitch diagrams are so wonderfully clear. There are also excellent photographs of what a stitch should look like as you are in the process of stitching, and as a final result.
A few more sample projects would have been a pleasant addition, and this really is my only major criticism.
[This eARC was given to me via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
July 28, 2019
A very comprehensive book that is ideal for anyone new to embroidery. The book is split into chapters on equipment needed and other supplies that are available, what fabrics and threads to use and the various stitches that can be employed.
Each stitch description is given in the form of a written summary, with suggestions for how the stitch can be used as well as photographs and diagrams. There is a section on the different ways to transfer a design to your fabric ready for stitching. The instructions for the stitches are divided into three sections, creative embroidery (free style), crewel work and cross stitch. Each of these sections has two simple projects to illustrate the way the stitches can be used. There are also handy hints along the way.
This book would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in taking up the craft of embroidery.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
Each stitch description is given in the form of a written summary, with suggestions for how the stitch can be used as well as photographs and diagrams. There is a section on the different ways to transfer a design to your fabric ready for stitching. The instructions for the stitches are divided into three sections, creative embroidery (free style), crewel work and cross stitch. Each of these sections has two simple projects to illustrate the way the stitches can be used. There are also handy hints along the way.
This book would make a perfect gift for anyone interested in taking up the craft of embroidery.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.
September 19, 2019
This book is ideal for anyone new to embroidery. The chapters on materials and equipment is comprehensive and the detailed explanation of different stitches is brilliantly described in written and photographic form.
A useful book for a beginner or anyone wanting to extend their stitching knowledge. Perfect reference book for a sewing enthusiast.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this fantastic book.
A useful book for a beginner or anyone wanting to extend their stitching knowledge. Perfect reference book for a sewing enthusiast.
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for my chance to read this fantastic book.
August 26, 2019
This book features some cute beginner projects and really easy instructions to finish each one. It will help a new stitcher stay motivated to learn more. A more experienced stitcher can also enjoy these projects, most of which can be wrapped up quite quickly.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for the digital ARC.
August 18, 2019
Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
First Time Embroidery and Cross Stitch is one of the First Time Guides. Due out 3rd Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.
It's nice to see embroidery and other fibrecrafts enjoying a renaissance of sorts. In times (long) past, people would learn these skills as a matter of necessity, handed down from generation to generation in the family. That's no longer true, so crafters must turn to other sources of instruction. The internet (youtube, ravelry, et.al.) and social media are a good sources of instruction, but for not -strictly-visual learners like me, books are still vital. I learn better if I have a book sitting in front of me and if I don't feel like I constantly have to pause the video to figure out what I'm doing.
These first time learner guides are formatted attractively and logically. The photography is stellar across the series and this one is no exception. The concepts, tools and terminology are shown simply and understandably.
About 30% of the page content is used in the introductory and starting chapters. The author covers tools, supplies including fabric, scissors, needles, fibres and more, charts diagrams and patterns, transferring patterns, stabilizers, and a basic introduction to fabric preparation and surface embroidery.
The next three chapters cover surface embroidery, crewel, and cross stitch. All of the stitching chapters have project tutorials. The stitch diagrams are clear and well photographed. It would definitely be possible to learn to do the stitches with the instructions in the book. It's helpful to have a stitchy friend to consult, of course, but it's not absolutely necessary, and a total beginner could do the projects in these chapters without any other resources. The projects themselves are attractive. They include embroidery embellishments on clothing, soft furnishings (pillows), a cross stitched candle band and an embellished journal cover.
This is a basic beginning-level book. Advanced stitchers won't find a lot which is challenging. I was very happy to see surface embroidery getting some love; it seems like cross stitch dominates the embroidery crafts these days. The step by step stitch diagram tutorials are worth the price of the book for reference.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
First Time Embroidery and Cross Stitch is one of the First Time Guides. Due out 3rd Sept 2019 from Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 128 pages and will be available in paperback format.
It's nice to see embroidery and other fibrecrafts enjoying a renaissance of sorts. In times (long) past, people would learn these skills as a matter of necessity, handed down from generation to generation in the family. That's no longer true, so crafters must turn to other sources of instruction. The internet (youtube, ravelry, et.al.) and social media are a good sources of instruction, but for not -strictly-visual learners like me, books are still vital. I learn better if I have a book sitting in front of me and if I don't feel like I constantly have to pause the video to figure out what I'm doing.
These first time learner guides are formatted attractively and logically. The photography is stellar across the series and this one is no exception. The concepts, tools and terminology are shown simply and understandably.
About 30% of the page content is used in the introductory and starting chapters. The author covers tools, supplies including fabric, scissors, needles, fibres and more, charts diagrams and patterns, transferring patterns, stabilizers, and a basic introduction to fabric preparation and surface embroidery.
The next three chapters cover surface embroidery, crewel, and cross stitch. All of the stitching chapters have project tutorials. The stitch diagrams are clear and well photographed. It would definitely be possible to learn to do the stitches with the instructions in the book. It's helpful to have a stitchy friend to consult, of course, but it's not absolutely necessary, and a total beginner could do the projects in these chapters without any other resources. The projects themselves are attractive. They include embroidery embellishments on clothing, soft furnishings (pillows), a cross stitched candle band and an embellished journal cover.
This is a basic beginning-level book. Advanced stitchers won't find a lot which is challenging. I was very happy to see surface embroidery getting some love; it seems like cross stitch dominates the embroidery crafts these days. The step by step stitch diagram tutorials are worth the price of the book for reference.
Five stars.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
August 30, 2019
First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch: The Absolute Beginner’s Guide by Linda Wyszynski is currently scheduled for release on September 3 2019. This beginner’s guide teaches everything you need to know about a variety of hand stitching techniques. It is filled with detailed descriptions of materials and tools, the easy step-by-step instructions for classic embroidery, crewel, and cross-stitch will have you creating and embellishing projects like jewelry, journal covers, pillows, fashions, and more with confidence.
First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch was a wonderful reminder for me, because I used to do a great deal of needle work but had switched most of my crafting time to crochet- mainly because I can read on my kindle when crocheting and that does not usually work out so well when working with a sharp needle. This has inspired me to get back to it and maybe get through some audio books or my Netflix queue instead of my reading pile once and awhile. I liked getting the refresher course on tools and supplies, and think that newcomers to the craft will get a good understanding of the options- but they might be a little overwhelmed. There are so many options out there that I had never even considered and details I was unaware of that I was eager to try something new, but all that information at once might be too much for someone that has yet to thread their first needle. Beginners might just want to take it in small pieces or read what they are interested in at the moment. I found all of the writing to be very accessible and clear, both in the supply descriptions and the instructions. The pictures and diagrams were helpful and were well placed for optimum usefulness. The handful of designs included were simple and well explained- a nice starter set for beginners. I now how a few personalized pattern ideas running through my head.
First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch is a nice stitch guide and a good resource for beginners. I would have liked a few more patterns and a little less about supplies that a beginner is not likely to need, however it offers exactly what the title suggests.
First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch was a wonderful reminder for me, because I used to do a great deal of needle work but had switched most of my crafting time to crochet- mainly because I can read on my kindle when crocheting and that does not usually work out so well when working with a sharp needle. This has inspired me to get back to it and maybe get through some audio books or my Netflix queue instead of my reading pile once and awhile. I liked getting the refresher course on tools and supplies, and think that newcomers to the craft will get a good understanding of the options- but they might be a little overwhelmed. There are so many options out there that I had never even considered and details I was unaware of that I was eager to try something new, but all that information at once might be too much for someone that has yet to thread their first needle. Beginners might just want to take it in small pieces or read what they are interested in at the moment. I found all of the writing to be very accessible and clear, both in the supply descriptions and the instructions. The pictures and diagrams were helpful and were well placed for optimum usefulness. The handful of designs included were simple and well explained- a nice starter set for beginners. I now how a few personalized pattern ideas running through my head.
First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch is a nice stitch guide and a good resource for beginners. I would have liked a few more patterns and a little less about supplies that a beginner is not likely to need, however it offers exactly what the title suggests.
September 18, 2019
Go for it if you want to sew with a needle
Linda Wyszynski's book "First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch. The Absolute Beginner's Guide - Lear by Doing Step-by-Step Basics and Projects" was published by Quarry Publishing Group - Quarry. After the introduction the book is divided into four sections: 1) Getting started, 2) Creative Embroidery, 3) Crewel, and 4) Cross-Stitch. It also contains a glossary and an index which is very helpful.
In the "Getting Started" section Wyszynski gives a detailed overview over stitching equipment and supplies, fabrics, threads (included is also information about "Blending Threads" and "Conversion Charts"), charts, diagrams, and patterns, transferring patterns and stabilizing fabrics, and stitching basics. The "Creative Embroidery" sections presents a vast array of stitches and how they are done as well as some projects. A similar approach can be found in the "Crewel" and "Cross-Stitching" sections. The book presents great photos and graphics / diagrams. The glossary and index are highly appreciated. It is a very thorough book and can be a really great guide for beginners. The projects can be reproduced or used as inspiration. It can also be a great gift for those who are interested in embroidery and cross-stitch.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#FirstTimeEmbroideryAndCross-Stitch #NetGalley
Linda Wyszynski's book "First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch. The Absolute Beginner's Guide - Lear by Doing Step-by-Step Basics and Projects" was published by Quarry Publishing Group - Quarry. After the introduction the book is divided into four sections: 1) Getting started, 2) Creative Embroidery, 3) Crewel, and 4) Cross-Stitch. It also contains a glossary and an index which is very helpful.
In the "Getting Started" section Wyszynski gives a detailed overview over stitching equipment and supplies, fabrics, threads (included is also information about "Blending Threads" and "Conversion Charts"), charts, diagrams, and patterns, transferring patterns and stabilizing fabrics, and stitching basics. The "Creative Embroidery" sections presents a vast array of stitches and how they are done as well as some projects. A similar approach can be found in the "Crewel" and "Cross-Stitching" sections. The book presents great photos and graphics / diagrams. The glossary and index are highly appreciated. It is a very thorough book and can be a really great guide for beginners. The projects can be reproduced or used as inspiration. It can also be a great gift for those who are interested in embroidery and cross-stitch.
The complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley free of charge. I was under no obligation to offer a positive review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#FirstTimeEmbroideryAndCross-Stitch #NetGalley
September 3, 2019
The “Getting Started” portion of this book gives very clear information regarding the tools and materials one will need to take up this craft. The fundamentals of preparing fabric, transferring patterns, and stitching basics are well described and reinforced through helpful photos and diagrams.
The chapters on “Creative Embroidery” and “Crewel” include extremely good descriptions of a wide variety of stitches with very clear photos and diagrams of each. These are some of the best I have seen, having looked at many such books over the years.
The chapter on “Cross-Stitch” is the weakest part of this book. While a variety of individual stitches are shown, the chapter does not address a run of stitches or the best way to transfer from one line of stitching to the next, or working with multiple colors of floss where the color on a line of stitching may change a multiple of times. While the projects given for creative embroidery and crewel are practical, the first one given for cross-stitch is not.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
The chapters on “Creative Embroidery” and “Crewel” include extremely good descriptions of a wide variety of stitches with very clear photos and diagrams of each. These are some of the best I have seen, having looked at many such books over the years.
The chapter on “Cross-Stitch” is the weakest part of this book. While a variety of individual stitches are shown, the chapter does not address a run of stitches or the best way to transfer from one line of stitching to the next, or working with multiple colors of floss where the color on a line of stitching may change a multiple of times. While the projects given for creative embroidery and crewel are practical, the first one given for cross-stitch is not.
I am grateful to have received a copy of this book from Quarto Publishing Group via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion. I was under no obligation to provide a positive review and received no monetary compensation.
July 30, 2019
This is a wonderful book for a new stitcher! The book begins with a detailed list of supplies including needles, hoops, scissors, fabrics and threads. This section has plenty of color photos to help you understand the differences in supplies, This is especially helpful for thread and fabric. There is also a short section on how to transfer a pattern. The book goes into detail on stitching basics with clear illustrations. There is a chapter on each type of stitching: embroidery, crewel and cross-stitching with pictures of stitches specific to each type. In addition, the book includes two projects for each type of stitching. My favorites were the embroidered jacket collar and the cross-stitched journal cover. I would have liked to see more projects included.
This book is definitely recommended for any novice stitcher! 5 stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is definitely recommended for any novice stitcher! 5 stars!
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an e-arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 30, 2019
Whilst the book states it is for first time embroidery and cross stitchers, it also includes a chapter on something called Crewel. Plus the Getting Started chapter doesn't explain what the difference is between embroidery, crewel or cross stitch. As a first timer, I would expect this to be there rather than telling me all the equipment I might need; the first explanation what each method is doesn't come until page 45, 79 and 107 respectively.
In this book you learn 8 cross-stitch stitches, 16 crewel stitches and 21 embroidery stiches, which all come with good colour photography, drawings and steps to show how its achieved.
Once you have mastered the stitches, included are six simple projects to carry out: Embroidered jacket collar, Embroidered pillow case, Paisleys & pearls pillow, Fedora hat band, Candle band and Journal.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
In this book you learn 8 cross-stitch stitches, 16 crewel stitches and 21 embroidery stiches, which all come with good colour photography, drawings and steps to show how its achieved.
Once you have mastered the stitches, included are six simple projects to carry out: Embroidered jacket collar, Embroidered pillow case, Paisleys & pearls pillow, Fedora hat band, Candle band and Journal.
I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.
July 31, 2019
First Time Embroidery and Cross-Stitch by Linda Wyszynski is a wonderful primer for first time cross-stitchers and embroiderers. The book also includes Crewel work. The book is therefore divided into three sections. In each section there is detailed information about what materials to use, what types of needles and other supplies. There are wonderful graphics depicting each type of stitch and how to make it. So if you are a visual learner this book will be perfect for you. There are several projects for each section so you have something to work on to practice your newly found creativity. Well done.
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing, the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I would like to thank Quarto Publishing, the author and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 6, 2019
For anyone who is interested in learning embroidery, crewel, and/or cross-stitch, this book is a great choice. With colourful illustrations and step-by-step, clear instructions, the reader is taken through a comprehensive list of what materials are needed and how to do each stitch.
I liked that there were pictures corresponding to each informational blurb, and I - being a longtime cross-stitcher - even found some helpful tips that I plan on trying.
My only criticism in an overall good experience was that I was hoping for a few more patterns and projects to try. There were two for each skill, but it would have been helpful to have a few more. That being said, this book would make a great companion piece to any other pattern book.
I liked that there were pictures corresponding to each informational blurb, and I - being a longtime cross-stitcher - even found some helpful tips that I plan on trying.
My only criticism in an overall good experience was that I was hoping for a few more patterns and projects to try. There were two for each skill, but it would have been helpful to have a few more. That being said, this book would make a great companion piece to any other pattern book.
August 1, 2019
This is a wonderful book for those who want to learn how to do embroidery and cross stitch. It is well written with lots of photos and explanations. The book begins with a comprehensive list of materials, explaining what is needed and how they are used. There is a nice list of projects with very good explanations and lots of easy to follow photos. An excellent book for a beginner and I will be sure that I will get a lot of use from this book. I received this book as an ARC and was very happy to do my review.
August 6, 2019
A handy guide to embroidery for beginners, offering an introduction to creative embroidery, crewel and cross-stitching, with a couple of project ideas for each style. My favorite part of this book was the helpful stitching guide, instructing how to do stitches both elementary and more advanced with textual descriptions, photos and illustrations (for all types of learners). Most of the projects strike me as between challenging and difficult for a true beginner, though, but I recommend this book for the stitch guide itself!
September 15, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for a review copy of this book. Having been an avid cross stitcher when I was younger I have been wanting to get back into it but needed something to help me get used to the stitches again. This book was perfect for that. It has very clear pictures of how to do the stitches and instructions are step by step. The information on equipment needed was great as well. Although this book has not got many patterns in it it is a good reference book to start any project.
September 14, 2019
A perfect little book on the basic stitches for Embroidery, either with thread or yarn. There is also a small section on Cross-stitch as well. Besides the well detailed set of instructions for the stitching, the author also includes a few examples to practice these on. A great book for a beginning, and even for a novice like me. Highly recommend this book for a reference or easy teaching tool.
May 7, 2020
This book is very elemental, and I look forward to using it to learn basic embroidery stitches. My interest is more in x-stitching, but I suppose it's always good to know where to incorporate/adapt the different needlework techniques.
I'm not a huge fan of the patterns, but a reference book is a reference book.
I'm not a huge fan of the patterns, but a reference book is a reference book.
October 8, 2025
Nice
It was a little bit shorter than I expected, but it did have a lot of information. Stitches are shown clearly with photos and diagrams. I liked the explanations of fabric and thread types, and that it went over the similarities and differences between embroidery and cross stitch. Definitely worth the read.
It was a little bit shorter than I expected, but it did have a lot of information. Stitches are shown clearly with photos and diagrams. I liked the explanations of fabric and thread types, and that it went over the similarities and differences between embroidery and cross stitch. Definitely worth the read.
August 12, 2019
This is an awesome resource for those who want to learn this craft or to develop your skills. Very descriptive info from what one needs to start to how to do various stitches. Would make a great gift for someone just learning!
September 18, 2019
This the perfect book for any first timer. The instructions have been well written, with pictures to make it easy to follow. The designs are lovely. I feel that a little more on cross stitch would make this book the perfect companion.
August 26, 2019
Very thorough for the beginner stitcher. Great description and great visual references. Highly recommend.
October 4, 2019
I need this book! I would love to learn and the pictures and instructions are easy to follow. This will be on my christmas wish list for sure.
November 5, 2019
A good guide to get folks started. I thought the instructions and imagery worked. I think it's a great sampler to get folks started.
September 14, 2019
I have both cross-stitched and embroidered for quite a long time but I am self-taught and thought this book might give me some insight into new stitches or better techniques. There weren't a lot of either but this was a I liked that there were both pictures and drawings of what the stitches would look like. The ideas for projects were unique but easy enough for a beginner.
November 4, 2019
First Time Embroidery and Cross-stitch is exactly what I thought it would be. It's a helpful book and I encourage other first time embroidery and cross-stitchers to pick it up.
October 11, 2019
This is a good beginning introduction to embroidery and cross stitch that is simple to follow. The embroidery stitches can be a bit hard to remember, and the book illustrates them well along with pattern ideas to use them. I wasn't a giant fan of some of the ideas, like a fedora, but the stitch can be applied to anything and the accompanying idea completely discarded. I liked that the steps to complete a stitch were illustrated clearly and labelled with numbers to guide the reader. I read on an ebook arc, but I would suggest using a physical copy to follow the directions since it's a pain to juggle thread and a phone at the same time.
Again the cross stitch section was pretty bland with patterns, but really good as an introduction to the stitches used. There are basically just flowers to choose from, but the directions are clear and helpful, and good as a reminder of some stitches I forget about. If you already know how to attempt cross stitch and embroidery, this may be very dull for project ideas, but is a great refresher and teacher of stitches.
Again the cross stitch section was pretty bland with patterns, but really good as an introduction to the stitches used. There are basically just flowers to choose from, but the directions are clear and helpful, and good as a reminder of some stitches I forget about. If you already know how to attempt cross stitch and embroidery, this may be very dull for project ideas, but is a great refresher and teacher of stitches.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews