A Rainbow of Stitches: Embroidery and Cross-Stitch Basics Plus More Than 1,000 Motifs and 80 Project Ideas

by Agnès Delage-Calvet, Anne Sohier-Fournel, Muriel Brunet

A Rainbow of Stitches is a how-to-stitch guide, a project idea book, and an encyclopedia of motifs, all in one go-to reference. Begin by choosing a motif from this extensive collection, which ranges from elegant alphabets to 1970s-inspired flowers and leaves, from sweet fairies to vintage-chic ladies in classic Dior dresses. The "Get Stitching" section gives you the basics you need to get started, along with an illustrated how-to of the simple stitches that are used to create all of the motifs. Each of the following sections, which are arranged by color–fresh greens, pretty pinks, timeless blues, rich reds, and elegant white and taupe–presents ideas for embroidering motifs in single colors, showing how much can be achieved with just one color of embroidery floss on a plain background. Includes more than eighty beautifully photographed, inspiring ideas for stitched embellishment, from wearables and personal accessories to a variety of decorative items for every room in your home.

Genres: Crafts, Sewing, Nonfiction, Reference, Own

240 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Kelly (Maybedog)]

Really random motifs sorted by random color rather than type. Sure the green designs are wear you find the growing things but what about pink? Of course that's Where you find Paris (and what is the craft world's obsession with that city anyway?), music, birds, and more Paris. How did you not know that? It's so obvious... But wait, there are birds under red and blue as well (and only five colors are included). A lot of birds. I get there being a gimmick to make the book stand out from others of its ilk but if you have a gimmick, make it work.

The projects are nice but nothing original. The motifs are all whimsical not realism which is fine if that's what you're looking for. For 1,000 images there really isn't a lot of variety. There are a few alphabets and edges, too. All the designs come with both cross stitch charts and outlines to transfer which makes the book more versatile. Overall, I'm not impressed but it's all right.

[Melody Schwarting]

I found this book in a local library about a year and a half ago. I loved the patterns and it captured my imagination. But, I forgot the title (the local library wasn't my system), and I searched and searched for it to no avail. About six months ago I finally found the title and ordered my own copy. I've already made so many projects from it. It's rare that I can find a book with patterns I like from beginning to end! It's a great beginner's book, and a wonderful resource for anyone who wants a broad collection of modern, minimalist, and traditional patterns.

[Devanya]

Cute motifs, but I was hoping for more information on different stitches. The book give about 2 pages on some simple stiches, but has a bunch of motifs! All in all a cute book I rented from the library.

[Kathleen]

Lots of great patterns for both cross-stitch and embroidery projects, as well as a wealth of project ideas to use them on! The separation by color seems unnecessary, as any pattern can of course be made in any color.

[Sarah Lee]

Some cute designs, but not many are cross stitch. They are also ordered by the color thread they chose to use and not by any theme or topic. I really did not like the layout and didn't take away anything from this book for myself.

[Jess]

Just seemed kinda plain and basic. Don't recommend reading

[Angie]

Good very simple and brief instruction section on embroidery including techniques for seven simple stitches. Then pages of color examples with designs to copy. Cute & simple.

[Jen Currie]

A unique take on cross stitch and embroidery, each pattern utilizing only one colour. A great book for beginners and proficient stitchers alike.

[Laura]

Love love love this book. I'd consider myself a beginner-bordering-on-intermediate sewer (sewist?), and embroidery seemed within reach since I recently tackled sewing a zipper, which was terrifying. I borrowed this from the library and I don't want to give it back. There are adorable little motifs (the cats, I have a sister-in-law, well, two actually, who would love the cats) and the book made my stitching better. I'm working on the little felt fires from the Little Big Felt Universe book as gifts for my nephews and son for Christmas (paired with a fort kit) and after learning how to backstitch, they look so much nicer than the crappy stitches I was doing on my own. Also, I freaking love the flowery alphabet motifs. They're feminine without being so old-lady that I want to embroider everyone's initials with them.

[Heidi]

OH MY. I picked this up from the library browsing shelves, and every page has another fantastic design I just need to make somehow. Most books have a handful of great designs and a bunch of ho-hum ones, but I seriously could find a place for just about everything here.

What makes this different is that all the designs are meant to be stitched in one color of thread. And it's stunning. Bright thread on light fabric, light thread on dark fabric: simple but beautiful, with lots of lovely photos.

And there's an entire chapter of Parisian motifs. I'm sold.

[Kris]

I broke down and bought this the other day, after looking at it multiple times on multiple occasions. As with most crafting books, I won't use every pattern in it, but I think I'll love the things I do make with it. So far my favorites are the birds and the French poodles, and I especially love the idea of stitching lace. It's definitely worth checking out if you like embroidery.

[Tiffany]

This book is a beginner's guide to embroidery and cross-stitching. It's filled with fabulous ideas, templates, and more pictures and diagrams than a whole bunch of words. It makes cross-stitch look cool again and shows you the stitches you need to know to make everything that's in the book. I'm a fan.

[Missy]

This is a beautifully curated collection of embroidery and crossstitch patterns and project ideas. The projects are all single colored, which makes the translation approachable for a beginner and stirred inspiration in this novice.
I borrowed this from the library and I have already added it to my wish list to purchase. I have a list of gifts and personal projects going already.

[Jessietaylortanner]

Finally, some embroidery patterns I actually like! I usually just make my own, but this has a bunch that I want to use right away. It still has cats and the like, however.
It is organized into chapters by color which pleases me.

[Redrosevertigo0]

I have skimmed through this and the designs are ADORABLE. There is a great mix of embroidery and cross stitch patterns.

I read this and the patterns are GREAT. I love that there are embroidery and cross stitch designs. First project: cameo style portraits for my bathroom.

[Marcia]

Tons of motifs to embroider and cross-stitch. The book is organized by color and the authors provide fresh, contemporary ideas on including stitching on clothing and home-dec. I love the simple look of the patterns, and most would be very quick projects. Can't wait to try a few!

[Marjanne]

Cute, cute, cute. There are a lot of fun ideas here, not to mention patterns, etc. I am contemplating whether this is something I would like to own.

[reading is my hustle]

One of the best project idea books on the subject I've seen. It's that good.

[Tamara]

The designs are so clean and simple and utterly adorable. My sister wants me to stitch her the little Eskimo girl. :)

[Jennifer Connor]

fab! embroidery; patterns; colors; fabric usage

[Lynne]

I wasn't inspired by any of the projects. It focuses far more on traditional embroidery than on counted thread work.

[Kate]

Adorable ideas and patterns galore. You can use this book for inspiration or just plug in one of the dozens of cute patterns into your next project.

[Mandy]

The patterns are great and the project ideas are too, I just wish there were actual instructions for some of the projects.

[Christina]

An excellent and varied collective of stitches.

[Sarah]

Cute! I want to do the "love and peace" cross stitch.

[Maureen]

I checked this book out at the library & fell in love w/ it. I'm going to have to get my own copy. My favorite part is all of the cute stitch templates.

[Taryn]

Love the motifs and project ideas. Not much instruction, but gorgeous illustrations that inspire. I'd love to own it but could probably get by with the library copy as projects came up.