Encyclopedia of Classic & Vintage Stitches: 245 Illustrated Embroidery Stitches for Cross Stitch, Crewel, Beadwork, Needlelace, Stumpwork, and More (IMM Lifestyle Books)

I read this in a bookstore a long time ago, and talked myself out of buying it.A long time later, I kept thinking "What did that book say about ____?" So I located it online and ordered it.The illustrations are color-coded very simple to understand, and include a text description of the steps if there is any confusion.It has an extremely broad scope, with every embroidery stitch you would ever need, as well as things I never would have thought of: crewel, smocking, needlepoint, stumpwork, and more.There are a lot of different methods outlined to make handmade lace with just a thread and needle, instead of the more complex "bobbin" method.Another great thing about this book: It isn't USA-centric. It includes techniques from England, Sweden, India and the Middle East, Ireland, Norway, Italy, and more.This book is fantastic for historical stitching and re-reproduction, or simply for getting more needlepoint techniques under your belt.I think techniques like this would be equally at home on a contemporary haute-couture garment as they would be on an 1800's gown.GET THE BOOK.

Very comprehensive guide to Embroidery Stitches. Clear illustrations and beautiful pictures. All illustrations and pictures are in color with the exception of the illustrations for Blackwork which understandably are in black and white.

Goldarnit: I did it again. I pre-ordered this book and it arrived today. To my chagrin, it is exactly the same as the 2004 hardcover, the only change being the cover illustration. It's my own fault though as both books have the same title, subtitle and number of pages. Regardless, this book is drop-dead gorgeous. As you can see by the cover, the projects are very interesting and pretty what with elegant whitework or colorful shisha, shadow work, crewel or free embroidery. While this is an encyclopedia (I'm not sure what the difference is between "classic" and "vintage" in the title), I estimate maybe only a quarter of the techniques can be picked up by raw beginners with the others directed toward intermediate to advanced stitchers. This is because the high number of techniques and projects allows for sometimes only a smattering of diagrams; some projects are entirely covered in only 2 pages which include a very large color photo along with a minimal stitch guide and directions. To make the hardanger placemat, you must know how to hemstitch mitered corners which is a very difficult skill to master.However, the most important element of a good needlework book is its inspirational value and this has it in spades. It's a good sign that I keep being distracted browsing the book as I write this review. This is the hardcover:The Encyclopedia of StitchesYou can buy it used for a penny or a new one for under $10 inclusive of the shipping cost or with Amazon Prime. (Interestingly, one product page sells the 2004 edition ---- Encyclopedia Of Stitches - With 245 Stitches Illustrated And 24 Exquisite Projects - Book Club Edition ---- for $1,245.30 . . . I don't recommend this as I doubt it is lined with gold!) Only this paperback is available on kindle...but who doesn't prefer a life-size needlework book?Karen Hemingway is English and I get a kick out of the list of "translations" of UK and US terminology: whereas we say "allowance, baste, dishtowel and flashlight," the British say "turning, tack, tea towel and torch." She has also authored or edited:Super Stitches Knitting: Knitting Essentials Plus a Dictionary of more than 300 Stitch PatternsStep-by-Step Sewing Course: Essential Techniques for Making Over 150 Creative Home Projects

This was a gift, but I did browse briefly before wrapping it. There were a lot of neat stitches and techniques in the book. I liked that the book had a fold-crease-thingy which should help it lay flat without damaging the spine.

This book perfectly illustrates numerous stitches, but i still have questions about embroidery!

There are great photos of embroidery stitches and easy to understand instructions.

Dip into one or several types of embroidery with this book. After providing instructions for a handful of appropriate stitches, each chapter concludes with a small sampler project to make using those stitches. If you’re new to embroidery and want to discover what sort of embroidery is your cup of tea, this book will help you dip your toes into the wide waters. It’s also a good reference for distinguishing among different embroidery disciplines, and some of the projects would make lovely little gifts.

It has every stitch known to man with easy to follow instructions and PICTURES. I had another one first, but wished I had saved my money because this one is all I'll ever need.

Fiquei satisfeita com a compra, pois a apresentação das técnicas é excelente , o visual muito bonito, tudo de muito bom gosto.Recomendo para quem aprecia a arte de bordar e deseja aprender novas formas de criar.

A great refresher book. Not sure the directions would be clear enough though for somebody who has never done any embroidery at all.

Lots of information.

I just love this book! I learnt embroidery as a child starting at 7years until high school. After 30 years and thanks to COVID I’ve found time to do embroidery again. Seeing the embroidery styles presented in such detail brings back childhood memories. Was pleased to learn that I knew 50% of the stitches already and there is still so many to learn. Can’t wait to try them all.

Very easy to follow instructions. Love it