The Complete A-Z of Embroidery Stitches

Contents

Getting started
Fabric, Beginning and ending thread, Threads, Scissors, Needles, Hoops, Transferring designs, Finishing off, Caring for your embroideries

The stitches

Index

About Inspirations Studios

With a rich history forged with needle and thread, Inspirations Studios publishes the world’s most beautiful needlework books and magazines. They are based in Australia; for more information visit www.inspirationsstudios.com.

@family_comforts

This book came with me on my French travels and has quickly become one of my go-to stitching companions. Its beautifully laid out with clear step-by-step instructions, detailed diagrams, and a stunning variety of stitches, from the simple and satisfying to the truly ornate.

Whether youre new to embroidery or brushing up on forgotten favourites, its a brilliant reference guide youll reach for time and time again. A perfect addition to your creative bookshelf!

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Craft Focus

Whether youre a confident embroiderer looking for new inspiration, or a beginner whos keen to expand your repertoire, this book opens a world of creative stitching possibilities, now and for years to come.

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Blodwen from Half Yard Sewing Club

Like we all know, a dictionary is a must have for words and this is a MUST have for your Embroidery stitching. There are 288 stitches, all in alphabetical order, explained to you in clear drawings and instructions, so so easy to follow. I have embroidered before, but there are an awful lot of stitches and techniques in this book that I have never heard of before. At the front of the book, there are a few pages informing you of all the materials you will need to get started, including hints for all left handers. If you don't embroider yourself but know someone who does, this would make a lovely gift. A substantially made book and for £19.99, a very good buy. 

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CrossStitcher magazine

This dictionary is a handy resource for embroiderers of all skill levels. Featuring over 280 embroidery stitches, it offers step-by-step guidance with over 2000 photos. The book also covers fabric selection, tools and techniques, catering to both right and left-handed stitchers. With tips and a user-friendly layout for easy reference, it will inspire you to explore more techniques and help expand your embroidery skills.

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Helen from Half Yard Sewing Club

An amazing collection of familiar embroidery stitches alongside more intricate stitches to try out.  The first few pages give detailed information on needles, hoops, threads, transfer of designs and handy tips. A section also shows you how to care for your embroidery once you have completed it.

The explanation of the stitches are written below clear photographs to assist you in mastering them at your own pace, along with information of what the stitches are used for. Obviously, this is just a guideline but it will certainly encourage you to experiment and create exquisite embroidery in all manner of ways.

The stitches are in alphabetical order but for quick reference there are also clear content and index pages. This book is a definite necessity for the creative bookshelf and one you will no doubt refer to for numerous projects.

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Jayne from Half Yard Sewing Club

This is a beautiful, comprehensive of 288 embroidery stitches, suitable for those new to embroidery, or more experienced embroiderers. The book gives detailed advice on all aspects of embroidery, from fabrics to use, details of different threads, advice on needles to use, culminating in an alphabetical collection of stitches. The photographs for each stitch are clear accompanied by a derailed explanation of how to complete each stitch. A value for money, interesting and useful book. 

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Jules from Half Yard Sewing Club

Whats not to like about The Complete A-Z of Embroidery Stitches from the people at Inspiration Studios. Its 300 pages of sheer joy.  The book size is a bit smaller than A4 and not too weighty with a paperback cover thats sort of laminated I guess because the folk at Search Press know youll be picking it up and using it time and time again.

The book feels bright and airy, enticing stitches on the front cover lead to page after page of clear photographs, concise instruction and step-by-step guidance on how to create no less than 288 stitches.  Neatly arranged in alphabetical order so you can breeze through the book or go straight to what youre looking for.

Of course it wouldnt be the definitive guide without sections on what fabric, choice of thread, how to start and finish, which needle to use, do I need a hoop, what is a hoop! Its all there in the Getting Started section of the book.

There's some interesting stuff on background and origins of some stitches (which I quite enjoyed learning about) along with tons of hints and tips on how to sew them. Cross Stitch Chained is a new one to me, Plaited Braid stitch looks a challenge and Mountmellick is a beauty. My Mum had a book of a similar title decades ago which was loved and cherished by her and now I have my own updated and beautiful copy to do the same.

A reference book suited to anyone and everyone interested in embroidery.  One youll love looking at, referring to, be inspired by and want to gift worth every penny.

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Lynne from Half Yard Sewing Club

I was thrilled to be given the chance to review this book. 288 stitches to be able to achieve, through detailed instructions and pictures. Her first part goes through getting started and is helpful, if, like me you are a beginner in Embroidery by hand. You also get instructions on using your threads from an S and Z twist to spin your thread to make it stronger. Hoops are also talked about and choosing the best for what you are doing, as well as different types of needles to achieve the best stitches.

l loved the section where you are taught how to transfer designs. Useful so as not to mark this beautiful book.
Then, what you have been waiting for? how to use the book to sew the stitches. Also is mentioned hints for left-handed embroiderers. 288 stitches to learn. Photos and instructions. You also learn how to fold and sew a ribbon rose, rosebud, gathered ribbon, and ribbon leaves.

l loved the page about Gobelin Stitch, which can be used on tapestry and also on plastic canvas. Some stitches l had never heard of, but the way it has been set up in different sections for you to advance your embroidery skills, makes it an ideal present to give to a sewist. l would personally highly recommend this book to friends who embroider. A super book by Search Press.

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Sandra from Half Yard Sewing Club

I was fortunate to receive this book to review as its a complete revelation on how to sew some beautiful and quite complex embroidery stitches. This is a book that you will keep returning to for reference whilst you are sewing and is really useful for both beginners and experienced embroiderers. It contains an amazing number of stitches, clearly illustrated in colour diagrams showing each stage of the stitch.

The book is so well laid out, beginning with getting started, your materials and very informative hints on threads, needles and hoops. It explains in simple detail all you need to know about designs and caring for your work. It really makes you reach for a needle and have a go as soon as you can. An amazing array of stitches using different threads and ribbons.

This book would be a very welcome gift, beautifully presented on quality paper. Very easy to navigate through some amazing stitches, each one is located in alphabetical order by their common name but can also be located in the rear index by any other known names. A complete A-Z , probably one of the most useful book you will buy and continue to use.