Geometry of Hand-Sewing : A Romance in Stitches and Embroidery from Alabama Chanin and the School of Making

Discover a revolutionary approach to hand sewing and embroidery from renowned designer and maker Natalie Chanin, founder of Alabama Chanin and The School of Making.

In this inspiring guide, Chanin reveals how even the most intricate stitches can be understood, learned, and mastered through simple geometric grid systems.

Featuring illustrated instructions for more than 100 stitches―from foundational straight, running, and chain stitches to decorative favorites such as feather, herringbone, and intricate patterned embroidery―this comprehensive resource helps stitchers build confidence one stitch at a time.

Clear guidance for both right- and left-handed makers, photographs of front and back stitch construction, and techniques for modifying and combining stitches make this an essential reference for sewists, embroiderers, textile artists, and lifelong makers.

Through lessons on tools, stitch families, grid manipulation, and design choices, Chanin transforms traditional needlework into an accessible, creative practice that encourages experimentation and personal expression. The included stitching-card system provides a hands-on way to practice techniques and transfer geometric guides directly onto fabric.

Whether you're learning your first embroidery stitch or expanding an established repertoire, The Geometry of Hand-Sewing offers a fresh perspective on the art of needlework and a beautiful invitation to slow down, create by hand, and deepen your connection to craft.

Chanin writes in her introduction, “The art of making can change your life, help you become a more informed consumer, and aid you in passing on important knowledge to the next generation. I know that I am my best self when I am making and sharing. I hope the lessons in this book will instill you with confidence, deepen your love for the arts of hand sewing and embroidery, and inspire you to share your love of making with others.”
 

Natalie Chanin is the founder and creative director of Alabama Chanin, The School of Making, and Project Threadways. An internationally recognized designer, educator, and advocate for sustainable craft, she has spent decades preserving and advancing traditions of hand sewing, embroidery, textile design, and maker culture. Chanin is the author of numerous influential sewing and design books, including Alabama Stitch Book, Alabama Studio Sewing + Design, Alabama Studio Sewing Patterns, The Geometry of Hand-Sewing, and Embroidery: Threads and Stories. She lives and works in Florence, Alabama