Hand Embroidery: Timeless techniques for beginners and beyond (Beginner's Guide to Needlecrafts)

An expert guide to popular surface-stitching techniques, suitable for stitchers of all abilities.

Drawing on work previously published in the Search Press 'Beginner's Guide' series of needlecraft books, and originally published as The Stitching Book, this definitive guide to stitching provides a must-have reference for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery. Aimed at both absolute beginners and those wishing to explore new areas or to develop their existing skills, this book provides a complete, step-by-step guide to traditional stitching techniques, including drawn thread work, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel work, mountmellick and blackwork. Each section is written by an expert in that particular field, and leads the reader carefully through the history of the technique; the materials and equipment required; and the most popular stitches used. Each section includes hands-on projects, and are beautifully illustrated with examples of the author's work as well as step-by-step photographs and diagrams of the methods used. This timely book is the perfect choice for anyone whose interest in stitching has been re-awakened by the current trends in home sewing, and who wishes to make beautiful, hand-embroidered items for their home. With 26 projects.

  •  Patricia Bage's love of art and needlecraft began at the age of five. She discovered cross stitch in the early 1990s, and in March 2000 she began her own design company, Patricia-Ann Designs.
  •  Jill Carter is a professional tutor, lecturer and author. Jill learnt Hardanger embroidery while living in Norway in 1967 and continues to return to Oslo for research.
  •  Ruth Chamberlin studied drawing and dress at Croydon Art School before moving on to the School of Embroidery, London, where she studied ecclesiastical embroidery. Ruth worked at the Warham Guild in London where she embroidered a cope and mitre for the Archbishop of Cantebury.
  •  Kay Dennis is a professional embroiderer and former Chairman of the Guild of Needle Laces. She has been teaching both needlelace and stumpwork for many years and is a member of the Embroiderers' Guild. Michael Dennis, also a former Chairman of the Guild of Needle Laces.
  •  Clare trained for 3 years as an apprentice at the Royal School of Needlework. On completing her diploma she set up her own business, Vine Embroidery.
  •  Jane Rainbow is a successful professional embroiderer, teacher and consultant. She designs and markets a range of kits, has produced her own crewel embroidery video and runs workshops for students.
  •  Pat Trott was introduced to Armenian needlelace by her mother at a very early age. Pat is a life member of the Embroiderers' Guild and holds regular workshops for many Guild branches, colleges and schools.
  •  Lesley Wilkins discovered blackwork samplers on a school visit to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London when she was only ten, and has been hooked ever since. Her designs have appeared in Needlecraft and Needlework magazines.