Helen M. Stevens' Embroidered Butterflies

Aims to provide readers with the ability to create embroidered butterfly portraits in pure silk. Throughout the five chapters a variety of butterfly species are explored, with each one culminating in a masterclass. Colour templates are provided.

Butterflies are among nature¹s most exquisite creatures, and there is no finer medium in which to record their enchanting qualities than pure silk embroidery. Now textile artist Helen M. Stevens shows you how capture their luminescent colors, diverse markings, and shimmering surfaces in thread. In five chapters, she explores a variety of butterflies, each ending with a project: a color template is provided for five original designs ‹ from a simple study of an orange-tip butterfly to the more detailed wing patterning of a group of tortoiseshells ‹ and clear, step-by-step photos illustrate the progress of the work to ensure perfect results. This glorious guide is complete with a basic techniques section, which offers helpful advice on threads and fabrics, the transfer of templates, silk shading, and the working of stitches.