The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects

Let me start with a confession: I am very far from a master embroiderer. In fact, most of my projects are table runners and pillows that come from -- gasp -- kits. (High-end kits, mind you -- I follow several Arts & Crafts Era scholars and Roycroft artisans -- but kits nonetheless.) I regularly acquire equipment with which to do my own designs, but I never get around to doing so. Perhaps it's because my Day Job regularly has me start with a blank sheet of paper, so I permit myself the exercise of coloring-in someone else's patterns.Nonetheless I do love embroidery, particularly when it's done well by people who know what they're doing. So I gave myself a present of this book, telling myself that it's always useful to understand the process of creating something even when I'm unlikely to do it myself. Which is another way of saying: It's okay, kid, you can look at a picture book.And OH MY OH MY is this a lovely book. It has helped me to understand how to do a better job on my own simple projects. The book's subtitle is, "a guide to essential stitches, techniques, and projects" and it absolutely delivers on that promise.To begin with, the book is extremely well organized, with hundreds (thousands?) of photos and diagrams to make everything clear. After an introductory section that shows how to frame up and the options for tracing a design (which caused me to put in yet another Amazon order for supplies!), chapters are given over to: crewelwork; canvas work; blackwork; silk shading; gold work; stump work; white work; bead embroidery. Each chapter shares the history of the given technique; its tools and materials; design elements; the stitches, including a "stitch finder;" patterns that show off the differences (some simple, some "...and here is what you can accomplish if you're really good"); starter projects to help you put the lessons to use.These chapters are extensive, and in other hands would be a book unto themselves. For instance, the Silk Shading chapter is 50 pages long, including a section on padding, and another one on adding beads and sequins. It has five projects, from "blue curves" for a beginner, to "autumn leaves." You get everything: a design to trace, color suggestions, advice about stitch order.The book is drool-worthy just for the photos, both historical and "how-to." Accompanying the essay on the history of metal threadwork ("Some of the earliest surviving examples of metal thread work in Great Britain are the textiles associated with Saint Cuthbert that can be seen in the Treasury at Durham Cathedral..."), for example, are _excellent_ photographs that (unlike so many other books) show the detail that a dedicated artist wants to peer at. Why yes, that IS embroidery from the Middle Ages...! The how-to instructions do not skip steps; a section on felt padding has six small, clear photos that show what it looks like from start-to-finish. In the canvaswork chapter, you see both the process (from the needle's eye view on graph paper) and the stitch results, side-by-side: Oh, so THAT is what a double-linked cross looks like.If I have a criticism, it's that in some places the text is a little small and occasionally hard to read.The book is worth the purchase price just for the breadth of embroidery examples, from "earliest example of..." to charming modern designs.Prepare to swoon. I did, over and over.

I love embroidery and have done it off and on my whole life. This is the very best book I've ever had. Every step is described in detail, and there are clear photos for every single step. Nothing is left to guesswork. There are no vague, incomplete, or inaccurate descriptions or fuzzy photos taken from a bad angle. I wish I'd found this book years ago. It is a treasury of information and beautiful photos of fantastic embroidery. I'd give it 10 stars.

If you do any needlework than you need this book. It is beautifully illustrated and has all the stitches for anyone doing embroidery, crewel, or needlepoint using all types of threads and yarns. The illustrations show you step-by-step how to do each stitch. It is a wonderful reference and has tips and techniques to improve your stitching. Also provides historical references. Truly a great reference for any needle artist.

This is an extremely comprehensive book covering a vast selection of topics. Crewelwork, Blackwork, Whitework, Silk Shading, Stumpwork, Bead Embroidery, Canvaswork, Goldwork. The examples are clear concise and beautiful. I highly recommend this book. My book arrived with a small tear in the slip jacket but the cover is great.

I like how quick the book came and I like the hardback and it’s easy to open and lay flat. The illustrations are amazing and the pictures are beautiful. It’s everything I need to learn to embroider like a pro! Thank you

This book is a thorough textbook including the history of each needlepoint art form, materials used, what makes each distinct and yet linked, and —get this—provides a basic stitch diagram for EVERY STITCH mentioned in EVERY STYLE of needlepoint. At base, you have the building blocks to start practicing any of these crafts and if you get stuck you have the name(s) of each stitch so you can research that stitch further by name. This book is a treasure trove of information for those who want to learn about or those who want to learn how to. Either will be pleased.

The book looked a tiny bit used but it’s too much effort to return it and order a replacement. I think it was door to the packaging, there was no bubble wrap inside the box and I’m sure the book was knocked around during delivery. As for comment, it’sa great reference book and a must for all switchers who would like to expand their knowledge or challenge themselves.

I purchased this as a gift for a friend who also embroiders. After looking through myself, i’ve also added it to my wishlist! The illustrations are full color and excellent, and the instructions are thorough! Its a great resource!