The Embroidery Stitch Bible [Spiral-bound]

Betty Barnden (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2003

More than 200 stitches are photographed and accompanied by easy to follow charts in this essential reference for embroiderers. From basic cross stitch and chain stitch to more complicated couching, laid work, and drawn thread work, this is the stitch bible for embroiderers wishing to improve their technique and add new dimensions to their work. Stitches are arranged according to their use, including outlines, filling stitches, isolated stitches, motifs, edgings, hems, insertions, flat stitches, backgrounds, and textures. Concealed spiral binding allows embroiderers to read and practice simultaneously.

Product Details

• Spiral-bound: 256 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications (February 1, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873495101
• ISBN-13: 978-0873495103
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #22,212 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

128 of 129 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The most complete book on embroidery stitches I've seen!, January 2, 2004

By 

Catherine (Northern California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Embroidery Stitch Bible (Spiral-bound)

This is a great resource book for anyone interested in stitchery of any kind. I purchased this book to use as a guide for teaching my daughters and girls club members embroidery...I was delighted and surprized at the depth and scope of embroidery stiches and styles illustrated in this book.

I was expecting a book that detailed embroidery stiches...this book beautifully illustrates not only stitches on various fabrics, but also shows cross stitch, a wide scope of needlepoint styles (including Bargello), smocking, drawn-thread work, applying sequins and beads, cutwork, applique and so much more! There is a photograph of each completed stitch along with a detailed illustration and simple, easy to follow directions. The table of contents is a delight in itself, with 1" photos of the different stitches along with the name and page for quick and easy location for whatever project you are working on. Even the size of the book is perfect...it's compact size and sturdy board cover make it just right to include in your sewing basket or project bag for easy reference.

Everything about this book was well thought-out and beautifully executed. It's an incredible reference guide that I'm sure I will be turning to over and over again in the years to come.

58 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Both written and visual surveys are excellent, November 15, 2003

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Embroidery Stitch Bible (Spiral-bound)

Embroiders usually have their favorite stitches and may learn new ones from fellow embroiderers, but Betty Barnden's Embroidery Stitch Bible is an important reference for those wishing to improve their technique. Over 200 embroidery stitches, from basic cross stitch and chains to laid work, are arranged according to use and illustrated with both photos and diagrams. This means that Embroidery Stitch Bible can be used as both a reference for quick consultation and as a guide to learning new stitches. The close-up color examples and both written and visual surveys are excellent and easy to follow.

31 of 31 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book, great format!, May 17, 2007

By 

Janet Perry "Needlepoint and Bargello author" (Napa, CA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Embroidery Stitch Bible (Spiral-bound)

This little hardboard book from Krause Publications is both beautiful and useful (and how many of us can make that claim?) Clearly this is a book where each detail has been thoughtfully planned to make it useful for the stitcher.

The book covers both surface and canvas stitched and puts either one or two stitches per page. The stitches are photographed clearly and there is a large clear diagram directly below. The text contains instructions for the correct working of the stitch. At the bottom of each page there is some additional information. It provides alternate names for the stitch, a listing of suggested uses and notes which contains short tips for making this stitch look its best.

All the basic stitches are covered and the book is particularly deep on surface stitches, including some specialized techniques like hemstitching and drawn thread.

Just this is enough to make it a good book, but there are lots of wonderful little touches. First inside the hardboard cover is a ring binding, so the book lays flat, but the wire won't catch the threads. The size is small enough to make it easy to carry around and the covers are thick and sturdy.

Each stitch is numbered and they are grouped into categories. Each category, for example detached stitches, uses a different ground and thread color for the stitched examples and a different color of thread. The diagrams are done in colors to match the samples. Along the side there are pastel bars in the same color scheme. One the left page the bar says if these are stitches for canvas or fabric. The right bars tells the group of stitches.

Beyond the stitch collection, there is a long section on stitching practice. This section covers different stitching techniques (with small motifs to try as examples). design repeats and finishing. Each area is profusely illustrated and has clear explanations.

This book is one of the best overall embroidery books I've seen in a long time..