Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches [Paperback]

Mary Thomas (Author), Jan Eaton (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1998

First published in 1934, Mary Thomas' book has long been a favorite of novice and experienced embroiderers alike. Updated by Jan Eaton, it pictures and describes more than 400 embroidery stitches arranged by usage.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Originally published in hardcover by Hodder & Stoughton in 1989, this is a completely revised full-color edition of Thomas's 1934 classic, Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches. A comprehensive dictionary offering more than 400 stitches, this edition includes 100 new stitches, all described and pictured in full-color diagrams. Essential for public libraries and embroidery collections.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Jan Eaton's books include Creative Guide to Cross Stitch Embroidery and Around the World in Cross Stitch.

Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books; New edition (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761183
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761188
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 0.6 x 9.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (63 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #43,364 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #13 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Embroidery

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

155 of 157 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book of stitches for the beginner I have found April 4, 2000

By Justagramma

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I checked this book out of the library like I have a hundred other books on embroidery. Unlike all the others this was so clear and easy to understand I had to buy it. This one actually made sense and I was able to apply all that was in it to a great embroidered jean jacket for my daughter. The illustrations and color coding on the different stitches makes it so easy to follow. I am an avid hand quilter and I have never been "into" embroidery until I used this book. So many books have all these great illustrations but regular people like me can't go from the picture to the fabric. With this book I could and did! I used to just see quilts in every great design and unusual color grouping-now I see embroidery! I highly recommend this.

66 of 67 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic book. October 16, 2000

By A Customer

Format:Paperback

I bought this book for all the great photos in it. It is so nice to see the stitches on fabric and in color. This makes it so much easier to use your imagination to create beautiful textiles.The book covers all types of embroidery from pulled fabric stitches to canvas stitches and everything in between. There are very nice diagrams and explanations of all the stitches. It is a very easy and informative book to use for everyone from beginner to experienced embroiderer.I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this art form.

71 of 74 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A rare jewel October 22, 2003

By Georgina

Format:Paperback

This book is hard to find and I am surprised that Amazon has it readily available.
It really is a rare jewel of a dictionary and though it has no projects the directions are simple and easy to follow and very inviting. Other contenders in this space are A-Z Embroidery and Lucinda Ganderton's offering. This book is better than Lucinda's in showing the finished product; all are standouts.

34 of 35 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An Embroidery *Must* Have! April 4, 2005

By Nymeria

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

If you buy just one book for embroidery, this should be it. Not only does the book provide great illustrations and descriptions of each stitch, it also has pictures of what the "actual" stitch should look like-- a priceless tool for people like me who have trouble envisioning finished products. A fabulous book for beginners and very useful for more advanced stitchers wanting to try new techniques. I joke that this book makes me want to go out and embroider a kimono or some other large scale project-- I love it!

25 of 28 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for any stitcher April 22, 2005

By Alida

Format:Paperback

This is the first and best of the embroidery stitch dictionaries. This is a welcome start to any novice's collection and a wonderful addition to any expert's. There are other dictionaries out there, and many of them are fantastic for their specialties, this is the best single unit.

Vital for all stitchers (unless they never have a desire to venture out of 'plain' cross stitch--- it has plenty of x-stitch modifications for those who only want to work on linen), with sections on whitework, couching and canvas.

If I could only have one stitching book, this would be it.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Affordable Printing of a Needlework Classic April 4, 2004

By Linn Skinner

Format:Paperback

Mary Thomas created an approachable look at embroidery stitches with the first edition of her Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches in 1934 which was printed in both England and the US. Many intervening revisions and printings ensued. Jan Eaton, a talented and revered needlework designer, has provided a sympathetic and intelligent update of Ms. Thomas's work. I am pleased to see it now available in an affordable format.

Linn Skinner, Skinner Sisters

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Great resource September 23, 2008

By Judy Tyrer

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I wanted a reference of all the possible stitches I might want to use at any given point in my work. This is perfect for that. However, there descriptions on how to reproduce the stitches aren't intuitive and I felt at times there were steps missing. I made up the missing steps, but it meant that a couple of the stitches just never quite turned out the way I wanted them (i.e., like the pictures in the book). This was true especially for the very complicated stitches that resulted in complex geometric patterns. I would recommend this for any advanced embroiderer who wants a quick picture reference of what stitches might work in this situation. I would not recommend it for beginners.

8 of 9 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for beginners and advanced stitchers March 20, 2007

By K. Kirk

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

I hadn't touched embroidery for about 40 years and this book is so detailed with TONS of photos that I had no trouble learning lots of new stitches. I took it to work and shared it with two very experienced embroiders and both were very impressed with the variety of stitches presented and the detailed images.