Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches (Paperback)

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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.

Product Description

For all embroiderers, a needlework classic. Now in paperback. Mary Thomas' Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches was first published in 1934; regarded as a standard, this book has long been a favorite of novice and experienced embroiderers alike. Later updated by Jan Eaton, it pictures and describes over 400 stitches; arranged by usage, they range from basic outline and border stitches to more complex detached-filling and pulled-fabric stitches. Throughout, more than 100 color photos show the stitches worked in sampler form, while individual diagrams, color-linked to the photos, illustrate the working method for each stitch. An outstanding reference book that will enable all needleworkers to master the art of embroidery. Jan Eaton is the author of Creative Guide to Cross Stitch Embroidery and Around the World in Cross Stitch. 298 pp 9 x 10 110 color photos, two-color diagrams throughout

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Product Details

• Paperback: 298 pages
• Publisher: Trafalgar Square Books (September 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1570761183
• ISBN-13: 978-1570761188
• Product Dimensions: 9.7 x 8.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #41,956 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

107 of 109 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 (America) - See all my reviews

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.

49 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

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

By	Georgina "tville" (san francisco, ca) - See all my reviews

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.

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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.