The Stitches of Creative Embroidery [Paperback]

Jacqueline Enthoven (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1987

This classic book of embroidery stitch instructions shows more than 200 different stitches, many of them endangered ethnic types which have not been in print before. Many countries including France, Spain, India, Mexico, and the Orient are represented. Step-by-step diagrams and photographs of finished articles will inspire even a beginner.

Product Details

• Paperback: 238 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing; Rev Sub edition (September 1987)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0887401112
• ISBN-13: 978-0887401114
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 7.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #109,070 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Easiest to Learn Embroidery Book & Most Creative, April 20, 2007

By 

Elise Morris (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stitches of Creative Embroidery (Paperback)

Wha Hooo! I found my precious & most favorite embroidery stitch book again! When I moved several years ago, this, my most best reference book for embroidery got mislaid. Even with "doodle cloths" of sample stitches I'd learned & used from Enthoven's book, there were some I just could not remember correctly. Sooo many cool stitches I just cannot keep them all in my head. Tonight I found **The Reference Book Above all Others for Embroidery Stitches**, this book is **The One** ! !

I heartily agree with the other reviewers's opinions. I have happily embroidered anything & everything (excluding cross stitch) for 50 years. This book has the easiest to read pictures and explanations of any embroidery book I have seen bar none. If I had to own only one embroidery book, this is **IT** ! !

Enthoven organizes the her book by grouping embroidery stitches by type (straight, knotted, etc.). This makes browsing for a particular style stitch much easier and faster. In addition to clear, easy-to-follow instructions [Yes, even for beginners!], there are wonderful & useful stitches in this book that I've not seen anywhere else except in textile collections of museums. Better yet these rare stitches are not necessarily difficult. For example there is a stitch she teaches from the Inuit technique for making water-tight seams in traditional clothing of sealskin etc. It translates into contemporary embroidery to make an absolutely great method to join materials such as felt, polar fleece and for that matter, just plain cloth. .... And it's beautiful and far sturdier than a blanket stitch.

The Stitches of Creative Embroidery isn't just a list of stitches. Enthoven gives sources and historical background. When she describes how to make a stitch, she tells you **everything** you need to know. She includes how the stitch behaves depending on the spacing/length of the stitch, the weight/size/type of thread and fabric type. This is rarely addressed in most other embroidery books. All of her stitches have detailed illustrations. There are myriad pictures showing variations of stitches, too.

Now just in case that's not enough to convince you that The Stitches of Creative Embroidery is fabulous, read on about the inspiration and creativity this book nurtures and releases in the hands-on reader/embroiderer. In her examples she shows original work of mere mortals: 4 year old's, 12-year old's original & others in addition to antique museum pieces from the world over. She paints springboards of ideas into your mind. She gives you methods to doodle with pen and needle & thread completely original artwork. Nooo you do not have to be an artiste' to do this. Lines & circles, outlines from everyday items ... even a coin are fair game and make wonderful starting points for designs. There is an awesome angel (huge almost tapestry size) that a very young girl did using only a plain running stitch (over,under,over,under like one does to gather an edge of fabric or to baste) and its variations. It is fine enough to compete in any art show yet it's only a series of straight, easy stitches.

The Stitches of Creative Embroidery will take you painlessly beyond the 6 most commonly known stitches: stem stitch, satin stitch, French knot, cross stitch, blanket stitch and daisy stitch. It will lead you into a cornucopia of stitches that gives you a palette of texture and depth those useful but ubiquitous stitches just cannot provide. With this one book as reference I have created and embroidered unique design for everything from elaborately embroidered chambray work shirts (remember when those were popular?) to fine church linens. You can too if you read the book and get out a needle and thread.

I am amazed that The Stitches of Creative Embroidery has not been actively printed and reprinted for decades. It deserves to be. I'm going to stop typing and purchase at least two of these books right now!

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Emphasis on the "creative", April 1, 2005

By 

Bad Babs (Washington, DC) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stitches of Creative Embroidery (Paperback)

I love this book. This is the book my Grandma had on her shelf when she taught me to embroider as a little girl. When I went back to embroidery recently this is the book I bought. Unlike many modern embroidery books, Enthoven's work proceeds from the premise that everyone can produce their own designs using embroidery. Rather than giving you a series of projects to copy, she teaches an abundance of stitches, and lots of encouragement to explore them. She emphasizes the practice of "doodling" with stitches as a way of coming up with your own designs - something I've found really helpful. I've actually found that I am able to come up with more lively designs with my needle than with pencil and paper.
Something else I love about this book are a couple of photos of Enthoven's daughter's experiments in embroidery at the age of three. It's almost worth buying the book to see her depiction of the Seattle Space Needle! An awesome work!

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and unusual..., November 27, 2004

By 

Ana Muhandis - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Stitches of Creative Embroidery (Paperback)

This is a fantastic book for anyone looking to branch out with embroidery. It includes detailed instructions for creating hundreds of unusual stitches from around the world, along with interesting commentary on the history of and uses for the stitches, ideas for design, and many (mostly black and white) pictures. Enthoven also provides valuable instructional information for both new and experienced embroiderers, and her enthusiasm for the subject is inspirational. Highly recommended!