The Encyclopedia of Embroidery Techniques

Rating:
Summary: Very inspirational
Review: A gem for embroiderers who like using their creativity more than following patterns. Brown does not only show many different stitches and techniques, but also, in the last chapter, beautiful photographs of the work of true needle artists. The feeling I get from this book is that I too, with a bit of practice and fantasy, can make such wonderful things. I reach for this book many times!

Rating:
Summary: Invaluable
Review: This book is a must have for all needleworker

Rating:
Summary: The Britannica of Thread Art Techniques
Review: This is a book I refer to constantly since I've just started to learn embroidery. It contains photos of each embroidery technique with a diagram of how the needle works the canvas to get the result shown in the photo above it. Over 240 types of stitches are demonstrated. There are explanations of surface embroidery techniques such as line, couching, chain and band stitches all the way to laidwork. Another chapter gives info on various types of counted thread work such as Assisi, counted cross-stitch, blackwork, hardanger, drawn and pulled. There are chapters covering metal thread embroidery, machine embroidery, applique and quilting.

One of the final chapters is titled Other Techniques and shows how to include such things as beadwork, cutwork, eyelet, ribbon work, stump work, smocking and needlelace. The final chapter presents a gallery of textile artists work using all these techniques. Believe me, this chapter alone is worth the price of the book. Whenever I view what these artists have accomplished with a needle and thread it never fails to amaze and inspire me. You won't find any patterns or projects in this book. But you'll get plenty of clear photos and diagrams of a large number of techniques you can use for your own designs.