Hand Embroidery : Timeless Techniques for Beginners and Beyond

An expert guide to popular surface-stitching techniques, suitable for stitchers of all abilities!

Drawing on work previously published in the popular Beginner's Guide to Needlecrafts series, and originally published as The Stitching Book, this definitive guide to stitching provides a must-have reference for anyone interested in stitching and embroidery.

Aimed at both beginners and those wishing to explore new areas or to develop their existing skills, this book provides a complete, step-by-step guide to traditional stitching techniques, including drawn thread embroidery, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading, crewel embroidery, Mountmellick and blackwork.

Each section is authored by best-selling embroidery experts Patricia Bage, Jill Carter, Ruth Chamberlin, Kay Dennis, Clare Hanham, Jane Rainbow, Pat Trott and Lesley Wilkins, and leads the reader carefully through the history of the technique; the materials and equipment required; and the most popular stitches used. The sections include hands-on projects – 26 projects in all – and are beautifully illustrated with examples of the authors' works as well as step-by-step photographs and diagrams of the methods used.

This timely book is the perfect choice for anyone whose interest in stitching has been re-awakened by the current trends in embroidery and sewing, and who wishes to make beautiful, hand-embroidered items for their home.

Patricia Bage’s love of art and needlecraft began at the age of five, when her grandmother taught her how to knit. Her passion for knitting continued into her adult life, when she also became interested in canvas tapestries. She discovered cross stitch in the early 1990s, and in March 2000 she began her own design company, Patricia-Ann Designs. Since then, Patricia has exhibited at trade shows in the UK and the USA, and her designs are now available throughout the world. In 2002, Patricia did what she wished she had done at the age of sixteen – she enrolled at Maidstone College of Art and Design and was awarded a BTEC in Professional Development.

Jill Carter is a professional tutor, lecturer and author. She has run her own successful embroidery school, Masterclass, for sixteen years, offering over fifty courses annually in all areas of embroidery. Jill learnt Hardanger embroidery while living in Norway in 1967 and continues to return to Oslo for research. Since then she has used her own expertise and creative talents to take this traditional technique in new and exciting directions. Jill is a regular contributor to major exhibitions and needlecraft magazines. She has written two other books and contributed to a third.

Ruth Chamberlin studied drawing and dress at Croydon Art School before moving on to the School of Embroidery, London, where she studied ecclesiastical embroidery. After leaving the school Ruth worked at the Warham Guild in London where she embroidered a cope and mitre for the Archbishop of Cantebury. Ruth now works on her own commissions, and has taught in adult education for over thirty years.

Kay Dennis is a professional embroiderer and former Chairman of the Guild of Needle Laces. She has been teaching both needlelace and stumpwork for many years and is a member of the Embroiderers' Guild. She has written articles for leading needlecraft magazines and has lectured and demonstrated widely. Michael Dennis, also a former Chairman of the Guild of Needle Laces, now enjoys working in all aspects of woodworking. He assists Kay in all aspects of her work. Kay and Michael have been married for 45 years and live in Northwood, Middlesex, UK.

Clare trained for 3 years as an apprentice at the Royal School of Needlework. On completing her diploma she set up her own business, Vine Embroidery. She runs embroidery classes in her own studio and for the local education authority, as well as day classes for embroidery shops and guilds. Clare designs and stitches projects for several needlework magazines and has created her own range of kits. She also restores antique embroidery and designs and embroiders ecclesiastical pieces. She has exhibited at the Knitting and Stitching show, Stitch exhibition and various places around the South West of England.