The Embroidery Learning Path: Which Book When?

Choose an embroidery book by level. For beginners a stitch dictionary that shows the basics in photos (such as The Essential Book of Embroidery Stitches) is the right first book. After the basics come project books in modern embroidery such as Blossoming Embroidery and The Botanist's Cabinet, then technique titles: the Dimensional Embroidery series for ribbon and goldwork, Embroidery Techniques with Hand-Dyed Threads and Basic Needle Lace. The machine embroidery book teaches free-motion work on a home machine. All books are in Magazines and Books.

Books by Technique

Botanical project books for modern surface embroidery and hoop art; ribbon embroidery books for dimensional, textured work; goldwork and needle lace sources for traditional techniques; visible mending titles such as The Mender's Wardrobe for repair and decoration. Diana Hobby World magazines offer a practical mixed-project start.

What you need beside the book

Dense fabric, DMC or Anchor floss, a size 5–10 embroidery needle and a 15–20 cm hoop cover every book project; to warm up with a ready project first, see Embroidery Kits.