February is National Embroidery Month. Embroidery is a craft that has been around for thousands of years, dating back to the time of ancient civilizations in China, Egypt, and India. It is a versatile art that can be used to create a variety of pictures and patterns, and is sometimes used to depict stories.
In modern times, embroidery serves as a great way to personalize gifts, home decor and clothing. Whether you are new to embroidery or are an embroidery master, take some time this month to celebrate. Some suggestions for ways to celebrate include:
- Finish an embroidery project you’ve been working on
- Try stitching on a different material
- Organize your embroidery supplies
- Find a new use for embroidery
- Try a new embroidery technique
- Make an embroidered gift for a friend or loved one
- Create a custom embroidery design
- Check out an embroidery book from the library
Below is a list of embroidery books; find these and more here at CGPL!
Mastering the Art of Embroidery by Sophie Long
Embroidery is back in a big way! This comprehensive guide covers everything readers need to know with 30 illustrated, step-by-step tutorials for all the essential techniques, plus a section on digital and free-motion machine embroidery. More than 500 color images showcase a range of contemporary applications alongside inspiring artist profiles, a dictionary of embroidery stitches, and sections on other needlecrafts such as crewel, appliqué, and cross-stitch. Mastering the Art of Embroidery is the new go-to resource for crafters of all skill levels to keep on their bookshelf.
Embroidery Now: Contemporary Projects for You and Your Home by Jennifer Cardenas Riggs
Embroidery Now is a stylish hand-embroidery guide for the modern maker. Author and textile artist Jennifer Riggs, known on Instagram as @Threadhoney, walks you through the embroidery process. You'll learn about the materials included in the practice, nine different stitch techniques with illustrated step-by-step instructions, and 30 individual projects designed for you to use in your home and wardrobe. Perfect for both new and experienced embroiderers alike, projects include a boho stitched lampshade, an embroidered accent pillow, a constellation tablecloth, minimalist canvas wall art, starry-stitched dresses, and much more. You will be delighted by the unique, current designs, sophisticated color palettes, and on-trend motifs. Each project is broken down into step-by-step instructions and templates so you can recreate them yourself, even if you have no prior embroidery experience. Packed with tips and tricks and a lot of inspiration, Embroidery Now shows that anything can be embroidered and gives you the confidence to continue to embellish your world through embroidery.
Stitch-opedia: The Only Embroidery Reference You'll Ever Need by Helen Winthorpe Kendrick
There is nothing as beautiful as a wonderfully-worked embroidery design, either used to adorn clothing or as an embellishment on a home accessory. Now, a new generation is rediscovering the pleasures of the centuries-old craft. Written for beginners and experts alike, Stitch-Opedia describes in detail hundreds of embroidery stitches. Each stitch is grouped into sections that include: canvas work, crewel work, hardanger, pulled work, stumpwork, and much more. Each stitch includes close-up, detailed color photographs, a full-color working diagram, and accurate written instructions. An extremely helpful alphabetical listing with close-up thumbnail photographs appears later in the book, allowing the user to cross-reference each stitch. With sections on materials and equipment, basic techniques, and a collection of motifs that can be either copied or transferred to fabric, this beautifully designed, full-color book is sure to attract newcomers and experts alike with its combination of convenience and creative encouragement.
Organza Hoop Art: Embroidery Techniques and Projects for Sheer Stitching by Sarah Godfrey
Looking for new ways to add a wow factor to your embroidery? Discover fresh, eye-catching embroidery designs with Organza Hoop Art! Using sheer fabric and a few adjustments to basic embroidery techniques, author Sarah Godfrey's approach is beginner-friendly, so anyone can accomplish this exciting embroidery style without feeling intimidated. Featuring 12 botanical patterns, step-by-step instructions, tips on designing your own embroidery, and so much more, see your stitches in a whole new light! Sarah Godfrey is an acclaimed fiber artist, designer, and owner of The Lake of Spring, where she sells patterns, embroidery kits, and finished hoops.