The Complete DMC Encyclopedia of Needlework by Thérèse de Dillmont was originally published over a century ago. The fact that it is still in print will tell you a lot about how good it is. This needlework classic is one of the best and most complete guides to almost every form of embroidery (not to mention knitting, tatting, macramé, etc.). This should be considered a must-have book if you are interested in a number of different needlework techniques.
The Complete DMC Encyclopedia of Needlework (708 pages, hard cover) $30.00
The Anchor Manual of Needlework is my all-time favorite general-purpose needlework book. The 38 chapters of this book, like the DMC Encyclopedia, cover just about every needlework technique, with clear diagrams and photographs of exquisite embroidery. First published in 1958, this book has stood the test of time.
The Anchor Manual of Needlework (1990, 499 pages, hard cover) $34.95
Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques by Sally Saunders is a very nice instructional book on four embroidery techniques: Silk Shading, Crewel Work, Blackwork and Gold Work [although the older examples in the Silk Shading section were actually stitched in silk, the modern projects are done in cotton "floss" also known as stranded cotton - in Great Britain the term "silks" is applied to threads made of cotton as well as silk]. Each section includes a very simple, basic beginner's project, as well as more advanced projects. Explicit instructions are given to reproduce projects in the book, but this is also an excellent book for those who wish to create original embroidery designs but need help in doing so. This is the paperback edition of this book.
Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Techniques (2003 paperback reprint of 1998 publication, 160 pages) $24.95
Embroider Now by Hetsie van Wyk is a book which deals primarily but not exclusively with forms of counted thread embroidery. Pulled thread, drawn thread, blackwork and hardanger are among the counted thread techniques covered; but in addition, a chapter called "Whitework" encompasses cutwork, shadow embroidery, needlelace, Hedebo embroidery, and other forms of non-counted embroidery. This book has extensive coverage of the techniques explored, in a manner that you will find in few, if any, other books.
Embroider Now (1977, 283 pages, hard cover) $45.00
A-Z of Embroidery Stitches by Inspirations Magazine is a compilation of stitches which have appeared over the years in the back of this beautiful magazine. Stitches are very clearly illustrated with step-by-step directions, and the wire-bound form of this book makes it easy to open flat to the page you wish to use.
A-Z of Embroidery Stitches (1997, 144 pages, wire-bound paperback) $26.95
A-Z of Bullions by the publishers of Inspirations magazine is a wonderful reference work. The description on the cover reads "a step by step guide to creating over 120 beautiful and individual bullion roses and figures" and that is an accurate description. Very detailed and well-illustrated directions are given for creating several varieties of bullion stitches, as well as for creating specific designs elements (flowers, plants, animals, holiday figures, etc.).
A-Z of Bullions (1999, 131 pages, wirebound paperback) $26.95
A-Z of Wool Embroidery by the publishers of Inspiration magazine is the third stitch book from this company. It includes both stitching techniques as well as projects drawn from the pages of Inspirations magazine. Illustrations are excellent and instructions are clear. The style of embroidery depicted is rather modern and realistic rather than traditional. Those who own Inspirations magazines may already have much of the information in this book, but it is convenient to have it all in one place rather than have to hunt through back issues of magazines.
A-Z of Wool Embroidery (2001, 128 pages, wirebound softcover) $24.95
A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery by Inspirations Magazine is the latest installment in the series of excellent instruction books by this Australian company. This book is divided into three sections: stitches, designs (i.e., how to make specific items, mostly flowers and plants) and patterns. The step-by-step instructions which are in the form of photographs of each step with explanatory text could not be better.
A-Z of Ribbon Embroidery (2002, 132 pages, wirebound softcover) $26.95
A-Z of Crewel Embroidery by Country Bumpkin (publishers of Inspirations magazine) is another "how to" book from this company. Like all of their books, this one is clearly illustrated with step-by-step stitch instructions that include color pictures as well as text (stitches are listed in alphabetical order for ease in looking them up). It also contains 16 different projects, complete with patterns to trace from. The majority of these designs have been stitched in Appleton crewel wool, which of course we stock.
A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (2004, 128 pages, wirebound softcover) $26.95
A-Z of Stumpwork by Country Bumpkin is described by the publishers as "The ultimate reference and design source for all stumpwork embroiderers." That may be a slight overstatement, but the fact is that there are very few books published on this subject, and this one is a welcome addition to our knowledge base. The step-by-step illustrations in this book are excellent, as always. The 20 projects I think are less successfuly executed, but that is only a minor quibble.
A-Z of Stumpwork (2005, 128 pages, wirebound softcover) $26.95
A-Z of Whitework by Country Bumpkin is subtitled Book I. None of the embroidery techniques in this book are counted thread techniques, so perhaps at some point in the future there will be an A-Z of Whitework Book II that will cover counted thread whitework techniques. The non-counted techniques in this book include Ayrshire Embroidery, Broderie Anglaise, Candlewicking, Carrickmacross, Cutwork, Hedebo, Madeiran Embroidery, Mountmellick, Shadow Work and Tambour embroidery. Step-by-step instructions with photographs clearly explain every step in the various techniques. No designs or projects are included in this book.
A-Z of Whitework (2007, 156 pages, wirebound softcover) $26.95
Metal Thread Embroidery: Tools, Materials and Techniques by Jane Lemon is a reprint of the 1987 original. This book is profusely illustrated with color photographs including examples, both ancient and modern, from around the world of metal thread embroidery. The individual sections entitled "Tools," "Materials," and "Techniques" are set up in dictionary fashion, with terms in alphabetical order, and an explanation of what they mean or how to do them. This is an excellent reference book, but because of the way the chapters are set up (with all entries within the chapter being in alphabetical order, rather than the chapters being written as step-by-step directions), it is perhaps not as easily usable as a teaching or project guide.
Metal Thread Embroidery (2002, reprint of 1987 text, 207 pages, hardcover) $29.95
New Ideas in Goldwork takes a modern approach to embroidery designs featuring traditional metal threads. It contains very clear illustrations (both diagrams as well as photographs) of metal thread techniques. Chapters in this book are titled Tools and Equipment, Threads and Materials, Basic Gold Samples, Creative Metal Work Samples, Working a Creative Metalwork Design, and Creative Gold and Metalwork. This would be a springboard for a creative person wishing to explore the infinite design possibilities using these most ancient materials.
New Ideas in Goldwork (2002, 128 pages, hardcover) $29.95
Goldwork Embroidery: Designs and Projects by Mary Brown is a wonderful addition to the limited number of books on metal thread embroidery that are currently in print. It begins with a very nice section on the history of metal thread embroidery. The next two chapters address how metal threads are made, identification of different types of metal threads, and discuss equipment needed for metal thread embroidery. Metal thread embroidery techniques are explained next. The beautifully illustrated book concludes with several different designs and projects.
Goldwork Embroidery (2007, 207 pages, paperback) $24.95