Stitch sampler

This clear & concise reference guide shows readers how to use & combine every stitch to achieve the best decorative & textural affects. Loaded with enticing & accessible photographs. More than 200 decorative and practical stitches-fully illustrated and clearly explained. Stitch craft in Color: Stitch Sampler is a practical and inspirational guide to choosing and working a comprehensive range of stitches. Packed with color photographs of finished stitches and work in progress, it is an invaluable source of reference for embroidery, canvas work, dressmaking, and other needlecrafts. For quick and easy reference, stitches are grouped under the headings of outline and border, filling, openwork, and needlepoint stitches. Every stitch is accompanied by step-by-step instructions, and every stage of the working is illustrated with clear, annotated photographs. A time-saving information box shows the finished stitch close-up and includes advice on how to use it and which threads and background fabrics are the most suitable. Stitches are graded according to the level of skill required. Stitch Sampler features a unique photographic gallery, showing finished samples of each stitch for comparison and selection. The book also includes a practical section that demonstrates how to prepare threads and fabrics and how to select materials. Both an instructional manual for beginners and a source book for the more accomplished stitches, Stitch Sampler is the essential guide to modern needlework.

Includes index.

Introduction -- How to use this book -- Materials, tools, and techniques: Tools, fabrics, threads, and frames: Mounting techniques -- Stitching techniques -- Gallery of stitches -- Line and border stitches: Outline stitches -- Border stitches -- Composite border stitches -- Filling stitches: Powdered filling and isolated stitches -- Open and solid filling stitches -- Openwork stitches: Pulled fabric stitches -- Drawn thread and insertion stitches -- Cutwork and edging stitches -- Needlepoint stitches: Straight needlepoint stitches -- Diagonal needlepoint stitches -- Cross and star needlepoint stitches -- Looped and tied needlepoint stitches -- Index and acknowledgments.