Early 20th Century Embroidery Techniques

This title offers a detailed and illustrated study examining stitches, threads, techniques and the embroiderers of the period. The author delves into the archives to research the personalities, varied and unusual techniques and tools that hand-embroiderers used in the period 1900-1939, before the outbreak of World War II.

Brimming with intricate drawings, color photos, and excerpts from 18th-century writings, this enthralling book is your passport to a bygone age. Fashion and textiles lecturer Gail Marsh offers insights into the lives of 18th-century embroiderers; their equipment, stitches, and threads; and techniques such as working with metal thread and spangles, silk embroidery, tambour, and the forgotten arts of Hollie Point and knotting. A must-have for historical costume creators, collectors, and needlework enthusiasts.

In the 19th century, the craft of embroidery became a pastime for ladies of leisure. This beautiful new book explores the shift from industry to hobby and how embroidery was crafted and displayed in the home. Each chapter is packed with a close look at the techniques that were used, detaileddrawings and unique photographs of original 19th century embroidered pieces. Interweaved into the book are snippets of social history, historical facts and quotes from ladies and gentlemen of the period. This delightful book is a must for any student studying embroidery, fashion and textiles, craft persons interested in historical embroidery techniques, collectors of textiles, plus any needlework enthusiast wanting to extend their knowledge.

Applique is the fascinating and versatile technique of applying one fabric to another. This beautiful book covers the principles within the technique, from the design stage through to padding, edgings and decorative stitches. It explains how to use a great collection of materials and threads, along with a rich array of stitches and textures to give dimension and contrast, thereby creating a unique piece of art. Written by a widely respected teacher, the book draws on her extensive examples to illustrate and introduce embroidery techniques, such as gold work, crewel work and silk shading, that can be used in a piece of applique; explain stitches that can embellish the piece further, such as the traditional buttonhole and blanket stitch, as well as couching, fly, feather, herringbone and knotted stitches; encourage experimentation and play with ideas, for example layering fabrics onto different backgrounds, trying different types of padding to create height, perspective and 3D effects, and using different edging stitches with a variety of threads around the fabrics. It is lavishly illustrated with 450 colour photographs supporting the detailed text and step-by-step instructions. It is a book to be kept close and treasured.