The Anchor Book Of Free Style Embroidery Stitches

Intended for beginners and experienced embroiderers alike, this book presents a wide variety of stitches, with ideas and techniques for using them. The selection of freestyle stitches is accompanied by 48 motifs, and the stitches are explained in step-by-step instructions and diagrams.

The decorative and creative possibilities of freestyle embroidery are explored to the fullest in this indispensable book. Starting by covering basic techniques such as selecting fabrics and threads, transferring an embroidery design to fabric, and working with a hoop or frame, it goes on to explain 48 stitches in step-by-step detail. These are listed alphabetically, from Antwerp Edging to Wheatear Stitch, for ease. It is often said that an embroiderer can create beautiful work from just a few stitches; however the 16 new and original designs included show just how effective the varied selection of stitches can be to add texture to a design and take embroidery into another dimension. Celebration designs, fantastic flowers and lovely landscapes will inspire the embroiderer to begin extending their stitch repertoire today.

The Anchor Embroidery Series offers the perfect introduction to popular embroidery techniques. Blackwork is a counted thread embroidery technique in which repetitive patterns are used to fill outlined areas. This book covers the materials and equipment needed, the essential stitches, and outlines in step-by-step detail the working of 49 infill patterns. It is sure to become an indispensable reference for stitchers. Blackwork was originally so called because black thread was most often used on white fabrics, but many of the 16 original charted designs provided show how this technique can just as effectively be worked with colored threads on colored fabrics. The beautiful designs include ringing Christmas bells, a charming country cottage, delicate florals and an exotic oriental fan and kimono. There are also ideas for how the delightful designs can be used to create a selection of small projects.

Pulled thread is a type of openwork embroidery where the threads of the fabric are pulled back tautly to make decorative holes. This book introduces 27 stitches that can be worked in this way. In addition a further 18 counted stitches are featured that can be used to complement the pulled thread work. All stitches are explained in step-by-step detail. Sixteen original charted designs explore the exciting textural effects that can be achieved: e.g., coil filling stitch perfectly captures the seeded flesh of a luscious strawberry, while the ripple stitch evokes the gentle waves beneath a sailing boat. Other designs include a basket of flowers, sunflowers and roses, and a dragonfly. Pulled thread stitches are ideal for samplers, and an attractive design is included that would be ideal for celebrating a birth or a wedding.

Crewelwork is one of the oldest embroidery techniques; associated with the 17th century and often known as Jacobean embroidery, it is as popular today as it has ever been. Historically worked in soft wools on twilled linens, today's embroiderer is discovering just how successfully the techniques can be applied to stranded cotton threads and a wider variety of fabrics. Crewelwork embroidery is distinguished by its textured, almost three-dimensional stitches. This book outlines in step-by-step detail the working of 48 of the most versatile stitches, listed alphabetically for easy reference. Sixteen new embroidery designs show the stitches worked in context and trace-off patterns are included. The featured embroideries include traditional Jacobean motifs, contemporary flowers, and whimsical celebration designs. There are also ideas for using the embroidered designs on several small projects.

Anchor Books are recognized as the essential handy guides to the whole range of embroidery techniques.

A sampler is a project made from a "sampling" of different stitches or different motifs. Once the learning tool that helped generations of girls master basic needlework skills, this traditional project is still a great way to learn and practice embroidery skills—as well as a creative way to add color to a room or a fabric item. • Covers samplers in several different styles: cross-stitch, counted thread, surface, and freestyle embroidery • Creative uses for sampler art beyond the basic wall hanging: gift bags, ornaments, scarves, tote bags, and more • Includes a how-to section with step-by-step instructions for basic embroidery stitches and sewing skills • 16 projects for decorative sampler designs plus creative variations • A NeedleKnowledge® Book