Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches: A Training System Based on the Methods of d'Aure, Baucher and l'Hotte

This is the first and best of the embroidery stitch dictionaries. This is a welcome start to any novice's collection and a wonderful addition to any expert's. There are other dictionaries out there, and many of them are fantastic for their specialties, this is the best single unit. Vital for all stitchers (unless they never have a desire to venture out of 'plain' cross stitch--- it has plenty of x-stitch modifications for those who only want to work on linen), with sections on whitework, couching and canvas. If I could only have one stitching book, this would be it.

If you buy just one book for embroidery, this should be it. Not only does the book provide great illustrations and descriptions of each stitch, it also has pictures of what the "actual" stitch should look like-- a priceless tool for people like me who have trouble envisioning finished products. A fabulous book for beginners and very useful for more advanced stitchers wanting to try new techniques. I joke that this book makes me want to go out and embroider a kimono or some other large scale project-- I love it!

I bought this book for all the great photos in it. It is so nice to see the stitches on fabric and in color. This makes it so much easier to use your imagination to create beautiful textiles.The book covers all types of embroidery from pulled fabric stitches to canvas stitches and everything in between. There are very nice diagrams and explanations of all the stitches. It is a very easy and informative book to use for everyone from beginner to experienced embroiderer.I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in this art form.

I checked this book out of the library like I have a hundred other books on embroidery. Unlike all the others this was so clear and easy to understand I had to buy it. This one actually made sense and I was able to apply all that was in it to a great embroidered jean jacket for my daughter. The illustrations and color coding on the different stitches makes it so easy to follow. I am an avid hand quilter and I have never been "into" embroidery until I used this book. So many books have all these great illustrations but regular people like me can't go from the picture to the fabric. With this book I could and did! I used to just see quilts in every great design and unusual color grouping-now I see embroidery! I highly recommend this.