The Hand-Stitched Surface offers inspiring techniques and beautiful projects for creating richly layered mixed-media surfaces on paper and fabric to encourage stitchers to slow down and savor their handiwork.

“Improvisational hand-stitching lies at the heart of Krawczyk’s collection of embroidery projects . . . The overall style is loose and free-wheeling.” —Library Journal Add new color and flair to your home with hand-stitching projects! Written by noted surface designer Lynn Krawczyk, The Hand-Stitched Surface offers inspiring techniques and beautiful projects for creating richly layered mixed-media surfaces on paper and fabric. It’s a fast world we live in; it’s important to remember to slow down and savor your handiwork, and hand-stitching is the perfect craft for that. After Krawczyk gives you an overview of tools and supplies you’ll be using, she will move you into a section on stitching essentials which covers a range of basic stitches and how they can be modified. You will learn the following skills: Mixing thread weights for textural effects Unique ways to create patterns for hand stitching Exploring color Tips and tricks for improvisational stitching And much more! The fifteen keepsake-quality projects are perfect for the times when you feel you need to disconnect from the modern world and enjoy a quieter, more meditative hobby. “Delightful.” —The Papercraft Post

“A spectacular encyclopedia of embroidery, sharing valuable techniques passed down through the generations . . . you’ll wonder how you ever worked without it.” —Sew Magazine Enjoy the tranquility of slow stitching with this step-by-step, visual guide to 149 embroidery stitches, motifs, and extras. Go beyond basic color theory–robust color charts take the guesswork out of choosing thread, silk ribbon, buttons, beads, and trims. Then take your embroidery to the next level with luxurious seam treatments and stunning stand-alone designs. Bestselling author Christen Brown’s traditional and contemporary techniques are showcased in a colorful gallery of crazy-quilted projects. “An overview of embroidery stitches and techniques as well as inspiration for embroidery projects . . . She dissects several of her pieces, summarizing the color palette, decorative elements, and stitches used.” —Library Journal

Crazy patchwork has long been a popular subject amongst quilters and embroiderers, allowing them the freedom to be creative and to incorporate a broad range of techniques into their work. In this beautiful book, expert needlecrafter Hazel Blomkamp explores a wide variety of hand-stitching techniques and produces five stunning projects in which everything is created using just fabric, a needle, threads, ribbons and beads. She provides expert guidance on embellishment techniques such as beading, embroidery (with both thread and silk ribbon), needlelace, needle weaving and tatting, as well as on patchwork and quilting. Three projects are worked completely from scratch, and even the patches themselves are created with a needle and thread. The fourth project is a traditional crazy patchwork with hand-stitched embellishments, and the fifth project combine a traditional crazy patchwork with a Jacobean embroidery panel. The book will draw in both embroiderers and quilters, and inspire them to combine their skills in new and exciting ways.

Hand Sewing Magic is an essential reference to all things stitching, featuring how-tos for dozens of stitches, from the basics for sewing and mending to stunning embroidered embellishment. Hand Sewing Magic is a modern, all-in-one guide for hand stitchers of all levels of skill and experience, and for all applications. In this unique guide book you will: Get an in-depth overview of essential tools and materials, including thread, needles, fabric, and other key supplies. Explore a comprehensive visual dictionary of 35 stitches plus dozens of variations, from basic mending to stylish decorative embellishment to unique art stitching. Discover key techniques, from starting and ending threads to the right way to use an embroidery hoop, from stitching curved shapes to color shading, and more. Learn essential tips and tricks from influential and innovative stitchers, including Joanne Sharpe, Allison Aller, and Catherine Redford. 10 simple and stunning projects show unique ways to use stitches and techniques. With Hand Sewing Magic, you’ll make the most of your hand stitching and give all your projects a beautiful handmade look.

An amazing reference for needleworkers with projects, instructions, and photos: “A terrific stitch dictionary . . . excellent.” —Needle ’n’ Thread Master more stitches than you ever knew existed! Combined with the original A-Z of Embroidery Stitches, this newly redesigned classic completes a comprehensive dictionary of embroidery stitches and techniques. It offers embroiderers a perfect way to add variety and interest to every new stitching project. Ultra-clear visuals make it easy to learn new techniques—and historical insights and beautiful embroideries add to the inspiration. It’s the ultimate reference guide for needleworkers with enjoyable projects, detailed step-by-step instructions, and stunning photographs.

Aimed at both beginners as well as those wishing to develop existing skills, this title provides a complete, step-by-step guide to traditional stitching techniques, including drawn thread work, hardanger, goldwork, stumpwork, silk shading crewel work, mountmellick and blackwork.