Embrace a simpler approach to stitching with bold one- and two-color embroidery motifs Zakka Embroidery presents designs that are an elegant blend of Japanese and Scandinavian style. The motifs and patterns are spare and graphic, yet softened with organic shapes and imagery drawn from nature. The result is embroidery that evokes a personal feel and conjures a sense of nostalgia. The task of picking just the right palette for an embroidery project can be overwhelming to beginners and experienced stitchers alike. But when you take away that challenge, a whole world of texture and style becomes available. Here Japanese designer Yumiko Higuchi presents embroidery motifs to be stitched using just one or two colors—creating patterns and designs that are more evocative for their form than for a play of colors. Each embroidery design is paired with a simple craft project, transforming the stitched fabric into a functional object, including pouches, pillows, aprons, and more. With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, Zakka Embroidery will be an inspiring guide for those new to embroidery and a delightful experience for those experienced with needle and thread.

Today's coolest crafters use beautiful COSMO embroidery thread to bring a fresh perspective to the centuries-old technique of embroidery. This charming collection features embroidery patterns for 22 contemporary projects including an iPad sleeve, e-reader holder, pillow, tote, baby bib, softies, and so much more. Each project is fully explained with simple instructions, helpful hints, colour photographs, and plenty of creative inspiration.

“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

Sew sixteen whimsical, handmade gifts for you and your friends. Add peace to your busy life with a cozy afternoon of zakka sewing. Stitching in her signature style, Minki Kim is back with sixteen whimsical crafts for your must-sew list. With a number of techniques, from quilting and wool appliqué to embroidery, there’s something for every sewist! Advance your skills by installing a variety of zipper styles, bag handles, and hardware. From purses to pouches, these useful handmade gifts are ideal for gifting—and perfect for keeping! • Stitch and piece a pile of pillows, sewing baskets, and useful gifts for everyone—including you • Satisfy any style with customizable projects • Practice wool appliqué, adding zippers, hand stitching, quilting, and more

Introducing beloved Japanese embroidery artist Yumiko Higuchi's newest collection of motifs, showcased on a variety of purses, wallets, and bags. Inside, you'll find an assortment of the simple, folk-inspired floral and animal designs stitched in Yumiko's signature style, as well nine lovely bag patterns inspired by the motifs. Stitch a single flower onto the diminutive Teardrop Pouch, perfect for storing spare change, or use the vibrant lemon pattern to embellish the Oval Pouch for a chic summertime accessory. Beautiful step-by-step photos clearly explain Yumiko Higuchi's favorite techniques for sewing bags, installing metal purse clasps, and making pompom and tassel embellishments. A helpful embroidery stitch guide outlines the eight basic stitches used to create the designs in this book. Full-size templates are included for all 20 embroidery motifs and nine bag patterns. Use these lovely embroidery motifs to make stunning, one-of-a-kind bags, or be inspired to design your own unique projects.

With Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery, learn to sketch and stitch strong, recognizable women from all walks of life. Featuring sketching and illustration instructions, basic stitches, embroidery techniques, and 6 projects with portraits of famous women, this book is a must-have tool for hands-on artists and crafters. If you’re a beginning embroiderer, start with the basic stitches and embroidery instructions at the beginning of the book. Essential tools, warm-up exercises, tips for embroidering facial features and hair, and general information on embroidery will give you the know-how you need to get started. Then dive into sketching your favorite female cultural and historical icons: Frida Kahlo Eleanor Roosevelt Maya Angelou Harriet Tubman Ruth Bader Ginsburg Michelle Obama Once you’ve sketched your figures, follow along with the step-by-step embroidery projects as you learn to stitch the women featured in the book—and anyone else you admire! All of the projects are beautifully paired with large photos so that you can easily mimic the techniques at home while relaxing with your embroidery. The author is a professional illustrator, designer, and embroiderer uniquely suited to give instruction on this fun, trending embroidery technique. With her expert tips, you’re sure to enjoy learning a new hobby, or advancing your skills if you’re already familiar with embroidery. Art Makers: Empowered Embroidery makes it easy to sketch, stitch, and create your favorite female icons, from empowering women of today to icons of the past. The Art Makers series is designed for beginning artists and arts-and-crafts enthusiasts who are interested in experiencing fun hands-on mediums, including polymer clay and papier-mache.

Celebrate the seasons through contemporary embroidery motifs for a year of stitching. Give each month more beauty by stitching embroidery motifs with unique seasonal designs. Follow the course of a year—from snow flowers and skiing bears in January to lily of the valley in May, a collection of seed pods in October, trumpeting angels in December, and much more—to enliven your embroidery with a seasonal flair. Through thirty-eight patterns, designer Yumiko Higuchi offers organic yet modern designs with colorful and detailed imagery and a sweet and lively feel. Stitch projects to display as art or transform your work into small projects you can use. With beautiful photographs, clear step-by-step instructions, and detailed diagrams, A Year of Embroidery offers dynamic and unique designs that will inspire embroiderers of all skill levels.