“Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects” by The Royal School of Needlework – book review
Learning hand embroidery from books has its own charm. Whether it is a vintage embroidery book or a new glossy edition, the books have some magic. The tactility of the pages, the smell, the sound—when all these senses activate, the time slows down.
There are hundreds of books that teach hand embroidery, display various needlework techniques, and showcase craft projects. I already published a list of my favorites in the article “Best hand embroidery books: For reference, inspiration, and skill-building.”
Among the extensive list of hand embroidery books, one book truly shines: the “Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects” by The Royal School of Needlework. Its unique features set it apart from the rest. I wrote this review of the “Book of Embroidery” to showcase what I like about it and why I think everyone should read it.
Book of Embroidery: short review
The Book of Embroidery by The Royal School of Needlework is a comprehensive guide to the art and craft of hand embroidery created by the prestigious Royal School of Needlework (RSN). It is a 400-page book published in 2018. This book is intended for both beginners and advanced embroiderers, offering a rich repository of knowledge, techniques, and inspiration. It is a reference for anyone passionate about hand embroidery, whether for personal enjoyment, artistic expression, or professional development.
Inside the book
Comprehensive Coverage: The book spans various embroidery techniques, including traditional and contemporary methods: Crewelwork, Blackwork, Whitework, Silk shading, Stumpwork, Bead embroidery, Canvas work, and Goldwork. It covers stitches, materials, tools, and project ideas for each embroidery technique.
High-Quality Illustrations: All the instructions are presented with detailed, full-color photographs and clear diagrams, making it easier to follow and replicate the techniques.
Expert Guidance: Written by experienced RSN tutors, the book offers authoritative advice and tips that reflect the high standards of the Royal School of Needlework.
Projects and Patterns: Includes a variety of projects to practice the learned techniques, ranging from simple to complex designs.
Historical Context: This book provides historical insights into the evolution of embroidery, enriching the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the craft.
Glossary and Index: The book features a comprehensive glossary of terms and an index for quick reference, enhancing its usability as a reference book.
What I like about the “Book of Embroidery”
Expertly written
The Royal School of Needlework curated the book’s content, ensuring authoritative and reliable information. I feel confident knowing I’m learning from the best in the field, allowing me to master techniques with precision and finesse.
Detailed Instructions
Clear, step-by-step instructions make even the most complex techniques accessible. You’ll easily tackle challenging projects, seeing your skills improve with each stitch, ultimately creating beautiful, intricate works of art.
High-Quality Visuals
Full-color photographs and diagrams enhance understanding and provide visual inspiration. I like to see the stitches with all their tiniest details when I’m learning. The vivid imagery inspires us to experiment with colors and textures, leading to more creative and satisfying embroidery projects.
A wide range of Techniques covered
It’s like having eight books in one place. The “Book of Embroidery” covers Crewelwork, Blackwork, Whitework, Silk shading, Stumpwork, Bead embroidery, Canvas work, and Goldwork. All hand embroidery methods are explained in detail, and the book includes projects for each style. Whether a beginner or an experienced embroiderer, readers will find techniques that suit their skill level, keeping them creative, excited, and progressing.
Project Ideas
“Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques, And Projects” offers a variety of projects for practicing and perfecting hand embroidery skills. The projects provide a practical application for your skills, allowing you to create tangible, beautiful items that showcase your progress and creativity.
Price Point
The book may be considered pricey compared to other embroidery books. On the other hand, you are getting eight books in one. Considering the quality of content, expert guidance, and high-quality visuals, I justify the price. Think of it as an investment in your craft that will pay off through the valuable skills and inspiration you gain.
Structure of the book
The book starts with an introduction that explains basic materials and equipment, framing and transferring methods, and how to start stitching.
The book is then divided into eight chapters. Each chapter is dedicated to different hand embroidery techniques and explains their history, tools and materials, stitches, and projects.
Finally, the index is displayed. It will help you navigate the book and find the topics of your interest faster.
Where to get this book
I got my copy of “Book of Embroidery” that I photographed for this review from Amazon a few years ago. As it is quite an old book, I don’t know if it is available in bookstores, but it is still available via Amazon. You can also find a secondhand book in your local marketplaces.
Final review of the Book of Embroidery
The “Book of Embroidery: A Guide To Essential Stitches, Techniques And Projects” by the Royal School of Needlework is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in embroidery. It stands out due to its detailed instructions, high-quality visuals, and the expertise of its authors. This book is a valuable addition to any embroiderer’s library, providing inspiration and guidance to elevate one’s skills and appreciation for this intricate art form. It is a must-have for anyone serious about embroidery. Its expertly crafted content, comprehensive coverage of techniques, and high-quality visuals make it an invaluable resource. While some projects may challenge beginners, the book provides a clear path to mastery, ensuring that anyone can achieve beautiful results with patience and practice.
Whether you are new to embroidery or looking to refine your skills, “Book of Embroidery” is a must-have in your library!
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Looking for more embroidery inspiration?
- Hand Embroidery Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to Needlework
- Common Myths About Hand Embroidery: Debunked
- Best hand embroidery books: For reference, inspiration and skill-building
- Embroidery as therapy: 8 ways hand embroidery can boost your mental health and emotional wellbeing
- Benefits of hand embroidery: 10 reasons to learn hand embroidery today
