A reference guide to embroidery stitches.

Needlework serves functional purposes, such as providing warmth, but has also communicated individual and social identity, spiritual beliefs, and aesthetic ideals throughout time and geography. Needlework traditions are often associated with rituals and celebrations of life events. Often-overlooked by historians, practicing needlework and creating needlework objects provides insights to the history of everyday life. Needlework techniques traveled with merchants and explorers, creating a legacy of cross-cultural exchange. Some techniques are virtually universal and others are limited to a small geographical area. Settlers brought traditions which were sometimes re-invented as indigenous arts. This volume of approximately 75 entries is a comprehensive resource on techniques and cultural traditions for students, information professionals, and collectors.

This comprehensive survey of the traditional embroidery arts covers everything from appliqué to smocking. Over thirty different types of traditional needlework are introduced, including black work, cut work, Hardanger embroidery, Jacobean embroidery, patchwork, quilting, and more. Instructions. Helpful hints on materials and equipment. 421 black-and-white illustrations.

8 fabulously beautiful whitework embroideries to stitch, from some of the world's most talented designers and the world's leading embroidery magazine. Whitework embroidery traditionally features beautifully intricate designs using white thread on white background fabric, examples of which can be found in many cultures across the world. Without the addition of colour, the fabric surface is ornamented with high-relief stitching, cutting, pulling or withdrawing threads with some styles utilizing all these techniques. Whitework Inspirations highlights the very best whitework has to offer in both design and technique. Featuring talented embroidery designers Kim Beamish, Deborah Love, Judy Stephenson, Christine P. Bishop, Susan O'Connor, Patricia Girolami and Luzine Happel, this special collection, including a tablecloth, table mats and sachets, has been curated into one publication. With 8 stunning whitework projects to make, there are clear step-by-step instructions, pullout patterns, a stitch guide and all the information you need to stitch them. Discover the origins, stitches, techniques and designs that are uniquely whitework, and learn how to make your own beautiful works of art.