Learn how to use felt, cotton, and linen to create beautifully layered designs full of texture and contrast, then embellish with just a handful of basic embroidery stitches.

"Classic embroidery motifs are made new with fresh color combinations using cotton and wool thread"--Back cover.

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.

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.

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.

Enchanting Embroidery Designs invites you to create your own world using bright thread colors and imaginative stitches. Full of motifs that are both simple and playful, from zany crocodiles, and cuddly cats to big-eared bats and stealthy ravens. This book invites you to be creative with its whimsical designs and step-by-step instructions--whether you use these projects as visible mending techniques or simply to add interest to a piece. The sweet scenes and cute characters are full of life and texture, making them at home on your favorite clothing, home accessories or wall hangings. The unusual and versatile designs in this book include: Cheery flowers on a broach Pretty pine trees on hanging ornaments A colorful curly sheep Fluffy and stormy clouds Bushy-tailed foxes Moss on stone and microorganisms in Petri dishes And more! Simple how-tos take you through every recommended stitch, while a section on combining colors will inspire you to try mixing and matching to create something new. There's also a section on turning your stitchery into embellishments you can use, wear and share. Put your imagination and hands to work with the help of this inspiring embroidery book.