Offers a wide variety of Hardanger ideas and practical tips from choosing fabric to how to wash and care for your finished work.

Hardanger embroidery is a Norwegian technique that uses simple stitches and pulled threads to create beautiful geometric designs. This book is a complete, easy-to-follow introduction to the craft. Step-by-step instructions for stitching 43 different embroidery building blocks, from basic squares to more intricate motifs Charts and instructions for 18 projects show just a few of the ways these building blocks can be put together to create beautiful designs for decorating pillows, bags, home décor, and more

Projects: greetings card, sampler, tray holder, bridal bag, curtain tie-back, cushion cover.

An introduction to the sixteenth century embroidery technique in which beautiful patterns are created by stitching geometric designs onto evenweave fabric. Inspired by the past, Lesley Wilkins illustrates her techniques with a whole host of wonderful designs flowers, plants, birds, animals and figures. She covers everything from the materials to use and working with a chart, to getting started and how to stitch. Patterns are created by small stitched units which are combined in many different ways some heavily textured, some delicate and light. Borders can be built up by repeating and joining motifs. Clear step-by-step photographs accompany the author’s comprehensive instructions, and the motifs, borders, fill-in patterns and images are all charted, with inspirational pictures of embroideries showing how to build up finished designs. “The designs in this book are amazing. Some are very simple and others have a look of intricacy in them. There are figures, flowers, borders and much much more, this gives a lot of inspiration if you want to design your own piece.” —Postcard Reviews “A comprehensive book about the blackwork technique, covering the materials to use, how to use a chart, getting started and what designs we could do.” —Mr X Stitch

Fifty authentic designs feature traditional Norwegian motifs: squares, stars, flowers, eyelets, and openwork in striking geometrics. Embellish pillows, purses, clothing, curtains, and accessories. Step-by-step instructions. 55 photographs.