Best embroidery books according to redditors

I have this edition. It is fantastic.

Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches https://www.amazon.com/dp/1570761183/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_UH2JDbC9Q85PP

Also check out your library. I've always found that no matter where I live, there are always lots of good embroidery books to peruse when you are getting started.

Mine aren't 92 year old grandma quality, but this might give you some idea.

• First you start with a center core. This can be many things, but mine tend to be fabric scraps stuffed in a bit of nylon pantyhose. I don't have a picture of this step.
  
• Then you wrap the whole thing tightly in yarn making sure to keep it nice and round.
  
• You wrap your yarn ball in thread. This gives a good base for the embroidery to be stitched to.
  
• Then you mark out your guidelines. This process can be tricky for complex designs. It involves a strip of paper with careful measurements and colored pins to help you know where to wrap your thread to next.
  
• Then you start your embroidery! For complex designs like this I also like to use colored pins to show me where I want what color. I didn't want two stars of the same color right next to each other on this one.
  
• Keep embroidering until your design is done. This one actually isn't finished, but it looks finished enough for purposes of step by step instructions. I'm adding some silver designs in between the stars though.
  
  Hope that helps! This website is a great resource and if you want to go further with it and would like to get a book I really liked this one.

You can find this pattern in this book on Amazon UK here https://www.amazon.co.uk/Embroidered-Mandalas-Iron-Mandala-Designs/dp/1454710411 it's full of some really lovely mandalas and they're iron on!

I highly recommend this book! It has tons of relatively true to life flower patterns (several with labels). I made one of these for a gardener friend and she loved it!

Adding “botanical” or “botanical print” may help.

For gardener friends I typically gift a Véronique Enginger design. The French Needle has several kits available.

LoLaLotta Shop has similar designs to Véronique Enginger on Etsy.

If you want to recreate the herb pattern you found with flowers, your best bet may be to check, likely older, cross stitch books. You can add text to label each plant. Your library may be a good source of books. Some examples from Amazon are here, here, and here.

Books!

Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework

Embroidery Techniques and Patterns

A-Z of Embroidery Stitches

A-Z of Embroidery Stitches 2

Color Confidence in Embroidery

Needle Painting Embroidery: Fresh Ideas for Beginners

This is nothing close to an exhaustive list of all my needlework books, but I think these are the relevant ones for you. =)

Thank you! I've learned a lot of embroidery just by doing things and trying things, but I also learned from my mom, various books and tutorials, and for this particular project I read this book: https://smile.amazon.com/Little-Flowers-Silk-Organza-ribbon/dp/1782211047/ref=sr_1_13?keywords=silk+embroidery+book&qid=1565126866&s=gateway&sr=8-13

I also learned a lot about tambour beading techniques, I sadly couldn't use the tambour needle with this project, I wish I could have!

Book: Edgy Embroidery

I got this book for my birthday and I can’t wait to try some projects! https://www.amazon.com/Embroidered-Landscapes-Embroidery-Layering-Stitching/dp/1863514740/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1549910824&sr=8-1&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=landscape+embroidery&dpPl=1&dpID=61Bs0r72p5L&ref=plSrch

Una roba tipo: subversive cross stitching oppure not your mama's stitching
o ancora anticraft

Check Craftster.com Such a GREAT website! I frequently just go to look at stuff people have made, and always find new and motivating things there. The people there are really nice!

A good sewing machine is always appreciated, and a serger is expensive and has a steep learning curve, but is a really great tool for anyone who sews a LOT.

Check with local sewing machine repair shops. They usually have good older machines for fairly little. Also check yard sales and Craigslist, etc. A lot of machines are sold with VERY low mileage, I got a NICE Singer 99K for about $75. It only goes forward and backward, but it sews through multiple layers of heavy fabrics without a stutter, which is useful for my needs. I also have a newer Singer that does zigzag stitch. Most people who do "standard" sewing or very little don't usually need the fancy expensive machines with programs and embroidery.

Sewing machines are pretty easy to use, once you know how to run the thread on and load and insert the bobbin. Then you set the stitch size and make sure the tension is ok, and then press the accelerator! I started using a machine when I was 12, it's fairly easy! I rarely change the settings for what I do on my machine, mostly hemming pants...

Gift cards to fabric stores, or maybe a class in pattern reading and drafting, tailoring, basic clothes making are great ways to help her. I know Joanne's (a major chain store for crafts and sewing) give lessons for ALL levels of sewing.

Wearing what she makes you and being willing to stand while she pins you up are both GREAT ways to show appreciation and support for ANY seamstress, as well as being truthful and supportive of clothes she makes for herself!

Some good books are http://www.amazon.com/Generation-Beyond-Fashion-Transform-T-shirt/dp/0761154108/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1260261792&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Subversive-Dirty-Fabulous-Fashionista/dp/1561588091/ref=pd_sim_b_6

http://www.amazon.com/Rip-Deconstruct-Reconstruct-Clothes-Dreams/dp/B00150GHRY/ref=pd_sim_b_7

http://www.amazon.com/Design-Yourself-Clothes-Patternmaking-Simplified/dp/0307451399/ref=pd_sim_b_14

Books in a similar vein are of course listed on those pages, you might find more titles that appeal to her. AlterNation books are good, as well as a basic sewing book like these.

An adjustable sewing dummy is VERY helpful. I found one for plus sizes (14 and up) as well as ones for "regular sized" gals.

If she lives with you, or has/wants a craft room, making her a storage area or buying shelves or cabinets for the supplies she'll need is a gift that will pay off for a LONG time!

Once she's up and running, you might offer her a trip to the closest garment district to where you live. New York and Los Angeles both have great garment districts, where fabric and supplies can be purchased for cheap cheap!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Made-France-Cross-stitch-Marjorie-Massey/dp/1742666442/ref=cm_cr_pr_pb_t/275-2607020-5688747

From this book, all of her patterns are absolutely gorgeous!

Definitely look into her work. She’s a true genius. I recommend these books the most, https://www.amazon.com/Needle-Painting-Embroidery-Beginners-Milner/dp/1863514201/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?keywords=trish+burr+embroidery+books&qid=1565936902&s=gateway&sprefix=trish+bu&sr=8-2

https://www.amazon.com/Colour-Confidence-Embroidery-Milner-Craft/dp/1863514260/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?keywords=trish+burr+embroidery+books&qid=1565936918&s=gateway&sprefix=trish+bu&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Long-Short-Stitch-Embroidery-Collection/dp/1863513523/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=trish+burr+embroidery+books&qid=1565936918&s=gateway&sprefix=trish+bu&sr=8-5

Here’s her website, https://trishbembroidery.com

I just started as well and for my first I just made a simple geometric design and did the whole thing with the satin stitch (just looping the floss in straight lines to fill it in.) It's the most basic stitch ever but embroidery is so fun and easy that it just looks great no matter how simple it is. Seriously: it's so much easier than it even looks. Anyone can do it. Other than satin stitch, chain stitch is a great one to know. Another tip is to not work with too long of floss at a time. Shorter is faster and easier to work with. Arms length is a good rule.


Also I highly recommend you get a needle threader like this (makes threading a needle SO much simpler):


https://www.embroidery.com/product.ec?productID=151811&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlIXfBRCpARIsAKvManypdM2D16hoTntOhDOklO4PNEHBQhwyaVM1VCya7THaoc7xm7uMKEEaAnHCEALw_wcB&productID=151811&gclid=Cj0KCQiAlIXfBRCpARIsAKvManypdM2D16hoTntOhDOklO4PNEHBQhwyaVM1VCya7THaoc7xm7uMKEEaAnHCEALw_wcB


And I like to keep this thimble handy in case I have trouble poking the needle through or if my finger gets sore:


Clover 614C Leather Coin Thimble https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000YZ8PE4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_APB4BbFMSRFM1


This book has a handy section of stitches with names I flip through sometimes that you can mostly figure out from looking at them, but otherwise you can just Google them for more info. Other than that it had some tips on mounting, framing, other little things you wouldnt think of like how to prevent fraying of fabric edges and even some starter ideas in the back. I like it just for the section of pictured stitches with names alone that I bookmarked for my future convenience:


Stitch-opedia: The Only Embroidery Reference You'll Ever Need https://www.amazon.com/dp/0312611595/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_h0B4BbBE49BDQ


Other than that just buy a cheap embroidery starter kit off of Amazon and draw your design straight on your fabric (they make temporary markers that can be rinsed off with water when done.) You can also use a light board to trace a drawing onto fabric after fleshing it out on paper, or even just buy transfer patterns to set onto your fabric if you don't like to draw.

Hi, the pattern is from the book called: Embroidered Mandalas: 25 Iron-On Mandala Designs to Stitch, Color, and Share

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1454710411/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_PaOQCbZTWAAC9

The Stitch Bible by Haxell is my go-to book. The pictures are clear and in color. The only downside is it isn't spiral bound, so that sucks.

I also use the Mary Thomas Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches [Amazon link] (http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Thomass-Dictionary-Embroidery-Stitches/dp/1570761183/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1420482775&sr=8-1&keywords=embroidery+book), as well as The Stich-O-Pedia other Amazon link. The Stitch-O-Pedia is spiral bound and is fantastic, if terribly organized.

My real recommendation is to go to your local library. Check online for a book you're thinking of getting, then see if your library has it. Get the book first from the library to see if it's worth spending the money on. I've saved myself several disappointments by doing this (the Doodle Stitching books for example).

The design is from Aimee Ray's book Doodle Stitching

Edgy Embroidery! Here is the Amazon Link

This one is pre-printed in the fabric, but you can also use a transfer that irons on and washes out or a pen to draw on directly that washes out.

If you’re new I definitely recommend seeing what books your library offers on the subject, it helped me feel comfortable with the process before diving right in. I liked this book I borrowed from the library. It had great instructions and pictures which I found really helpful as a beginner as well as this.

There is a book I bought on Amazon to help me with stitches. It taught me alot and I created a piece just on types of stitches.

Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to More than 200 Stitches https://www.amazon.com/dp/1465436030/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fcQ4Cb41S201C

I have this book and I really like it.

Not OP but I recently got into embroidery, as well, and I really love this book! It goes through a lot of the most common stitches and gives cute and sassy pattern examples for each one. I recommend it!

I just got this book: http://www.amazon.com/Ready-Stitch-Borders-Michaela-Learner/dp/1844489094/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1405872437&sr=8-3&keywords=ready+to+stitch
I'm about 2/3rds through a cross stitch project right now, but I'm looking forward to trying something a little different. This book has iron on patterns and illustrated instructions for various stitches... and they're pretty :-)

Everyone already suggested backstitching the outline so i will say that i bought this book and find it very helpful. It has a section with a ton of different stitches and how to do them as well as some basic techniques.

Edit: looking again I would say that for satin stitching, if you get gaps between the threads it’s ok to go back and fill in more.

I don't, sorry. Amazon has a "Look Inside" for the Thomas book, though, so you can check it out a little:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/1570761183/ref=rdr_ext_tmb

I'm planning on doing a post with photos once I get everything washed and blocked. I just wrapped up a lace receiving blanket, and I've been knitting up tons of booties, hats, and a pair of soakers. I've also been embroidering onesies with iron-on patterns from Doodle Stitching.

ETA: My yarn stash had been hiding out in the closet that will become the baby's, so I had to organize it and move it to my closet. Here's the result.

This book is an excellent resource, if you want to use an actual book. https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/1863514260/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1 Colour Confidence in Embroidery by Trish Burr


Also, DMC makes a color card that has actual thread in it. I love being able to consult it so I can see if I have something similar enough already in my stash.

I have this kind of general embroidery book, she might like something like it if she's just starting out.

Consider ordering a kit such as this one. I really like this reference book. It's great for beginners and I still consult it!

I got this book Not Your Mama's Stitching from the Reddit Gifts Book Exchange and I really liked it a lot. It has a lot of useful information and some cool projects. It is a good book as it has information on all the different needlework types.