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Have you ever seen an embroider’s work and wanted to learn how they do it? Or maybe even (ethically) recreate some of their works for yourself? Books are a great resource for that! I’m lucky to have received some incredible publications by super talented embroiderers who will help you learn new skills and fancy up some of your jackets, tote bags, and hats.
I’ve listed all of these books—and more—in my Bookshop, which supports local bookstores.
Add these 7 how-to embroidery books to your bookshelf for great instruction and inspiration!
Freshly Stitched: Modern Embroidery Projects for Absolute Beginners by Celeste Johnston — If you’ve always been curious about embroidery but haven’t tried it yet, make sure you pick up Freshly Stitched. It features helpful tips and tricks for stitching—things you don’t learn until you’ve been embroidering for a while. (Like how to keep the knots at bay!) In addition to practical advice and stitch guides, the book includes 20 projects that speak to Celeste’s love of nature and playful imagery.
The Modern Embroidery Studio by Lauren Holton — Lauren’s how-to book features 20 designs that you can stitch and wear. If you’ve been an admirer of her work for a while, you’ll definitely want to check out The Modern Embroidery Studio; it has some of my very favorite patterns of hers with clear, step-by-step instructions and her wisdom sprinkled throughout.
Empowered Embroidery: Transform Sketches Into Embroidery Patterns and Stitch Strong, Iconic Women from the Past and Present by Amy L. Frazer — Pay homage to trailblazing women with this book by Amy Frazer. Frida Kahlo, Michelle Obama, and Ruth Bader Ginsberg are just a few of the famous figures that you’ll learn how to celebrate through thread painting.
Punch Needle: Master the Art of Punch Needling Accessories for You and Your Home by Arounna Khounnoraj — Punch needle is a type of embroidery that has gained some serious popularity over the years. Arounna Khounnoraj (aka Bookhou) is one who helped usher in its revival with her floral and abstract designs. In this book, you’ll learn basic punch needle stitches and projects to add some crafty beauty to your home.
Tiny Stitches: Buttons, Badges, Patches, and Pins to Embroider by Irem Yazici — Add some embroidered flair to your everyday life when you delve into Tiny Stitches. Irem has a wide array of subject matter—from cacti to the cosmos—that will go on buttons, pins, and patches. The book includes transfer sheets to make starting a pattern even easier.
Thread Folk: A Modern Makers Book of Embroidery Projects and Artist Collaborations by Libby Moore — Libby Moore, aka Thread Folk, first wowed me with her embroidery patterns that are collaborations with talented artists. She’s included some of those patterns as well as more of her own designs that make up the 15 projects. Aside from the projects, she shows you 14 different stitches as well as techniques to stitch on clothes, shoes, pillows, and tote bags.
Beautiful Embroidered Accessories: Easy Ways to Personalize Hats, Bandanas, Totes, Denim and Your Favorite Clothing by Lexi Mire Brantman — Lexi started a trend of bespoke embroidery on hats, and now she’s sharing her expertise in Beautiful Embroidered Accessories. It features 25 designs on caps, totes, bandanas, jackets, and more. She breaks down each project step-by-step and demystifies stitching on seemingly hard-to-embroider things like hats and fanny packs. This book is perfect for when you want to spiff up your wardrobe through colorful stitching.