The Embroidery Stitch Companion

Costume designer and embroidery aficionado Bavois’s book is sure to attract newcomers to the field of needle arts. She covers embroidery essentials, including types of fabrics, needles, threads, hoops, and transfer papers. Her book, written in precise language, teaches basic techniques, such as preparing the fabric, threading needles, and fastening off. There’s also decorative advice and a visual stitch guide that demonstrates how to create running, stem, back, blanket, and cross stitches with French and bullion knots. This handbook’s instructions progress in complexity. It includes illustrations and photographs that are clear with easy-to-understand directions. The last part of the book shows more advanced techniques, such as using appliqués, embroidering a T-shirt, and incorporating and applying beads.