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I purchased Embroidered Botanicals: Beautiful Motifs That Explore Stitching with Wool, Cotton, and Metallic Threads awhile back. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book, and figured an in depth summery and review of the book might help those of you who may be considering buying it.
Embroidered Botanicals
Level: Beginners, all levels
Type of Book: Patterns
Overview
This book was created by the very talented Yumiko Higuchi. Yumiko is an embroidery artist whose work is whimsical, modern, and always filled with interesting texture.
Embroidered Botanicals, as the name states is filled with beautiful patterns inspired by greenery and florals. Theme of the book, as stated in the introduction is based around different type of thread.
Topics of Interest
The patterns in this book use several different types of thread which include:
- tapestry wool
- crewel wool thread
- cotton floss
- cotton pearl thread
- metallic thread
The patterns are divided by thread type throughout the book.
Each different type of thread gives each project a unique look. It’s an interesting angle to explore in embroidery if you’re looking to try something a bit different!
This book includes:
- 39 patterns
- pages on tools/materials
- step by step photos/instructions for the stitches used in the patterns
- photos for how to start and end embroidery stitches
- tips for switching thread, fastening an embroidery hoop, completing a project, etc.
Each design is available to trace and use with the corresponding pattern. The stitches are labeled on each design, and there is a photo of each finished design.
What the Patterns Can Be Used For
The patterns in this book vary in size and there are a few pictures throughout showing how they can be used, including:
- To embroider onto clothing
- As a brooch (there is instructions on how to make one)
- Leave in the hoop and display
What I Liked About This Book
The patterns use only basic stitches and they are easy to follow.
The designs in this book are beautiful, and I really love the stitches Yumiko chooses and how they are utilized in the pattern. It’s a great book to have if you’re wanting to see all the different ways to use basic embroidery stitches.
Additionally, I find it really helpful to see how the shapes in the patterns are filled in. Yumiko does it in a way that adds texture in such a neat and tidy way.
The stitch diagrams are clear with extra text and arrows to clearly show how to complete them all. If you’re a total beginner, the instructions should definitely be clear enough to learn how to do them.
The projects in this pattern book vary in size. There are both small, quick projects and large ones available to stitch.
Not Included In The Book
There really isn’t anything at all that I found to be negative about this book!
I did want to make note of some concepts that a beginner may not be as familiar with that aren’t included in this book.
There are no in depth instructions for transferring patterns to fabric. However, there is a list of supplies that Yumiko recommends to transfer patterns.
There are also no step-by-step photos of each project being completed. When you are first learning, it can be easier to follow along with additional pictures. That being said, the photos are high quality and very clear. Additionally, the traceable designs have clear diagrams that are easy to follow. It should be easy to reference the finished photo to complete the pattern and figure out what directions your stitches should go.
Conclusion
I highly recommend this book. Whether you’re a beginner wanting to practice and learn via embroidery patterns, or you’re looking for a book that is super inspiring, this book is definitely worth it in my opinion!