The Best Embroidery Books For Beginners
I’ve put together a list of what I believe to be the best embroidery books for beginners because they walk you through everything you need to know to get started, learn embroidery stitches, and some even have projects to complete.
When I first started learning embroidery, I almost exclusively used books. Google and Youtube are amazing resources, but I think it’s really helpful to have something physical to use and reference while you are learning. All of these books walk the reader through the basics and fundamentals of hand embroidery, and they go into great detail about topics you may not think to look up online.
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Check out this ultimate guide to learn how to embroider for even more helpful beginner tutorials.
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Books To Learn Embroidery Stitches
Embroidery A Step By Step Guide To More Than 200 Stitches by Maggie Gordon and Ellie Vance
This book contains pretty much any embroidery stitch you’ll ever need or want to learn. Not only does it go over surface embroidery techniques, but it includes instructions for beading, openwork, smocking, and needlepoint.
The Embroiderer’s Handbook by Margie Bauer
This is another one that has a wide variety of stitches in it, and this one even includes stitches unique to ribbon embroidery. There is a bit more embroidery inspiration in it and it also has a few tutorials on how to use specific stitches to embroider things like roses. The instructions are very detailed and clear which makes learning a breeze.
Embroidery Encyclopedia
The Royal School of Needlework Book Of Embroidery is as must-have for anyone that wants to do a deep dive into embroidery. It offers a large amount of information and instruction on many different styles of embroidery, including crewel work, thread painting, stump work, blackwork, bead embroidery, and much more.
Everything You Need To Learn Embroidery In One Place
Any new skill can leave you feeling overwhelmed with where to start and let’s face it: your time is limited.
I created this guide with you in mind!
It has everything in it that you need to know to get started stitching. Comes with tips, material recommendations, and 6 fun projects that will build your confidence and allow you to not just learn the art of embroidery but have something to show for it!
Modern Embroidery Books With Projects
Embroidered Botanicals by Yumiko Higuchi
A book full of embroidery inspiration and projects that are suitable for beginners. Yumiko has a very distinct style, and this book offers many botanical designs for all levels of embroiderers to stitch. There is an entire section of embroidery basics and techniques, and each design in the book comes with stitch and color suggestions.
Beautiful Embroidered Accessories by Lexi Mire Brantman
A fun, project-based book full of ideas and patterns to stitch on accessories and clothing. Lexi is known for her colorful floral embroidery, and this book doesn’t disappoint! All of the projects have step-by-step guides to show you how to stitch each design from start to finish. You can proudly wear whatever you make when you’re done!
Lastly, I wanted to share with you my embroidery stitch e-book, which goes over 11 of the most common embroidery stitches. What’s different about this book is that it teaches you a stitch and then provides you with a step-by-step embroidery pattern that you can use to practice each one! It’s a great and fun way to learn embroidery stitches.
Having one book to reference embroidery stitches and another to apply your new skills with will help you to learn embroidery faster and more efficiently.
There are obviously so many other books out there that I didn’t mention that are great for beginners. If you’re still shopping around, here are a few things to look for when choosing beginner-friendly books.
- Check to see if the book mentions whether or not it’s suitable for beginners.
- Make sure there are real photos of embroidery stitches with step-by-step instructions for each one. (Illustrated diagrams can be confusing sometimes.)
- Flip through the book to see if there is a “getting started section” that goes over embroidery supplies you’ll need to get started.
- Take a look at the projects to see if there are step-by-step photos, color suggestions, stitch suggestions, and stencils you can use to make the project. (Some books may be more inspiration-based instead of instruction-based.)
I hope you check out some of these books and find some that you enjoy and learn something from. Happy stitching!
Amanda is a hand embroidery artist and teacher. With over 15 years of experience in the craft industry and embroidery, she owns and runs Crewel Ghoul, sharing tutorials and patterns to help inspire fellow crafters to get inspired and creative. In addition to running this website, she teaches on Skillshare and Youtube.