This classic book has been the go-to embroidery reference work since it was first published in 1934, owing to its clear instructions and huge library of stitches.

It includes full illustrated instructions for over 400 embroidery stitches, ranging from simple border and outline stitches, to filling stitches, canvas stitches and pulled fabric stitches. Scattered throughout are dozens of inspirational embroideries to show the stitches in use.

This detailed guide is ideal for those starting out with needlework as well as more accomplished embroiderers looking for inspiration for different stitches and techniques. This new, redesigned edition includes the internationally renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton's revisions to the original text, and includes a preface by famed embroiderer Mary Corbet.

About the Author

Mary Thomas, author of the original edition of this book, was born in Wantage, Berkshire. She was educated in music and art, and in her twenties went to America to work as a fashion artist for the New York Pictorial Review. At the outbreak of the First World War she returned to Europe, and went to France as an army nurse. After the war, she worked as fashion editor of the Gentlewoman, and in 1930 became editor of the Needlewoman. She took up freelance writing in 1935.
Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches, published in 1934, was the first of her highly successful books, and it was followed in 1936 by Mary Thomas's Embroidery Book. Although embroidery was, of course, her first subject, she also developed an interest in knitting. In 1936, she began work on an exhaustive compendium of knitting history and technique, which was published in 1938 and 1943 in two volumes.
Both her embroidery and her knitting books have remained in print for nearly half a century, and are regarded as standard reference works for the techniques of these crafts.

Jan Eaton is known internationally for her speciality in needlecraft and textile designs. Since finishing her training at Goldsmiths College in London, Jan has worked as a freelance designer showcasing her embroidery, crochet, knitting, and textile painting designs in various UK and European magazines. Jan has written more than 10 needlecraft books and lives in Hove, East Sussex.

Reviews

I loved this little book from the minute I opened to the first page. From the introduction to all your sewing needs to simplicity of the cross stitch, from the filling stitches to the cut and drawn - a fabulous introduction and detailed explanation of how to achieve. For those starting out with needlework I think this book would serve as a wonderful guide and to those more accomplished a nice reminder. My daughter is studying for a degree in product design and textiles a subject she has no real familiarity with but using this as a guide she has wowed her tutor with an amazingly diverse sampler far more complex than was expected so 10/10 for beginners. Now where's my hoop...?

-- Samantha Bolter * Customer review *

A beautifully produced book with lovely illustrations and clear instructions, and nice to have stitches sorted into categories. A very useful book for any embroiderer.

-- Wendy Harvey * Customer review *

I love the detailed information about all the different stitches. So easy to follow and learn. Certainly worth the price to broaden my embroidery skills. Highly recommended.

-- Sue Mary Moore * Customer review *

This is a beautiful book with lots of photos and illustrations clearly showing the stitches. I really like the presentation and colours used and feel inspired to start my first embroidery project!

-- Christy Chapman * Customer review *

The new edition of Mary Thomas's classic stitch reference library; the first and last word in embroidery. This classic reference book has achieved near-legendary status since it was first published in 1934, owing to its clear instructions and huge library of stitches. It includes fully illustrated instructions for over 400 embroidery stitches, ranging from simple border and outline stitches, to filling stitches, canvas stitches and pulled fabric stitches. Scattered throughout are dozens of inspirational embroideries to show the stitches in action. Ideal for both those starting out with needlework and those more accomplished embroiderers who need inspiration for different stitches and techniques, this new, redesigned edition includes the internationally-renowned embroiderer Jan Eaton's revisions to the original text, and includes a preface by famed embroiderer Mary Corbet.

* Stitch Magazine, Feb/March 2019 *

This is a book that fulfils every need for embroiderers.

It includes stitch techniques, both written and visual, which makes it a brilliant teaching guide for beginners as well as acting as a reminder for those more advanced.

Mary Thomas's Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches was first published in 1934, and Jan Eaton has revised and updated it perfectly.

It is fabulous that Search Press has republished this book, as it gives us the opportunity to learn from a classic embroiderer such as Mary Thomas as well as gaining more modern skills from Jan Eaton.

I love the abundance of colour, beads and decorative stitches that fill the pages. It is both artistic and inspirational.

-- Tracy Shephard * Postcard Reviews *

This is a revised and updated (by Jan Eaton) edition of the classic guide, originally published in 1934. Mary's book was the original embroidery dictionary, the one that inspired the many to follow. How does it stand up today?

Like every book that is deservedly called a "classic" it stands up very well. There are over 400 stitches in here, all with clear, easy to follow diagrams and in many cases, photographs of a worked sample. Each stitch also has a short description which contains information about its origin if known, use, tips for working and anything else of note. Stitches are grouped according to their use in a design, so there are chapters for isolated stitches, borders, outlines, various types of fillings, different types of stitch for canvas, pulled fabric, cut-work and more. This is how I always look for stitches when I am designing a project so appreciate this way of organising. At the beginning there is a very short section showing types of thread and fabric available for hand embroidery plus a few tips for beginners. At the back is an index, and throughout the book quite a few examples of finished work. It does not matter what level embroiderer you are, a book like this is invaluable and I wouldn't be without a stitch dictionary. I have quite a few, but this is probably the best and also inspired most of the others.

Recommended for anybody who wants to learn (or is already adept at) embroidery.

-- Rachel Hyde * myshelf.com *

This is a must have book whether you are new to embroidery or an experienced embroidery.

It has dedicated chapters on types of Stitches: filling Stitches, pulled thread Stitches etc. Many stitches will be familiar to an embroiderer but alongside that this book is filled with little known Stitches with excellent illustrations and instructions opening up new possibilities for creativity.

Beside each stitch is the type of thread and fabric to use for the best results and in some cases offer alternative suggestions. Simple easy to follow diagrams for each stitch. Images are clear and a good size.

Alternative names for Stitches are also included. This is much more than a stitch dictionary it is also full of interesting snippets about the Stitches. Beautiful practical and a joy to read.

* Embroiderers Guild *

Even if you own a stitch guide, this clearly illustrated dictionary is a welcome addition, either as a foundation for the novice or as a handy reference for the experienced embroiderer.

* Embroidery, The Textile Art Magazine (March/April 2019) *

Any stitcher, whether beginner or advanced, can confidently consult this book assured of its accurate and comprehensive content and it will surely be the future classic; a must-have that every embroiderer should own.

* East Kent Embroiderers' Guild *

A must have for all new embroiderers.

* SEW Region Magazine (December 2019) *

Review of previous edition (1934)

The very best book on embroidery stitches I have ever seen.

-- Jennifer * Daily Mirror *

Review of previous edition (1934)

A perpetual joy to possess, to study, and to treasure.

* Woman's Magazine *



Book Information
ISBN 9781782216438
Author Jan Eaton
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Search Press Ltd
Publisher Search Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 800g
Dimensions(mm) 260mm * 204mm * 11mm