Stitches: New Approaches, by Jan Beaney (Hardback, 1985)

Spanning 250 pages of innovative ideas and over 500 illustrations, working diagrams, close-up photographs, and design sketches, this comprehensive guide reimagines traditional embroidery stitches through a modern lens. Begin with essential guidance on fabrics, threads, needles, and frames, then explore functional embroidery and signature techniques including Cretan stitch and raised stem stitch. Discover design approaches ranging from sketching and single-stitch compositions to hybrid techniques combining hand stitching with other media. Beaney's authoritative instruction, extensive visual reference, and curated supplier list and stitch index make this an indispensable resource for embroiderers at every level.

sold as seen - please see photos for detailed visual description