Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches

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.

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...?, 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., 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., 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!, 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. 

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.