A-Z of Crewel Embroidery (A-Z of Needlecraft) Paperback – June 9, 2015

Country Bumpkin, the Australian publisher of the A-Z series of instructional books for various types of embroidery and needlework scores again with this affordable reprint. These books sell out fast and then used copies command a high price, so make sure you get yours while they last. Country Bumpkin also reprinted their two Stitch Dictionaries in this round of reprints and I can't recommend those highly enough for beginning and intermediate embroiderers and as a reference for the more advanced.Now for their offering in Crewel Embroidery. Crewel Embroidery is a classic form of embroidery using wool threads on linen fabric and stylized floral patterns, though modern interpretations often use more realistic forms. It is a beautiful form of embroidery and there is a reason that crewel has remained popular since Elizabethan and Tudor times. The basic stitches are also easy to learn the the wool threads are forgiving in the more difficult stitches.The A-Z Books follow a tried and true format. First there is a history of the embroidery type, followed by a review of required tools - including any specialty tools specific to the type of embroidery taught and a review of materials, mainly thread and material options. Then there is a stitch dictionary section that is specific to the type of embroidery, in this case crewel. The stitch instructions are photographed at each stage of the stitch and step by step written instructions are provided under each photograph. This section is one of the things that makes the A-Z series so valuable - even complex stitches are easy to learn using only the book. Examples of crewel embroidery are shown throughout the book for inspiration. The only criticism that I have of this section is that sometimes light threads are used on light fabrics and the contrast isn't as strong visually as it could be - but this is a minor quibble of a great format.Finally, beginning projects are provided so that the student can try the stitches and new skills. These are generally small and cartoons/patterns are provided so that the designs can be transferred easily. The stitch instructions can also be used for other crewel kits and for original designs. Country Bumpkin books are great reference books and I have several in my library and plan on having more over the course of my life.This book provides some advanced crewel techniques too, as well as all of the beginner stitches and most of the intermediate stitches. Trellising and couching are extensively covered and with a lot of examples for inspiration. I used the trellising instructions as a jumping off point to modify and improve an old Mazaltov kit that I found at a garage sale. I can't recommend the A-Z series highly enough. Good instructions, a usable and dependable format, stitch instructions that are clear and made for both visual and auditory learners and enough meat to turn a neophyte into an intermediate stitcher. More advanced embroiderers will find the stitch dictionaries useful as a reference and the examples of work inspirational.The A-Z books are famous and coveted for a reason. They always provide solid instruction and good inspiration and are useful for years to come. Brava!

Just received it. Looking at the stitch directions, I am pleased. Step-by-step directions look easy to follow.I did many of these stitches when I was a teenager, but now at 63, I've forgotten the fancy ones.A keeper for new and “used to know” embroiders! Buy it for reference.

Excellent item well packed fast delivery many thanks

as a beginner to crewel work I found the illustrations of various stitches wonderful. step by step. The various practice projects at the end of the book look like they are good skill builders. I hope to get a lot of use from this book as my skills expand

Detailed and well photographed volume. Finding good crewel references is difficult. You can't go wrong with this Country Bumpkin book. A must have.

I love the A-Z series and added to my collection. The books are used for reference as I do a lot of stitching. Thank you also, as always, for your speedy service.

A lot more stitches than I knew existed!

Good book, lots of illustrations and easy to read and understand