While there are several small stitch reference books out there, they generally fall into two categories. Some are designed for beginning stitchers. The other type includes only diagrams, but no explanations.
Into this world come these two books. I got mine from Thistle Needleworks, but your shop may have their own branded copies of them. They are small (3×5), spiral-bound books that cover 48 stitches each.
Printed on thick paper, one page is given to each stitch. At the front of the book is a one page index of all the stitches.
Each stitch has a large clear diagram (usually not numbered) that may include some stitch variations. Next to the diagram is what makes these books a real treasure. They have explanatory notes. These might include an explanation of the stitch, notes of how to make it, suggestions for changes, thread suggestions, and, quite often suggestions on how to use it.
Opening the book at random, I found Mayan (a new stitch to me). Reading, I learned that it’s a fast stitch for backgrounds that should be made in vertical rows. There were also suggestions for the color of thread that should be used and an idea for how to modify it to make a border.
Ideas such as these burst from the pages of the book. It’s as if Julie Sackett (the author) was right next to you making stitch suggestions.
Another great thing about the books is that they aren’t just stitches for beginning stitchers, while all the basic are covered, you’ll also find more challenging stitches, such as Staggered Cross (this one always defeats me), as well as more advanced techniques such as laidwork.
Each book ends with several pages of grids for you to chart your own stitches. Inside the back cover of Quick Stitch Reference is a guide to needle sizes. In the same place in More Quick Stitch Reference is a helpful set of tips for backgrounds and laid fillings.
In spite of some charts having compensating stitches that are hard to distinguish from the main stitch, these two books are real winners.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
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