Lately there has been a meme going around Facebook asking folks to name 10 books that have influenced them. It’s been interesting to read what my friends have picked. It got me thinking about needlepoint books.
While finding ten needlepoint books that have influenced you might be a stretch, most of us can think of 5.
Here is my list:
- Bargello by Elsa Williams – It was the first needlepoint book I bought, just months after I started to stitch. It has classic Bargello patterns,stitched in wool. It has been a tremendous influence of hundreds of stitchers and was published just before needlepoint became really popular in the early 70’s.
I love this book. I am now on my third copy having used two until the pages fell out. - The Needlepoint Book (first edition) – I bought it not long after it came out. Now, near the publication of the third edition, I think we can safely say two things about this book. 1. It revolutionized how we think about needlepoint. 2. It’s a complete needlepoint course in book form.
Before this book, needlepoint put little emphasis on original designs or textured stitches. After this book those ideas became more widespread.
Although I mostly use it for stitch diagrams, each edition of this book is so much more than a stitch dictionary. It has chapters on every aspect of needlepoint. It becomes the essential reference for stitchers. I tell new stitchers to go out and find used copies of this edition and every stitcher should have it. - The Needlepoint Doctor – Another wonderful reference book. It’s the book that finally made Basketweave comprehensible to me. I love the way it packs so much good advice into it covers. Some of the material may be out of date (it was published in 1982) but like the other books on the list, it changed how I thought about needlepoint.
- Needlepoint and Beyond – I love this book even though I may never be good enough to master what’s in it. I love how it acts as a springboard for creativity and for thinking about using needlepoint stitches in different ways.
- Needlepoint from America’s Great Quilts – This book, bought when I was in college, made me realize some things I never suspected: how much I really adore quilt design, and how well those designs can adapt to needlepoint. Over the years I’ve made dozens of projects from this book and some of its projects have affected my own original designs. It’s a great project book for beginners, but any stitcher will love the great patterns and large clear charts that can be the start of so many projects.
Although I only mentioned it specifically for Bargello, I’ve gone through multiple copies of these books. Except for Needlepoint and Beyond, I got these all as paperbacks first, wore them out and have replaced them all with hard-bound books from library sales. They are books I still use and love, in spite of being over 30 years old.
There are many other needlepoint books I love. But these five classics sit highest on the list of books that have influenced me most as a stitcher.
What are your top 5 needlepoint books and why?
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
Robin hargett says
I am away from home right now so I couldn’t give you five but I can tell you my favorite NP book and it is one that you wrote “Needlepoint Trade Secrets”. Most NP books are ones that you use for learning or inspiration. Why your book is my favorite is that you WANT to read it cover to cover (and I have read it several times). It has so many great tips and ideas that I learn something new or remember something I’d forgotten each time I’ve read it. I love this book!
Janet M Perry says
Thanks for the compliment Robin! It made my day!
Keep stitching,
Janet