Here is a list of free books about embroidery that anyone can access and enjoy. While there are many amazing embroidery and textile art books on Project Gutenberg and Antique Pattern Library, I selected the ones that not only provide you with useful insights but also have really nice patterns that you can tweak around and create your own projects. Enjoy, friends!
Jacobean Embroidery, by Ada Wentworth Fitzwilliam and A. F. Morris
This is a charming book for all Jacobean Crewelwork embroidery lovers. The book has a lovely selection of plates, a great source of inspiration for future projects.
Read book at Jacobean Embroidery
Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving
Excellent book about the practical sides of embroidery and tapestry weaving. Plenty of drawings illustrating designs and the practical application of stitches.
Read book at Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving
Handbook of Embroidery, by L. Higgin
A lovely needlework handbook pointing out the most useful stitches and materials and their applicability to different styles of work.
Read book at Handbook of Embroidery
Aiguille et Crochet, La Broderie de Laine
French booklet of embroidered ornamentation for women’s and children’s clothing, circa 1920s: vests, summer tops, sunsuits, handbags, doll clothing, winter vests, skirts, embroidered scarves worked in multicolor wools. Many designs are wearable today.
Read more at Aiguille et Crochet
N. Alexandre & Cie., ed., Alphabets Varies
Alphabets for monogram use. Eleven line-drawn alphabets on 16 pages, some gothic, some lovely florals. Intended for whitework and surface embroidery.
Read book at Alphabets Varies
Armes, Alice English Smocks
History of smocking in England and the disappearance of the technique. 16 page stapled booklet, not counting the covers. Also six pages of illustrations in the center, and pattern sheets showing the decorative embroidery patterns.
Read book at English Smocks
Art in Needlework: A Book about Embroidery
A comprehensive needlework book covering most of the stitches, plenty of tips, and a few samplers.
Read book at Art in Needlework
Corticelli Home Needlework, 1898: A Manual of Art, Embroidery and Knitting
Charming collection of embroidery designs for home decoration with a special attention to the Corticelli colored plates, which were the only accurate reproductions of embroidery in natural colors ever published.
Read book at Corticelli Home Needlework
The Ladies’ Work-Book
This a lovely book for anyone interested in knitting, crocheting, and point-lace. Available on Project Gutenberg.
Read more at The Ladies’ Work-Book
Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries
A charming collection of samplers. A must-read book for any embroiderer. Available on Project Gutenberg.
Read more at Samplers and Tapestry Embroideries
The Development of Embroidery in America
A book about the history of embroidery in America. The beginnings, crewelwork, samplers, lacework, and American tapestry are just a few topics covered in this lovely book.
Read more at The Development of Embroidery in America
Church Needlework: A manual of practical instruction
This is an excellent book for anyone interested in the tradition of ecclesiastical needlework. Available on Project Gutenberg.
Read more at Church Needlework
MORE BOOKS ABOUT EMBROIDERY
Are there any embroidery books that inspire you? Let me know in the comments below and come say hello on Instagram so we can connect. I’ll say hello right back!
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