The essential beginner's guide to embroidery, with 8 stunning projects and over 30 essential step-by-step stitches, from renowned tutor and Royal School of Needlework-trained author, Kate Cross.

Use simple stitches to create stunning and sophisticated results with this inspiring, fully illustrated guide, complete with full-size traceable templates.

In this complete course, perfect for absolute beginners, embroidery teacher Kate Cross shows you everything you need to get started. She combines helpful, friendly guidance with 8 colourful modern projects, which build in complexity throughout the book, each one teaching and consolidating new stitches in achievable steps. Discover:

• how to choose the right tools and materials;
• how to prepare your fabric, transfer your designs and cast on;
• how to make a range of over 30 stunning stitches, from simple embroidery staples like stem stitch and French knots to exciting stitches that will challenge and inspire you, such as trellis stitch, silk shading and raised stem band stitch;
• clear step-by-step photographs for every single stitch;
• full-size traceable templates (including a complete monogram alphabet), which make it easy to get stitching quickly;

• Choose from 8 simple-but-stunning designs: a sweet-and-simple needlecase featuring a needle and thread design; an elegant feather motif bookmark; two stunning hoop art embroideries featuring a vintage teaset; an embroidered floral headband; an embroidered fabric clutch bag with an elegant nautical design; a neckline-hugging floral sweatshirt embroidery; and a customisable monogrammed napkin, complete with full traceable alphabet.

Whether you want to create the same finished items as Kate (for which instructions are provided), or simply work the stunning embroideries to display on their own, the choice is yours!