Recommended Embroidery Books
My embroidery journey has been shaped by many different sources — books, online tutorials, and a lot of trial and error. Even today, I keep coming back to books. They slow me down, invite deeper learning, and often inspire new ideas in a way screens don’t.
Below is a small, carefully chosen selection from my personal library. These are books I return to for learning, reference, or inspiration. It’s not a definitive list — I’m always looking for something special to add — but it’s a great starting point for anyone who wants to grow their embroidery skills.
My Best Embroidery Book Recommendations
The Royal School of Needlework Book of Embroidery
Why I love it: This book is a true treasure for anyone passionate about embroidery. It offers a rich collection of techniques from one of the world’s most respected needlework institutions, covering everything from traditional crewel work and stumpwork to beadwork and silk shading. I keep coming back to it whenever I want to explore new techniques or deepen my understanding of classic embroidery.
Best for: all skill levels, especially those who want to master traditional techniques and expand their stitch repertoire.
What you’ll learn: a wide range of embroidery stitches, historical context, project ideas, and tips from expert needleworkers — all beautifully illustrated.
Personal note: I love how this book inspires both creativity and precision. Even after years of stitching, it continues to challenge me to try techniques I haven’t attempted before, making it a constant companion in my embroidery journey.
The Book of Embroidered Flowers — Trish Burr
Why I love it: This is one of my absolute favourite embroidery books. Trish Burr’s work is stunningly beautiful — delicate, vibrant, and full of life. What makes this book special is how she teaches floral embroidery not just as a set of stitches, but as an art form. Her clear, step‑by‑step instructions and gorgeous photographic sequences make even complex flower techniques feel achievable.
Best for: stitchers who love nature‑inspired embroidery and want to deepen their skills in floral design and realistic shading.
What you’ll learn: how to create beautifully detailed embroidered flowers using shading, layering, and texture; thoughtful explanations of stitch choice and placement; and techniques for bringing botanical designs to life.
Personal note: I return to this book again and again for inspiration — it’s like having a masterclass in your hands. Even after years of stitching, I discover something new every time I open it, whether it’s a subtle shading tip or a fresh way to approach petals and leaves. If you love stitching flowers, this book will become a cherished favourite.
Embroidered Botanicals — Yumiko Higuchi
Why I love it: This book is a gentle celebration of nature and stitch. Yumiko Higuchi’s style is soft, thoughtful, and beautifully detailed — perfect for anyone who loves delicate botanical embroidery. What I adore most about this book is how it balances artistic inspiration with clear, approachable technique. Even when a design looks intricate, the instructions make it feel achievable and enjoyable.
Best for: stitchers who love botanical motifs, soft colour palettes, and nature‑inspired projects — great for beginners through intermediate makers.
What you’ll learn: how to stitch delicate leaves, flowers, vines, and natural elements with refined shading and texture; thoughtful composition ideas; and ways to combine stitches to mimic the subtleties of plants.
Personal note: This book feels like a breath of fresh air every time I open it. I reach for it when I want calm inspiration or a project that feels more creative than technical. Yumiko’s illustrations and stitch samples make you want to drop everything and start stitching right away — and they’ve helped me add beautiful, organic details to many of my own pieces.
Hardanger Filling Stitches — Yuette Stanton
Why I love it: This book is a hidden gem for anyone interested in Hardanger embroidery — whether you’re completely new to the technique or looking to deepen your skills. Yuette Stanton has such a thoughtful way of presenting the filling stitches that make Hardanger so striking: clear, precise, and beautifully illustrated without ever feeling intimidating.
Best for: stitchers who want to explore Hardanger — especially those who enjoy structured, geometric embroidery and crisp, elegant designs.
What you’ll learn: a wide range of Hardanger filling stitches with clear diagrams and step‑by‑step instruction; tips for keeping your cutwork neat and secure; how to combine stitches creatively to enhance pattern and texture.
Personal note: I reach for this book whenever I’m working on Hardanger projects or want to improve my technique. It’s incredibly thorough but easy to follow, and I always learn something new — even on stitches I thought I already knew. For anyone curious about this beautiful form of embroidery, Hardanger Filling Stitches is a must‑have.
Artful Botanical Embroidery – Alice Makabe
Why I love it:
This book is like a seasonal stroll through stitch and bloom. Alice Makabe brings her artistic vision to life with delicate floral motifs and thoughtful design, making botanical embroidery feel both timeless and fresh. The projects are organised by season, so you can explore soft, muted spring blossoms, vibrant summer motifs, warm autumnal threads, and bold winter florals all in one place — a lovely way to connect with nature through your stitching.
Best for:
Anyone who loves floral embroidery, pattern play, and projects that feel fresh and creative — from curious beginners to more experienced stitchers wanting artistic inspiration.
What you’ll learn:
Over 20 floral motifs and 32 patterns, plus instructions for 10 charming projects like purses, brooches, drawstring pouches, sachets, and bookmarks. The emphasis on colour, pattern variation, and seasonal inspiration makes this book a joy to dip into again and again.
Personal note:
I love how this book blends practical instruction with creative spark. It’s a reminder that embroidery can be soft, lively, and expressive — not just technical — and I often find fresh ideas here when I want to experiment with colour and composition.
Colour Confidence in Embroidery — Trish Burr
Why I love it:
This book completely changed the way I approach colour in embroidery. Trish Burr doesn’t just show you what colours to use — she teaches why they work together, how to create harmony, and how to build striking contrasts. It turns what can feel overwhelming into a joyful and intuitive process.
Best for:
Anyone who wants to develop a confident eye for colour — from beginners unsure where to start, to experienced stitchers looking to refine their palettes and make designs truly pop.
What you’ll learn:
• Practical colour theory for embroidery
• How to mix and match threads for depth and vibrancy
• Using contrast, shading, and complementary tones to bring designs to life
Personal note:
Whenever I’m planning a project and feel stuck on colour choices, I reach for this book. It’s like having a friendly mentor guiding your thread selection, helping you move from safe, predictable palettes to bold, expressive combinations. Trish Burr makes colour approachable, creative, and inspiring — a must-have for anyone who loves stitched art.