Darlene O'Steen

Practically a "bible" if you do any counted thread work. I wore out both of the older editions so was delighted when this was reprinted in 2012. One of few books that illustrate clearly both front and back side (the original edition in 1994 one if the few that actually diagrammed anything actually so quickly became an "industry" standard). Not just diagrams but clear explanations on some of the order or methods in which the stitch is "properly" done.

Boy, I managed to avoid an overload of show more exclamationn marks but wound up with a lot of quotation marks. The one minor complaint about this edition is that I did find the 2006 release in hardcover spiralbound format sturdier and I did like the way that one lay flat when opened.

My top, go-to stitch reference is always this book. [b:Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework|1562189|Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework (Leisure Arts #15861)|Donna Kooler|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347627733s/1562189.jpg|1554741] follows a close second then an internet search for "animated stitches" or "animated stitch diagrams" finds a few more favorites — particularly for knotwork and cutwork. show less

Practically a "bible" if you do any counted thread work. I wore out both of the older editions so was delighted when this was reprinted in 2012. One of few books that illustrate clearly both front and back side (the original edition in 1994 one if the few that actually diagrammed anything actually so quickly became an "industry" standard). Not just diagrams but clear explanations on some of the order or methods in which the stitch is "properly" done.

Boy, I managed to avoid explanation marks show more but wound up with a lot of quotation marks. The one minor complaint about this edition is that I did find the 2006 release in hardcover spiralbound format sturdier and I did like the way that one lay flat when opened.

My top, go-to stitch reference is always this book. [b:Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework|1562189|Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework (Leisure Arts #15861)|Donna Kooler|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1347627733s/1562189.jpg|1554741] follows a close second then an internet search for "animated stitches" or "animated stitch diagrams" finds a few more favorites — particularly for knotwork and cutwork. show less

This excellant book includes clear illustrations for each step of each stitch. There are numerous actual photos of the stitch used on fabric for a better idea of how it should look on completion. Some stitches also have photos of the back of the stitch on fabric so you'll be able to gauge your accuracy. Each individual stitch also has a description of the stitche's effect and how it can be best utilized in your project. Three large band sampler charts are also included.

Absolute reference -- there's been a limited edition release of a new edition (I'd check first with your local needlework store); but, this one still a go-to. One of few references with clear illustration of both the front and the back/wrongside of your work (which I found very helpful and pretty nonexistent at time book was published).