Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework

This was a fine reference work for its time for those who didn't want separate works for various crafts they weren't really interested in. In the meantime I have much better books for those I am interested in, and the projects are painfully dated.

But above all, computers (scanners, printers, internet) have changed needlework a lot. How we create, aquire and use patterns has changed. The patterns are so much more legible! A book from the days before the web can no longer claim to be complete.

Discarded.

The styles are dated, but this should not put you off one of the best reference guides for needlework crafts there is.

It covers a compendium of crafts: knitting, crochet, lacework, embroidery, cross stitch and much more...

I picked this up for £2 in a charity shop and couldn't believe my luck, having already read a family member's copy and added it to my book wish-list. I'd have paid more, dated or not! It's been incredibly helpful when re-learning to knit and I know I'll dip into other chapters in the coming years.

The projects aren't the most au courant but the instructions are clear and well-illustrated. Like similar Reader's Digest Guides on other broad hobbies, this book covers a lot of ground and gives a good sense of what is possible or what to try, next. Has an inviting and clear layout that many craft books would do well to copy.

I use it to refresh my memory or to spend time with a craft book that isn't intimidatingly complex for its own sake -- or overwhelmingly complex in its comprehensiveness and detail. A good basic reference book when you look up from a pattern and think, "Wait, how do I ....?"

Does not include sprang: most book don't.

Wonderful book to have handy for all kinds of sewing and crafts.....skills are demonstrated and explained with colorful photos......

What of those books 'everyone' should have if they are interested in needlecraft. It gives clear explanations of the main types of needlecraft and shows clear examples so it's easy to teach yourself new skills.
Whilst the clothing examples are hideously out of date, the guide element is one of the best.

This is not a good book for learning to do any of these crafts, but once you find a book to teach you the basics this book is a tremendous reference guide. It has stitches, finishing instructions, designing techniques and projects. It also has a lot of out-of-the-ordinary sections. I have never seen as complete a lace making section anywhere else. Includes: embroidery, needlepoint, knitting, applique, quilting, patchwork, macrame, crochet, rug-making and lacework.

This book is a fabulous resource. I taught myself to crochet, knit, applique, quilt and properly embroider from this book. There are many skills in this book that I am anxious to master. There may be other books out there that are newer and as good but it has served me well over the years and I have never needed to look further. I recomend it to my students and I snap up every copy I find to give to friends.