Complete Guide to Needlework

My grandmother borrowed me this book a few months ago, but asked me to return it. I recently got big into knitting, crocheting and quilting and she thought I'd find it interesting. Considering its age from when it was printed (1981) I thought I may copy a few pages from it, but so quickly I fell in live with this book. It is a robust book with a hardcover and is about the size of an A4 piece of paper. It is SO in depth, going through different types of fabric, materials, tools as well as different techniques for different types of knit, crochet, etc etc with detailed pictures of what it looks like when done and illustrations of how to do it step by step that are easy to understand. I am by no means an expert - I know how to knit one way and how to crochet one way, so as a "beginner" it's brilliant. I do have basic knowledge, which might help, but I have picked up a few different techniques. It goes through in detail how to plan out layouts for detailing on projects with several complete how tos on projects. I started going through it and it makes everything look achievable. I am most looking forward to learning lace making! My grandmother told me, even though she has been sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, patchwork and rug making since she was 10 (she is now 78!) she still will go back for reference, so I would say still useful for one more experienced crafters. I would highly recommend to anyone interested in embroidery, canvas work, rug making, appliqué, knitting, patchwork, macramé, quilting, lacemaking and crocheting. So much information, so many picture tutorials. Great for all experience levels (but if you're a beginner start from the beginning of the sections and really get familiar with those!)

I cannot recommend this book highly enough. The Reader's Digest Guide to Needlework is a substantial hardback book which is a must have for any needlecrafter's library. Please note that this is a rather large book (504 pages and 25.8 x 21.4 x 3.4 cm) that you would not want to carry around with you. However, as it is weighty and landscape, rather than portrait, it is user-friendly. This book offers over 100 pages dedicated to embroidery, including machine embroidery. I've been hand embroidering since I was 6, thanks to my Nan but I don't know all stitches and sometimes need an aide memoire. I would love to have a crack at machine embroidery with my trusty old workhorse, a Bernina 730 Record, which is as vintage as myself. This fabulous book also provides comprehensive sections on needlepoint, knitting, crochet, macramé, applique, quilting, patchwork, lacework and rug-making, I can already knit but plan to learn crochet and macramé. The instructions are really clear and step-by-step which is exactly what beginners need. OK, I won't want to learn all the needlecrafts in this book but there are many sections that will be useful to me during my lifetime. There is sure to be something for anyone who loves handicrafts in this book. I know that my daughter will be borrowing this book from time to time, she's already expressed an interest in it. In conclusion, with this book I can spread my wings and keep busy needle-crafting until I drop off my perch!

I had a copy of this book when I was growing up, and I learned so much from it. My original copy got lost somehow when I moved houses, and I wanted another as it is just such a useful book. I was glad to see that there was a copy available. Easy to read and understand, even for children, and advanced enough for adults. Highly recommended.

I love this book - it's like a time machine: back to the 80s and back to a treasure trove of timeless crafting wisdom. I have only dipped into it so far but it has already been really helpful with my crochet projects. It is an excellent resource to have on hand and I know I'll be using it for years to come.

This book has easy to understand instructions for a myriad of needle craftshcrochet, knitting, tatting rug making to name but a few) . I mislaid my originally copy when moving so bought this one to replace it

Book arrived on time and was everything I had hoped for and more. It is a little dated in style but this does not take anything away from The information and illustrations it contains. My granddaughter 15 has already scan through it and decided what we can do together, patch work Was a hot favourite. Thank you!

Reader's Digest publications will always be a firm favourite of mine in regards to practical skills and hobbies. I already owned a copy of the "Complete Guide to Sewing", so I was excited to discover that there was an in depth manual for needlework, which I was previously horrendous at. You can never go wrong with Reader's Digest, and I would thoroughly recommend this to anyone in need of improving their needlework skills - or anyone who would just like to learn more!

Excellent reference for all handiwotk. Embroidery, crochet, sewing etc. So v pleased with my purchase.

Shipment time was as expected, and the book was in perfect condition as promised. Very happy 😊

I bought a used book 1981 print recently.The book was awesome and provides comprehensive coverage of needlework.This is my first book on needlework.As a beginner to Crochet,I have found variation in terminology used such as... single crochet is termed as double crochet,double crochet as half treble crochet and so on. I thought it is a printing mistake and returned the book.Quite dissapointed on my decision,because later I realized that the crochet section of the book is in UK terminology and I have been learning so far in US terminology. US Name -------- UK Equivalent Single crochet - Double crochet Half-double crochet - Half-treble crochet Double crochet - Treble crochet Treble crochet - Double-treble crochet Double-treble crochet - Treble-treble crochet .....and so on.

I bought this book back in the 80s and somehow lost my copy so I bought this one. It is a great book if you are starting out and want to design knitted or crocheted products. There are also a few patterns but I haven't made any of them. There are pages of stitch patterns, like cables and lacework. There are easy to follow pictures of different stitches, like even the basic knit and purl stitches. It is a great reference book.

Very comprehensive book. This is my second copy. Wore out the first!

I bought the 1979 edition advertised as “new” from PearlCoral. The book was shrinked wrap and is really new for for over 43 years old. There is no yellowing spots. The knitting section has lots of illustrations and pictures of what finished stitches look like. I think this is going to help me a lot to begin learning to knit. I’ll get to do more advanced embroidery stitches too. I’m so glad to order this. The pictures are very useful. This third-party Amazon seller really delivers.