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Step-by-step embroidery books

Vetty Creations step-by-step embroidery books The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion The Right-Handed Embroiderer's Companion Hardanger Filling Stitches Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway Early Style Hardanger Sardinian Knotted Embroidery Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães Elegant Hardanger Embroidery Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature Ukrainian Drawn Thread Embroidery

Vetty Creations are publishers of quality step-by-step embroidery books, with a focus on stitch dictionaries and historical techniques including Hardanger, Mountmellick, Portuguese whitework (Guimarães embroidery), Sardinian knotted embroidery (Punt 'e Nù), Frisian whitework, smøyg (pattern darning from Norway) and merezhka. Vetty Creations books are available around the world from your favourite needlework shop.

Stitch dictionaries

Stitch dictionaries

We currently have two general embroidery stitch dictionaries available. The first was The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: a step-by-step stitch dictionary. Following the success of this book, we realised that right-handers felt left out, and thus came The Right-Handed Embroiderer's Companion: a step-by-step stitch dictionary.

In late 2023, Yvette's third stitch dictionary was published: Hardanger Filling Stitches.

Vetty Creations stitch dictionaries have the following features:

  • clearly written step-by-step instructions with a diagram for each step
  • a full colour photo of the finished stitch so that you can see exactly how it looks stitched
  • full colour photos of each stitch (and variations where applicable) used creatively, as inspiration
  • hints and tips that you normally only learn in hands-on classes

Historical techniques books

We now have nine historical techniques books, focusing on whitework, Hardanger Filling Stitches, Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland, Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway, Early-Style Hardanger, Sardinian Knotted Embroidery: Whitework from Teulada, Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães, Elegant Hardanger Embroidery, Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature, and Ukrainian Drawn Thread Embroidery: Merezhka Poltavska.

Vetty Creations historical technique books have the following features:

  • step-by-step instructions with diagrams and/or photographs
  • hints and tips that you normally only learn in hands-on classes
  • information about the history of the technique
  • information about all the materials and equipment needed to make the embroidery
  • a range of projects for novices through to advanced stitchers
  • gorgeous full colour photographs of each project
  • some of our books have both left- and right-handed instructions
  Smoyg sample spreads

Reader and user testimonials

Readers and stitchers love Vetty Creations books. Here's what some of them have said about our embroidery books:

“Hardanger Filling Stitches, suitable for beginners and beyond, is essential for your needlework library if you have any interest at all in the various forms and techniques of gridded whitework like Hardanger. It’s superb in every way! Of course, if you’re familiar with Yvette Stanton’s whitework and other embroidery books, you really couldn’t expect anything less.” Mary Corbet, Needle 'N Thread

"Any book by Yvette Stanton is worth acquiring, even sight unseen. She does such a good job explaining and showing: her combination of words and drawings and photos make the techniques she presents doable." BG

"When one of Yvette Stanton's book drops into my letter box, I know that I am in expert hands. She is my number one world embroidery lady. We are all in for a treat. Yvette's guides to traditional embroidery are superb. Discover the colourful world of Norwegian pattern darning - Smoyg. Find historical photos, learn the stitches and techniques and 13 original projects to hone your skills. In her third book on Norwegian embroidery, Yvette shines a light on the subject of folk embroidery. This educational book offers clear and concise step-by-step instructions, inviting you into the charming world of this traditional technique. Yvette simply gives the best charted designs I have ever seen in any book. See the variations of Smoyg, where it hails from, its history and forms. Learn the motifs and fabrics to use for authentic smoyg. See how to use them in useful and practical projects - a jewellery bag, needlecase, table runner, pendants, band sampler, bookmarks, hanging ornament, table centre, cushion, shirt collar, framed square and scissor keep. An exciting array of projects to appeal to everyone. I think I will start by making the colourful band sampler - it is my favourite project. I am quite tempted by the thought of hanging ornaments too. There is also a guide to thread and fabric compatibility and a pattern sheet. Highly recommended - this year's must buy embroidery book." Karen Platt, UK

"I love the work that Yvette Stanton designs. She makes it so easy for lefthanded embroiders like myself to enjoy the pleasure and relaxation you get from embroidery." B. Holmes, Australia

"I have a number of Yvette’s books and love them all. I suppose I’m a purist at heart and love any sort of whitework. Yvette makes all steps so simple and easy to follow, the only hard part is deciding which pattern to make!" Julie N

"I got your books: fantastically good! The Hardanger one is the best book on that topic that I've ever seen. The instructions are not only clear, with excellent graphics, but you also give a good view of how the stitches should look on the back, and shouldn't look! You also give an idea of how to tuck in ends, and move from one bit to the other. That's precisely what the student needs, and doesn't get in the other books. That chapter of instructions is really something special." J.O'L. Queensland, Australia

"The LH Stitch Dictionary is proving to be so very helpful. I refer to it almost daily, and am always impressed with the precision of your instructions. They are so clearly stated that it is impossible to stitch incorrectly. It is an invaluable reference book and am so delighted to have it nearby." SB, France

"The book is really unusual in its clarity of instruction, the drawings, the thought. I was taught the merezhka that you have in your book by a lady who was born in the latter half of the nineteenth century - she went to the university before WWI. Your book is as if she were standing right behind you and telling what she did. Truly amazing!" D.Horbachevsky, NY USA

"It's the complete package, no classes required: clear, precise instructions, beautiful patterns and a fascinating history. This book is truly a gem." JF, Australia

"It's one of the most comprehensive embroidery books that I have ever bought. It is absolutely beautiful and so full of information. It will make it a lot easier for me to master Mountmellick." V, Tasmania Australia

Purchasing Vetty Creations embroidery books

For more information or to purchase a book, use the links below.

The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion The Right-Handed Embroiderer's Companion Hardanger Filling Stitches Frisian Whitework Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway Early-Style Hardanger

The Left-Handed Embroiderer's Companion by Yvette Stanton

The Right-Handed Embroiderer's Companion by Yvette Stanton

Hardanger Filling Stitches by Yvette Stanton

Frisian Whitework: Dutch Embroidery from Friesland by Yvette Stanton

Smøyg: Pattern Darning from Norway by Yvette Stanton

Early-Style Hardanger by Yvette Stanton

Sardinian Knotted Embroidery: Whitework from Teulada Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature Elegant Hardanger Embroidery Ukrainian Drawn Thread Embroidery

Sardinian Knotted Embroidery: Whitework from Teulada by Yvette Stanton

Portuguese Whitework: Bullion Embroidery from Guimarães by Yvette Stanton

Mountmellick Embroidery: Inspired by Nature by Yvette Stanton and Prue Scott

Elegant Hardanger Embroidery by Yvette Stanton

Ukrainian Drawn Thread Embroidery: Merezhka Poltavska by Yvette Stanton

 

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Hardanger Filling Stitches by Yvette Stanton
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