Christmas wouldn’t be ‘Christmas’ without a little bit of Christmas Crafting. So, to get those creative juices flowing we’ve put together a fabulous list of 16 latest textile books for stitch enthusiasts.
Like busy little Christmas elves, we’ve been browsing the bookshelves to produce this latest list containing the newest book releases. Covering everything from embroidery to Macramé, and Watercolour to William Morris, this list will surely keep the most agitated crafters busy this Christmas.
Buy a present for yourself or a gift for a stitching and crafting enthusiasts. Our list of 16 latest textile books contains something for everyone, whether you’re a complete beginner or an established artist.
1. Embroidering the Everyday: Found, Stitch and Paint
By Cas Holmes
In Embroidering the Everyday, acclaimed textile artist Cas Holmes explores the ‘everyday’ and the ‘domestic’, generating a wealth of inspiration and raw material to create textile work that resonates with time and place.
Cas invites us to re-examine the world and use the limitations sometimes imposed by geographic area or individual circumstances as a rich resource to develop ideas for mixed media textiles in a more thoughtful way. Find out more about the artist and the book by taking a look at our interview with Cas Holmes.
2. Quarantine Quilts: Creativity in the Midst of Chaos
By Sandra Sider
Learn how our creative development is shaped by experiences that isolate us from other people. The insightful words of 97 contemporary quilt artists combine with evocative photos of their quarantine creations during the COVID-19 pandemic’s first months.
Giving us a fascinating perspective, these visual and personal stories of concerns, despair, and ideas can help connect our own experiences with pandemic to the larger world of creativity. Topics include Coronavirus Circling the Globe; Home Is Where the Art Is; Be Smart, Be Vigilant; Pandemic Patterns; Pandemic Landscapes; and Politics and Protest.
Learn from makers’ notes, their reactions to and experiences with COVID-19, and the visual results of creators’ new ways of thinking. Half of the authors royalties will be donated to Doctors Without Borders
3. Mosaic Crochet Workshop: Modern geometric designs for throws and accessories
By Esme Crick
Create sensational crochet throws and accessories with this indispensable guide to mosaic crochet.
Mosaic crochet is a cutting-edge technique that allows you to work two-colour patterns without having to change yarns in one row. You simply skip stitches in one row and connect them by filling in with the alternate colour two rows later. This produces incredible modern geometric patterns that look amazing as throws, blankets, afghans, pillows, rugs, bags and other accessories – using a much easier method than other crochet colourwork techniques. One crochet hook and two balls of yarn are all you need to get started.
4. William Morris (Victoria and Albert Museum)
By Anna Mason, Fiona MacCarthy, Peter Faulkner & 13 More
William Morris’s interests were wide-ranging: he was a poet, writer, political and social activist, conservationist and businessman, as well as a brilliant and original designer and manufacturer. This book explores the balance between Morris’s various spheres of activity and influence, places his art in the context of its time and explores his ongoing and far-reaching legacy.
A pioneer of the Arts & Crafts Movement, William Morris (1834–1896) is one of the most influential designers of all time. Morris turned the tide of Victorian England against an increasingly industrialized manufacturing process towards a rediscovered respect for the skill of the maker. Morris’s whole approach still resonates today, and his designs are popular and much admired.
Published to mark the 125th anniversary of Morris’s death, this book includes contributions from a wide range of Morris experts, with chapters on painting, church decoration and stained glass, interior decoration, furniture, tiles and tableware, wallpaper, textiles, calligraphy and publishing. Additional materials include a contextualized chronology of Morris’s life and a list of public collections around the world where examples of Morris’s work may be seen today. This study is a comprehensive, fully illustrated exploration of a great thinker and artist, and essential reading for anyone interested in the history of design.
5. Fragmentation and Repair: for Mixed-Media and Textile Artists
By Shelley Rhodes
Discover the rich creative possibilities of fragmentation and repair in textile art.
Fragmentation and repair are two of the biggest buzzwords in textile and mixed-media art. In this fascinating book, renowned artist Shelley Rhodes explores both concepts, with a wealth of fresh ideas and practical advice.
Drawing on her own practice, Shelley explains how she reconstructs and reassembles cloth, paper and other materials to create new pieces, often incorporating found objects and items she has collected over the years to add depth and emotional resonance. Discover a range of techniques, from piercing and devoré to patching and darning. Discover more about the artist by taking a look at our interview with Shelley Rhodes.
6. Granny Square Patchwork UK Terms Edition: 40 Crochet Granny Square Patterns To Mix And Match With Endless Patchworking Possibilities
By Shelley Husband
Create sensational crochet throws and accessories with this indispensable guide to mosaic crochet.
Mosaic crochet is a cutting-edge technique that allows you to work two-colour patterns without having to change yarns in one row. You simply skip stitches in one row and connect them by filling in with the alternate colour two rows later. This produces incredible modern geometric patterns that look amazing as throws, blankets, afghans, pillows, rugs, bags and other accessories – using a much easier method than other crochet colourwork techniques. One crochet hook and two balls of yarn are all you need to get started.
7. Rag Rug Techniques for Beginners: 30 planet-friendly projects using rag-rugging methods from around the world
By Elspeth Jackson
Learn eight different rag-rugging methods and use them to create 30 stylish and practical items for yourself and your home.
In Rag Rug Techniques for Beginners, Elspeth Jackson details eight different methods that will help you learn the art of rugs from rags, and inspire your craft creativity. Each chapter focuses on a different technique, from Shaggy to Locker Hooking, Loopy to Two-String Loom and more. Elspeth will show you the skills, tools and equipment you’ll need for each one, as well as providing advice on choices of fabrics and design. She will help you to identify common mistakes that you might run into, building for you a strong foundation in the craft.
Each chapter includes step-by-step instructions for a traditional rug plus two other projects for yourself or your home, such as placemats, bowls, wall hangings and more, so that you can show off the new skills you’ve learned. Using upcycled fabrics, only a few basic tools and simple techniques, you’ll master rag-rugging in no time!
8. Dried Flower Embroidery: An Introduction to the Art of Flowers on Tulle
By Olga Prinku
Dried Flower Embroidery celebrates the craft of flowers on tulle. Discover how to create beautiful displays of your favourite everlasting blooms, grasses and foliage.
Starting with the basics, Olga takes you step-by-step through how to master this craft – from techniques for drying flowers to making your own frames and embroidering onto tulle, using nature as your thread and drawing inspiration from the natural world. Expand your creativity and go on to create lovely designs of your own.
Featuring a collection of 16 projects from wall hangings to homewares and wearables – suitable for beginners and seasoned professionals alike – Olga inspires you to bring a touch of nature indoors, as she offers a fresh and modern approach to the craft of embroidery.
9. Crumb Quilts: Scrap quilting the zero waste way
By Emily Bailey
Crumb quilting is the ultimate way to zero waste patchwork using tiny scraps or ‘crumbs’ of fabric that are so small that most people would throw them away. This collection includes instructions and techniques for how to turn your stash of crumbs into beautiful quilts and quilted projects.
Emily shows you how to quickly piece together small scraps to create larger pieces of ‘crumb fabric’ using chain piecing to build up the fabric. All of the instructions are accompanied with step photography so you see exactly how to create your own scrappy fabrics. There are also instructions for all the quilting techniques you will need to sandwich, baste and bind your quilts and projects.
As well as the step-by-step instructions and photography for how to make the crumb fabric Emily also shares her tips and tricks for how to group fabric colours and prints in order to get the best results. In addition to the instructions for how to create background crumb fabric, crumb blocks and crumb applique there are also step-by-step instructions for 15 stunning quilted projects including full-size bed quilts and smaller projects including a pillow and pin cushion.
10. Elemental Macramé: 20 macramé and crystal projects for balance and beauty
By Rebecca Millar
Create beautiful macramé projects that invoke the sacred elements of Earth, Air, Water, Fire and Spirit.
The idea of classical ‘elements’ is common to many belief systems including Ancient Greek, Egyptian, Babylonian, Hinduism and Buddhism, as well as Chinese and Japanese philosophies. The five elements of the Pagan religion Wicca represent the five points of the pentagram, a powerful sacred symbol. No matter what your beliefs, paying attention to the forces of nature can bring a greater sense of spirituality and calm to your life, which is equally true of the craft of macramé, which like all handicrafts has proven benefits for wellbeing.
This unique and beautiful book celebrates each of the Earth’s sacred elements with projects that even beginners to macramé can tackle with ease. In nature, each element has its own specific properties, colours and stones associated with it, which these projects incorporate to dramatic effect. The 20 projects include mooncatchers, wall hangings, home accessories and jewellery, which all draw their inspiration from nature and the elements. Many of the projects have crystals incorporated into them, for the good vibrations and healing energy they bring. You’ll also learn how to dip-dye macrame for wonderful ombre effects and work with a variety of different coloured cords to bring beauty and interest to your pieces.
10. Vitamin T: Threads and Textiles in Contemporary Art: Threads & Textiles in Contemporary Art
By Phaidon Editors, Jenelle Porter
The bestselling and acclaimed survey of more than 100 global artists, chosen by an international panel of experts for their work with threads, stitching, and textiles
Celebrating tapestry, embroidery, stitching, textiles, knitting, and knotting as used by visual artists worldwide, leading curators, critics, and art professionals have nominated more than 100 global living artists for inclusion in this stunning and wide-ranging survey.
As boundaries between art and craft have blurred, artists have increasingly embraced these materials and methods, with the resulting works being coveted by collectors and exhibited in museums worldwide. A vital handbook for collectors and contemporary-art followers, this acclaimed and ground-breaking survey is a vibrant and incredibly timely survey.
11. Yoko Saito's Handheld Patchwork Treasures: Perfectly Small and Lovely Projects
By Yoko Saito
Japanese master quilt artist Yoko Saito presents an outstanding collection of 26 small and pretty projects. Each item works up fairly quickly and fits in the palms of your hands. Patterns include clever pouches, house-shaped boxes, a dragonfly mini quilt, sewing kit, mobile phone case, and much more. Every project is photographed to perfection, and the details are extraordinary.
In the how-to section you’ll learn Ms. Saito’s pouch-construction techniques, complete with step-by-step photos. Each pattern includes materials lists and illustrated instructions. The variety of designs is truly inspiring, so choose any of the projects and create a handcrafted delight to treasure for years to come.
12. Wilderness Knits: Scandi-style sweaters for adventuring outdoors
By Linka Neumann
23 knitting patterns for jumpers and cardigans to last a lifetime.
Combining her love for the outdoors and knitting, Linka Neumann presents patterns for Scandi-style jumpers, cardigans and a headband that will keep you warm and dry, no matter how rough the weather is.
Drawing on traditional Norwegian knitting methods, these designs for thick, woolly knits are not only comfortable and cosy, but also represent an authenticity and style that has stood the test of time. Linka takes inspiration from nature and wildlife for her fresh yet timeless designs. From the Norwegian forests, snow-covered landscapes and fjords to reindeer, wolves and her beloved Husky dogs.
Many of the designs come with variations to suit all tastes, whether you prefer a jumper or a cardigan, a thick or thin garment, sewn-on arms or round yokes. The patterns include instructions for a range of sizes and for both female and male body shapes.
13. Dear Jane: The Two Hundred Twenty-Five Patterns from the 1863 Jane A. Stickle Quilt
By Brenda Manges Papadakis
Celebration of the 25th anniversary edition of Dear Jane!
Whether you have made The Quilt or are ready to make your first block, there’s something new in this book for you.
The author, Brenda Manges Papadakis, delves into history, women’s rights, and the Civil War through her emotional letters to Jane A. Stickle. You’ll draw inspiration from and have admiration for the collection of 18 unique quilts, all influenced by Jane’s 1863 geometric wonder.
This new edition of Dear Jane has tested and updated patterns. For the first time, the patterns in the book are the same as the Dear Jane EQ software. It has never been easier to make your own Jane.
Perhaps you have seen some of the thousands of Dear Jane quilts on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook and want to create your very own. Brenda always says, Everyone comes to Jane in their own time. Your time is now!
The Gansey Knitting Sourcebook: 150 stitch patterns and 10 projects for gansey knits
By Di Gilpin
Ganseys are hardwearing sweaters traditionally knitted for fishermen in and around the British Isles. Today, the styling and history of ganseys is as popular as ever and this collection of stitch patterns and projects brings the history of ganseys to a new audience.
Learn all about the techniques used for knitting ganseys with this comprehensive sourcebook from experts in the subject, Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell. Di and Sheila are knitwear designers and makers based in Scotland where they teach regular workshops on traditional gansey techniques.
Discover all the techniques you need to make an authentic gansey sweater with their special features which were developed for warmth and comfort in what were often, harsh conditions out at sea. Ganseys were designed with a special under arm gusset and a shoulder seam which prevented chaffing and improved movement for the wearer even when the jumper got wet and heavy.
The authors explain these techniques with step-by-step instructions and artworks so you can replicate these details in your own work.
Knit Like a Latvian: Accessories: 40 Knitting Patterns for Gloves, Hats, Scarves and Shawls
By Ieva Ozolina
Knit yourself stunning Latvian accessories including gloves, hats, scarves and shawls with this collection of colourwork knitting patterns and charts from the author of Knit Like a Latvian: Mittens and Knit Like a Latvian: Socks.
Stranded colourwork knitting never goes out of fashion because the results are so beautiful. This is the third title in our Knit Like a Latvian series which looks at knitting patterns using traditional Latvian colourwork designs. This title features 40 patterns for gloves, hats, wraps and scarves all featuring a distinctive Latvian colour work design element. You can choose from gloves and fingerless mittens with selected colourwork details on the cuffs or an all over stranded colourwork design on a scarf or wrap for maximum impact.
DIY Watercolor Christmas: Easy painting ideas and techniques for cards, gifts and décor
By Ingrid Sanchez
Make this Christmas a watercolor wonderland with this creative guide to painting through the festive season.
