Mary Thomas’s Dictionary of Embroidery Stitches

1935

Storage Bliss VU T

London: Hodder & Stoughton

Before accessible books on embroidery were readily available, stitches were both collected and learnt using cloth samplers. While not replacing samplers, this dictionary provides an easy reference with over 300 diagrams and descriptions. These are useful for learning new stitches, widening knowledge of the art, and deepening appreciation of embroidery techniques used in the masterpieces seen in museums and other collections. Stitches range from chain to chevron to cloud-filling stitch, buttonhole to herringbone, serpentine hem to Spanish knotted feather stitch.