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The Embroidery LibraryMaking a list of the best books on my embroidery library shelf was hard. I have so many favorites! But I did it. This list is only *the best*, my top book recommendations. Please browse through and see what I chose. Did I miss your absolute favorite embroidery book that you recommend and can't live without? Please write to me and share why it's essential in your embroidery library. Tell me all about it! Best How to Books and Patterns
The Complete Illustrated Stitch EncyclopediaThis book has excellent color photos and diagrams that show you exactly where to place the needle for more than 250 stitches. It's almost a complete embroidery library in one volume! The two main sections cover embroidery stitches (crewel, cross stitch, blackwork) and needlepoint stitches. There's also a section on special techniques that covers hardanger, smocking, ribbon, beading, tramé, and bargello. Each section is followed by projects that are so-so. The best project pattern, in my opinion, is the one for a needlepoint Peruvian Bag. 
Creative Ideas with Hardanger by Dorothy Wood I love the projects in this book. They're organized by room. Each pattern has detailed step by step instructions and easy to read charts. There are 15 total, and the difficulty level varies. My favorites are the Fire Screen and Dressing Table Set. 
Creative Beginnings in Machine Embroidery by Patty Albin If you have a specialized embroidery machine, this book is what you need to master the use of it. It covers equipment, teaches the skills, and then has exercises for you to try such as Precision Hooping, Threads, Stabilizer, and Combining Elements. I don't have an embroidery machine, I just do free motion on a regular sewing machine, but the tips in this book were still very useful to me. 
33 Contemporary Swedish Weaving Patterns for Monk's Cloth by Jeanne Tams and Nan Duffin Don't expect to learn how to do huck embroidery from this book, but if you already know, you'll appreciate the inspiring designs. Each pattern is diagrammed on a black and white chart. In the center of the book and on the back cover, there is a small color photograph of each. It does give yarn measurements for the rows, if you are making a project of the same size. I love the Sherwood Forest, Piñon Pine, and Patchwork designs. 
Color Works by Deb Menz The ultimate book on color theory! I cannot live without this book. It's a must have for every embroidery library. It explains colors and how they relate to each other in so much detail, you would not believe. I studied art all through high school and college, and I still doubled my knowledge with this book. It covers everything: warm vs. cool, monochromatic, complementary, and even the major and minor scales. Plus, it comes with a handy color wheel and color cards that you can carry with you when shopping.
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