The Absolute Beginner's Guide to Hand Embroidery and Needlework A Simple, Handy Pocket Reference Guide with Step-by-Step Instructions Over 65 Photographs for Learning Over 15 Stitches: with 7 FREE Patterns! Have you ever wanted to learn how to do hand-stitched embroidery, but didn't know where to start? Have you always wanted to tap into the ancient art of hand embroidery but thought it was too hard? In this simple, easy-to-understand beginner's guide, I should you all of the absolutely necessary essentials of how to do hand embroidery. In these pages, you will learn the basics of the vast world of embroidery. Needle and thread are a part of our collective experience as humans. Embroidery is a skill we pass on to others, and the items we make tie families and friends together. The matriarchs in my family have been my rock. They first showed me the magic of hand embroidered items- how special a handmade piece became when it was embossed by hand, with love. My mother, grandmother, and great aunt instilled their love of thread in me. I hope to share that love with you through this book! Imagine the extra special gifts you can bestow on your friends and family with hand-stitched embroidery. You, too, can leave a lasting legacy that has been time-tested and worn through the ages. In this book, I show you exactly how to get started on your journey of embroidery. I composed this book with an audience in mind of the absolute first time beginner, so the steps are easy to follow. I have also included over 40 time-tested tips and tricks from my many years of crafting embroidered pieces. I illustrated the stitches and each step along the way with over 65 pictures for you to follow along. It's like I am sitting in your living room right beside you, instructing you personally! In this book, we will talk about the history of needlework crafts and embroidery. It's important that you truly understand the weight of this line of crafting. You will learn: What materials you will need Advice for fabric choices Thread selection tips Hoops and frames selection What incidental tools you may need Preparations to take How to trans your design The very fundamentals of embroidery Instruction on threading a needle (it's not that obvious!) That was just the FIRST part of this amazing guidebook! In this second half, we will talk about the actual stitches. I give you easy to follow, step-by-step instructions for how to complete the essential primary stitches. Running Stitch Holbein Stitch Pattern Darning Back Stitch Stem Stitch/Outline Stitch Long Stem Stitch Scroll Stitch Chain Stitch Blanket/Buttonhole Stitch Appliqu� Filling Stitches Satin Stitch Long and Short Stitch Detached Stitches Cross Stitch Knots French Knot We will also discuss how to care for your embroidered pieces. Then comes the BEST part! I have included 7 simple "practice patterns" for FREE just for you to test your new skills! As a BONUS When you purchase the paperback book from Amazon, you can download the eBook version absolutely FREE! You may want to strongly consider this, because the eBook version contains all of the photographs in FULL COLOR. I hope this book touches you with a love of embroidery, just like my grandma shared with me. Happy Stitching!