Recommend an embroidery book for a beginner

[5foot5]

Last Christmas my sister bought me a simple applique kit that also required a few simple embroidery stitches to complete the picture. I really enjoyed doing it and was quite pleased with the result. Now I would like to explore embroidery a bit more and find some more projects to do.

I know there are lots of online resources but I tend to like a book I can refer to where possible. I have seen books which explain how to do about 200 stitches but I think I need something that starts a bit more with the basics. E.g. what materials to choose, how to choose and create a design, how to start and finish off, how to keep it neat at the back, etc. Also if the book had some suggested projects to get me going that would be ideal.

Can anyone recommend such a book?

Any other tops, please?

The Royal School of Embroidery (based at Hampton Court) does really good instructions with their kits. They also do classes and resources.

Would something like this suit you? https://royal-needlework.org.uk/product/rsn-book-of-embroidery-all-techniques/

Thank you @12roundsofwhitelowfatspread that looks like it could be the very thing. Also I had never heard of the Royal School of Embroidery so their online shop and kits could be a good place to start.

Did you get the book OP? I am considering asking for it for my birthday and would like to use you as my guinea pig.

Sorry @weekfour I only just saw your post.

I haven't got it yet because I am waiting until I have finished the very large crochet project I have been working on since April ( might finish it this week) before I take up anything else. Then I will be on holiday at the start of September, so it will probably be another month before I can have a proper go at this.

If you get the book in the meantime do let me know what you think

I bought this set earlier in the year to teach myself embroidery & I’m really pleased with it. There was more than enough thread with it & it’s taught me enough stitches to start on my own projects.

RSN is not particularly beginner friendly. I would look at something like this one. Also I know you wanted a book, but Mary Corbet’s website is an absolute treasure trove of a resource for embroidery.

Would agree that Royal School of Needlework guides are pitched too high for an absolute beginner.

This book is very good.

@Funderthighs Thanks for the recommendation, that kit looks just the thing.

@bridgetreilly Good links, thank you for the advice

@dressedforcomfort I am sure I have seen that book in Waterstones so will take a closer look.

Try Rebecca Ringquists Dropcloth samplers

https://shopbeyondmeasure.co.uk/collections/dropcloth-samplers