​ Hand Sewing Magic  is an essential reference for all things stitching, including how-tos for dozens of stitches, sewing and mending basics, stunning embroidered embellishments, and fun, creative projects. Discover the pleasures of slow stitching as Lynn Krawczyk shows you how to enjoy the meditative and mindful process of stitching by hand . Stitching and embroidery are great ways to add color, texture, and interest to all kinds of textiles, and you’ll see how easy it is to develop a distinctive style . After mastering a variety of stitches, apply them to imaginative projects , such as a boro sketchbook cover, a stuffed toy bunny, a wabi sabi neck scarf, and an embroidered square bowl. Even experienced sewers and embroiderers will learn how to transfer patterns , ideas for organizing and caring for thread , differences in thread types , and great troubleshooting tips . Hand Sewing Magic is a modern, all-in-one guide for hand stitchers of all levels of skill and experience, and for all applications. In this unique guide book you will: Get an in-depth overview of essential tools and materials , including thread, needles, fabric, and other key supplies. - Explore a comprehensive visual dictionary of 35 stitches , plus dozens of variations, including basic mending, stylish decorative embellishments, and unique art stitching. - Discover key techniques , such as starting and ending threads, the correct way to use an embroidery hoop, stitching curved shapes, color shading, and more. - Gain confidence in your stitching and embroidery skills as you try new techniques. - Learn essential tips and tricks from influential and innovative stitchers , including Joanne Sharpe, Allison Aller, and Catherine Redford. - Use stitches and techniques in unique ways for 10 simple and stunning projects .  With Hand Sewing Magic , you’ll make the most of your hand stitching and give all your projects a beautiful handmade look. A modern, all-in-one guide for hand stitchers of all levels of skill and experience, and for all applications. A unique instructional guide.― Midwest Book Review Lynn Krawczyk is a mixed-media surface design artist who focuses on pattern and color. Her work features painting, drawing, and hand stitching on both fabric and paper. Lynn has written nearly 50 magazine articles for such publications as Quilting Arts Magazine, Cloth Paper Scissors, Uppercase, Fiber Art Now, and Sew Somerset, and is the author of The Hand-Stitched Surface (CPi, 2017) and  Intentional Printing: Simple Techniques for Inspired Fabric Art (Interweave, 2014). She also has a collection of floss with thread manufacturer Aurifil, Inked by Lynn Krawczyk, as well as three instructional DVD workshops with Quilting Arts/F&W Media: Print, Design, Compose; Color Theory Made Easy; and Thermofax Screen Printing Essentials. Lynn teaches surface design workshops at various venues throughout the United States. She lives in Plymouth, Michigan. Hand Sewing Magic Essential Know-How For Hand Stitching By Lynn Krawczyk The Quarto Group Copyright © 2019 Quarto Publishing Group USA Inc. All rights reserved. ISBN: 978-1-58923-968-5 Contents PREFACE, 6, 1 THE HAND STITCHER'S TOOLKIT, 9, 2 UTILITARIAN STITCHES, 31, 3 OUTLINE AND FILLER STITCHES, 51, 4 DECORATIVE STITCHES, 77, 5 DIMENSIONAL STITCHES, 103, TEMPLATES AND STITCH GUIDES, 134, RESOURCES, 138, ACKNOWLEDGMENTS, 139, ABOUT THE AUTHOR, 140, INDEX, 141, CHAPTER 1 The Hand Stitcher's Toolki As with every activity, you will find the tools that suit your personal sensibilities. However, there are some basics that can't be avoided. This chapter will help you get a good foundation for the materials and supplies that make hand stitching a breeze. THREAD Needless to say, thread is one of the main elements of hand stitching. Just as a painter can choose from acrylic, oil, or watercolor paints, stitchers have a wide variety of thread types to choose from as well. It's incredibly exciting to try them out, but it can also be overwhelming, so we are going to take a close look at exactly what embroidery thread is and what fibers can be used to make it. What Is Embroidery Thread? Embroidery thread is simply defined as yarn that is spun specifically for the use of embroidery and needlework. When you hear the word yarn it may seem confusing, but all it means is that the fibers are made into embroidery thread using the same techniques that yarn is made from — spinning and plying. The raw fiber is spun into a single thread. The threads are then twisted together with varying numbers of strands to create the desired weight. The thread will also be dyed and some threads may be treated with specific chemicals to acquire a unique characteristic. Types of Embroidery Thread We are going to examine five different groups of threads and what makes them special. Disclaimer: The threads shown in the photos are from my personal stash. I've bee