The Good Housekeeping Illustrated Book of Needlecrafts

by Good Housekeeping

Book Overview

Techniques for knitting, crochet, embroidery, cross-stitch, needlepoint, patchwork quilting, and other types of needlecrafts are explained in simple step-by-step instructions by the experts at Good... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0688126391
• ISBN13: 9780688126391
• Release Date: December 1899
• Publisher: Hearst Communications
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 2.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 8.9" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

Almost perfect

Although (so far) I only use the knitting section, the rest of the book is also beautiful and inspiring and, who knows? Maybe I'll take up some other needlecraft someday. This book is beautiful, detailed, simple, clean, with precise instructions for each stitch. One tiny little word of caution ~ do a test run on any new stitch. I found one that was missing the last row of "purl all", but know enough about knitting to realize it was missing as I returned to row one as the instructions stated. I saw the pattern was not what it should be, and figured out the last row of instructions was missing. I've only found the one stitch pattern to be off, but I have not tried them all. So, a test run is a good idea. They do have crisp photographs of every stitch, and yours should look the same. That is very helpful! Overall, I love this book! I've had it a few years, and it is my go-to book for any new ideas and to refresh my memory on basic techniques if, for example, it's been a few months since I last cast on. It starts at the absolute beginning, so you can literally "teach" yourself how to do any of these crafts. I highly recommend it!

My first crochet book

I bought this book back in 2001 when I wanted to teach myself how to crochet and it wasn't trendy to crochet yet. I ended up purchasing it because it had the best illustrations and the most interesting projects compared to the really goofy crochet project books on the shelf next to it. TGHIBON taught me how to crochet but later more hip and happening crochet books starting appearing and now TGHIBON pales in comparison. Now that I've become an advanced beginner I've also noticed that the projects are way more difficult for a beginner and a little out of style. There are quite a bit of editing mistakes in my copy too. Some stitch samples are incorrectly labeled. I now know that that Back and Front Loop Single Crochet should be labeled as DOUBLE CROCHET. Stuff like that is annoying. I have no use for the needlepoint, patchwork quilting or rugmaking. I tried the knitting and its also pretty good. The illustrations are great for beginners and I would recommend it for all newbies. When you get better at your craft move on to more interesting projects but keep this one for a reference.

Perfect Reference for Needlecrafts!!!

I can't say enough about this book! Each section starts with the basic tools for that craft. Then, they show basic techniques, stitches, etc, and finally examples of more advanced techniques. Not only does it explain the basics, but offers patterns and instructions for the examples!This book covers: knitting-pattern stitches, cables, openwork, and working with colorcrochet- pattern stitches, variations, working in the round, afghan stitch, and use of color for intarsiaquilting- hand and machine piecing and quiltingpatchwork- basic, seminole, log cabin, hand and machine piecingapplique- hand and machine applique techniques embroidery- stitches, pulled threadwork, using beads and sequins, stumpwork, etcrugmaking- braided, punched, and hooked rugs)needlepoint - stitches, bargello, very basics on painting your own canvasWhat I liked best about this book is that not only the directions are detailed but also the illustrations! Full of bright, bold colors so you can see each step of the stitch very cleary. This author also stresses using color and experimenting as you learn. If you are not sure what needlecraft would suit your taste, I highly recommend this book. It has all you need to get started learning various needlecraft arts until you find the one that was made for you. However, if you are already an avid crocheter, knitter, quilter, etc, this book is great for a reference on advanced techniques and inspiration for design (as well as broadening your skills by learning the techniques of another form of needlework).This one will definitely have a permanent home in my yarn basket!