Looking for a special gift for the stitcher in your life? Take a look at these beautiful and modern embroidery books, the perfect stocking stuffer for this Christmas. Each book is packed with modern and easy-to-follow designs to stitch, from cute woodland creatures to floral masterpieces.
Our team has specially selected each of these embroidery books because they stand out to us. They will help to improve skills but also inspire creativity.
If you love embroidery and are looking for more stitchy gifts, take a look at our gifts for embroidery artists.
Get started with embroidery and with expert guidance in our embroidery for beginners article.
11 modern embroidery books
1. Thread Folk: A Modern Makers Book of Embroidery Projects and Artist Collaborations: 2 by Libby Moore
This gorgeous book is ideal for the modern stitcher, it is jam-packed full of fresh up-to-date designs and patterns.
You'll find this book is suitable for both the beginner stitcher but will also appeal to those more experienced.
Thread Folk also includes collaborations with artists, who have come together to create some truly unique pieces. Whether you are purchasing for yourself to inspire your next project, or you are gifting it to the stitcher in your life, we can assure you one thing, you won't be disappointed.
2. Hoop Art by Cristin Morgan
This book contains a unique collection of embroidery motifs featuring vibrant colours for hours of stitching fun. A variety of abstract and geometric motifs, botanical patterns, classic hand-lettered styles, and many more will inspire your stitching in new and creative ways.
It's ideal for beginners as it teaches the basics of stitching, but will also appeal to the experienced stitcher due to the delightful designs inside.
3. Embroidery Stitches Step-by-Step by Lucinda Ganderton
One for those looking for a comprehensive guide to embroidery stitches, the book is a must-have for anyone serious about embroidery, it contains over 200 stitches and a guide on how to do each one.
For each stitch, you will find a step-by-step guide with photos Not only does this book help with stitches but it also gives advice on what thread, needles or fabric will work with which stitches.
This book is an invaluable tool for beginners, and full of ideas for the accomplished stitcher!
4. Garden Stitch Life: 50 Embroidery Motifs & Projects to Grow Your Inspiration by Kazuko Aoki
What better inspiration for embroidery than nature? Packed full of gorgeous nature-inspired designs, from mushrooms to wildflowers, this wonderful book would be the ideal gift for the nature lover in your life.
Get immersed in the enchanted world of garden embroidery where Aoki will show you the techniques and inspiration behind these wonderful stitches.
5. Pet Portrait Embroidery by Michelle Staub
Always wanted to paint your pooch? Well now you can, with thread!
This modern guide to pet embroidery contains 20 customizable projects that you can stitch into stunningly realistic pet portraits.
In this book, you'll also find a full guide and top tips on embroidery painting techniques, useful for the novice to this style of stitching. This type of stitching is more advanced so might not be suitable for a complete beginner but someone looking to try another style of embroidery.
6. Dried Flower Embroidery by Olga Prinku
For a modern twist on embroidery try this dried flower embroidery guide. You'll use real flowers to create a natural masterpiece.
Inside you'll find everything you need from beginning to end. From learning how to dry flowers through to framing your finished work. You can work on 16 projects from this book, ranging from home decor to clothing.
This would be the perfect gift for anyone looking to start a new hobby, who loves interior design and flowers!
7. Cat Lady Embroidery by Applemints
From our experience in the crafting world, cats and crafters are often cut from the same cloth! We just know this book will appeal to the embroidery fans out there.
You could stitch a new cat every day for just over a year with this fabulous book. It contains 380 ways to stitch a cat - if you don't find a design that looks like your cat we'll be surprised! Purrfect for beginners, this book contains easy-to-follow instructions and simple, quick designs making it a satisfyingly fun book for newbies.
8. Alphabet Embroidery Booklet by Stitch School
This mini-book is the perfect reference book for any keen stitcher. It contains an A-Z of embroidery stitches, and you might even discover some stitches you've never heard of.
Each page is beautifully illustrated to show you exactly how the stitches are done. This book would make a lovely stocking stuffer this Christmas for all those embroidery fans out there.
9. Cute Critters: An Embroidery Pattern Compendium by Jessica Long
Oh, how adorable are these embroidery animals? We can't get enough of them and want to stitch each and every one!
This book is packed with 30 creatures to stitch and easy step-by-step guidance on stitches and techniques. It contains beginner-friendly patterns as well as more advanced ones for those who are a dab hand at the craft already.
These unique creations would make lovely hangings around your home, or you could give them as gifts to friends and family.
10. Colourful Fun Embroidery by Clare Albans
Everyone needs a bit of brightness and motivation in their lives at some point, and this book brings just that! Brighten up your home and your life with these 24 bright and fun embroidery projects.
With a step-by-step guide and beautiful illustrations, this is the ideal book for embroidery beginners. It will certainly spark a love of stitching in anyone looking to learn.
This fun book also gives you the chance to personalise your work, by allowing you to choose your own colours and even giving you suggestions to make it unique!
11. Embroidery Now: Contemporary projects for you and your home by Jennifer Cardenas Riggs
This edgy embroidery book contains 30 contemporary projects. It includes boho stitched lampshade, a constellation table runner, and starry-stitched dresses. It's the perfect companion for any modern stitcher who wants to take their home decor to the next level.
To finish these designs you won't need any prior experience as the book offers full step-by-step instructions, top tips and tricks.
