Hand Embroidery

Hand embroidery is enjoying a revival as contemporary textile practitioners embrace the many possibilities of expressing themselves with thread. The craft has a long and interesting tradition with a long history and has bought many hours of creative pleasure to women for generations.
Here are some resources and information for people who are interested in forms of hand embroidery and needlework. I hope you have a wonderful stitching journey.

Resources online

Caron Collection Magazine: Caron Collection Magazine with articles on design, On-line lessons and contemporary techniques are featured. Feature Column: provides a monthly column and a gallery. Archived articles and projects are also on the site.
Classic Stitches: Classic Stitches has a number of resources for members. Under Know how in the stitching zone their techniques section offers articles on various types of embroidery and techniques. These include articles such as A Beginner's Guide To Crewelwork, A Beginners' Guide To Goldwork, Blackwork - The Basics And Beyond and How To Hardanger
American Needlepoint Guild: The American Needlepoint Guild provides articles, a stitch of the month, discussion list, extensive FAQ's on their site, They also provide an definition of Needlepoint as "any counted or free stitchery worked by hand with a threaded needle on a readily countable ground."
Stitch: Stitch Magazine hosted by the Embroiderer's Guild (UK) contains articles on the collection, techniques, stitches and projects.
Wonderful Stitches WWW: A web site of resources for canvas stitchery enthusiasts which features different stitches and free patterns for needlepoint and cross-stitch.
Needlecrafter: Needlecrafter.com maintained by Andrea English a site with an emphasis on embroidery. Explore the library for free patterns a stitch dictionary, articles and tips
Stitch Tutorials: A listing of tutorials on various stitches and styles of embroidery provided by the Heritage shoppe

Stitch Glossaries and Dictionaries

Collections of stitches online and how to do them

sharon b's Stitch Dictionary: A dictionary of needlwork and embroidery stitches illustrated with step by step photographs. To assist those who are new to the craft of hand embroidery each stitch is categorised as to the degree of difficulty.
Rissa's Pieces Stitch Dictionary: This collection of stitches also includes beaded stitches
Johanna Cormier's Embroidery Stitch Diagrams: A good collection of hand drawn stitch diagrams by Johanna Cormier
Classic Stitches: Classic Stitches has a number of resources for members (you have to join but it is free) These include a Stitch Glossary listed under Know how in the stitching zone. The Glossary is in alphabetical order, with detailed illustrations and directions.
A to Z of stitching terms: A glossary linked to a number of brief descriptions that refer to various aspects of embroidery provided by Cross-Stitching.com
Stitch Dictionary: A Dictionary of stitches used in evenweave techniques such as Hardanger and Pulled thread embroidery from Over the Moon Designs

Assisi Embroidery

Delicate Threads of Pattern: An article by Lucy Lyons Willis about this style of embroidery which also includes a free pattern.
Assisi work: An article provided by cross stitch.com on this style of embroidery
Assisi Embroidery: The definition of this style of embroidery in Wikipedia
Stalking the Wild Assisi: A lengthier article by Kathryn Newell which includes bibliographic references and links to free charts. The patterns are suitable for historical reproduction pieces

Bead embroidery

Introduction to Bead Embroidery: Introduction to Bead Embroidery by Paula S. Morgan of the About.com network
Bead Embroidery Samples I: Part of a series on bead embroidery illustrating embroidery stitches worked in seed beads from Beadwrangler
Bead Embroidery Samples Part II: The second part of a series on bead embroidery illustrating embroidery stitches and motifs worked in seed beads from Beadwrangler
Knot Bead Embroidery!To Knot or Not, in Bead Embroidery: Article discussing the advantages of knotting in bead embroidery

Blackwork

Blackwork: An Introduction by Carol Algie Higginbotham provided by the American Needlepoint Guild
Blackwork Embroidery Archives: A collection of blackwork patterns and designs provided by Paula Katherine Marmor These blackwork patterns can be printed out and used for personal or classroom use provided that credit is given to the source.
Blackwork from Stitch On Line: An illustrated article on the history, technique, early design sources, and bibliography, provided by the Skinner Sisters.
Elizabethan Practical Companion Blackwork Gallery: this site is intended to assist costumers in incorporating blackwork embroidery into Renaissance-era cos
Fill-in Patterns from Sixteenth Century Blackwork Embroideries: Patterns provided by the Embroiderers' Guild of the Kingdom of Atlantia of the Society for Creative Anachronism.
Monochromatic Embroidery: Monochromatic Embroidery: Blackwork, Whitework, Redwork, Bluework an article provided by Needlecrafter.com
A Blackwork Embroidery Primer: Provided by Rissa Peace Root which covers the history or the technique plus basic instructions
Discussion Group: Yahoo Discussion group for those interested in Blackwork

Brazilian and Textured Embroidery

Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild: The Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild is a non profit organization which aims to promote the art of Brazilian embroidery. Useful information such as instructions on how to do the stitches and some hints and directions are published on the site
Brazilian embroidery: The definition of this style of embroidery in Wikipedia
Brazilian-Style Embroidery: Brazilian-Style Embroidery From Adaptation to Obsession is an article by Jo Gillen provided by the American Needlepoint Guild
History of Brazilian Embroidery: History of Brazilian Embroidery by Tammy's threads which also provides this list of stitches used in this style of embroidery
TLC Brazilian Embroidery: A site with brief articles on stiches, threads tips and tricks that apply to this form of embroidery.
Brazilian Embroidery in Crazy Quilting: An article on using this style of embroidery in contemporary crazy quilting.
Encrusting Calico: Inspired by an underwater theme, Jennifer Rochester "uses plain fabric and neutral threads to create rocky surfaces encrusted with growth". This project which uses highly textured stitches is provided by the Embroiderers Guild UK
Creative cast ons: An Illustrated article on working Cast-on stitch from the TLC Brazilian Embroidery
Cast on stitch: Step by step illustrated instructions on how to do cast on stitch
Double cast on stitch: Step by step illustrated instructions on how to do double cast on stitch
Drizzle stitch: Step by step illustrated instructions on how to do drizzle stitch
Tips for Stitching with Rayon: Tips provided by Edmar Threads company for using rayon thread
Brazilian Embroidered Heart: A pattern and stitch guide by Rissa Peace Root
Embellished Bear: Brazilian Embroidery Embellished Bear by Rita Goff
Silken Roses Collar: A free project designed by Betty Pillsbury
BDEIGCyberChapter: Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery International Guild Cyber Chapter. For Brazilian Dimensional International Guild Members and other interested people. Some participants are guild members and others are not.
BEStitchers: A Yahoo group for those who are interested in chat, sharing ideas, and learning more about brazilian embroidery
Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery: A Yahoo group for those that share a passion for Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery.

Candlewicking

Candlewicking: A definition of this style of embroidery from Wikipedia
Candlewicking: an article provided by Whiteworks
Candlewicking: Candlewicking A brief article by Megan McConnell of BellaOnline Embroidery

Canvas work or Needlepoint

Canvas Types and Basic Stitches or What is Needlepoint?: An article describing the basic stitches of Canvas work
What is Needlepoint?: An illustrated article provided by the American Needlepoint Guild for the 1997 National Exhibit, Detroit, Michigan written by Carole Lake
A Guide to Needlepoint: An online primer supplied by Needlecraft showcase
Stitch of the month: American Needlepoint Guild publishes a stitch of the month which is worth browsing through.
Wonderful Stitches WWW: A web site of resources for stitchery enthusiasts which features a different stitches particularly those for canvas and counted thread. The site also has free sampler patterns.
Best Laid Plans: An article by Maggie Phillips which explores the use of Burden stitch
CHL Stitch of the Month: CHL Design has published a stitch of the month with each stitch illustrated and stitched using contemporary techniques. Provided by Carole H. Lake
Needlepoint Now: Needlepoint Now is an Ezine for stitchers interested in canvas work. Free Projects, Tips and a comprehensive introduction to this style of embroidery.
Free patterns: Free patterns with a contemporary flavour from Carole H. Lake of CHL Design
Stitchamaze: Stitchamaze exhibits the beautiful needlepoint work of guest artists and Rosalyn Cherry-Soleil
About Backgrounds: An article on selecting adapting and designing interesting backgrounds on canvas work by Ginger McTeague

Hardanger

Hardanger embroidery: Hardanger embroidery is a good basic instructional article on Hardanger Embroidery. It covers starting, Kloster Blocks both diagonal and horizontal, Chevron borders, cutting, wrapped and woven bars, a picot Woven Bar, wheel and Dove's Eye.
History of Hardangersom (Hardanger) Part I: An illustrated article by Rita Vainius provided by the online ezine The Caron Collection:
Norwegian Hardanger Embroidery: Norwegian Hardanger Embroidery "A Soothing Needle Art for the Soul" by Lucy Lyons Willis provided by La Chatelaine Designs. An illustrated article about this form of embroidery.
Hardanger Embroidery: A history of Hardanger in America
Hardanger Lessons: Beginning Hardanger is a series of lessons combined with a free pattern for a tasteful sampler Here is the Table of Contents for the series
Hardanger 101: Hardanger 101 from Nordic Needle provides the basics on this style

Huck Weaving (pattern darning)

Huck Darning: Swedish Weaving a pattern and instructions on this technique
A Brief History of Swedish Weaving: A brief overview of the history and technique. This article includes instructions on how it is done.
Pattern for a bookmark: Huck weaving pattern for a bookmark by Deborah K. Lauro that is a free project from HereandAbove.com.
Pattern Darning: Pattern Darning is an instructional article by Sally Simon which covers how to do this and patterns
Ornament Project: Sara Pittenger's Ornament Project is a contemporary interpretation of pattern darning
Swedishweave: A Disscussion group at Yahoo on Huck weaving
Venice: A free pattern for Huck weaving
Avery Hill Designs: Hosts information on Huck embroidery and some free patterns

Needlelace

Antique Needlepoint Lace: Antique Needlepoint Lace from the collection of Marla Mallett an illustrated article provided by Marla Mallett Textiles and Tribal Oriental Rugs which illustrates and explains different types of needle laces.
Guild of Needle Laces: Houses information about membership and for anyone interested in needlelace, stumpwork and textured embroidery they should check out their gallery.
Youghal Needlelace: Guild of Irish Lacemakers provides a brief article on Youghal Needlelace which is a type of needle lace born out of need for employment during the potato famine.
Needlelace: Needle Lace provided by Lacy Fairy
Needlelace: An illustrated article which places needleace in a historical context and offers practical instructional material.
Armenian needlelace: Armenian needlelace (also known as Bebilla, Nazareth Lace and Knotted Lace) definition from Wikipedia
Discussion group: Yahoo discussion group Topics include Venetian lace, Reticella (punto in aria), Hollie Point, Battenberg lace, Puncetto (knotted lace), Teneriffe lace (wheel or sun lace), filet and netted lace, open drawnwork and cutwork and all the variations.
Needle Point Lace: A brief illustrated article
Needlelace stitches: The stitches used in needlelace illustrated and explained.
Needlelace Chocolates: Needlelace Chocolates - a contemporary interpretation of needlelace by Jacky McDouall for a Valentine's Day competition
Vintage Point Lace Patterns: Full detailed instructions on how to do needlelace stitches
Olwyn Scott's Needlelace: An example of contemporary needlelace from Australia

Silk Ribbon Embroidery

Beginners' Silk-Ribbon Embroidery: An article by Karen Kieppe from Threads magazine
Ribbon History: An article on the history of ribbons and the history of the Offray company provided by Offray Ribbons
Fuchsia flower: Free Instructions on how to make a fushia flower from ribbon
Ribbon Smyth stitch guide: Diagrams of silk ribbon stitches provided by Ribbon Smyth
Silk Ribbon Camellia version 1: By Stephanie Novatski from CQ MagOnline
Silk Ribbon Camellia: Version 2: By Stephanie Novatski Step-by-step instructions for a ruffled edge Camellia embellished with beads.
SRE Safe Haven list: Discussion email list on silk ribbon embroidery.
Wyld Rose: Instructions on how to make a ribbon rose
SRE Iris I: Instructions on how to work a number of variations by Dean Deerfield
Offray Ribbon: Instructional series of articles from Offray on how to make things with their products.
Pansy Fan Needlebook: A free pattern for a fan shaped needlebook embellished with silk ribbon roses
Silk Ribbon Roses: Step by step photographs of making a Silk Ribbon rose
Silk Ribbon Stitch Directions: Marie Alton has provided instructional material for the basic silk ribbon stitches, the Melanie Rose and the Alton Loop
Pin Puff: Free pattern supplied by Marie Alton
Violets: Instructions on how to make ribbon violets from the site of Helen Gibb
Silk Ribbon discussion list: A Yahoo discussion list for Silk Ribbon Embroidery enthusiasts.

Discussion Groups

Hand Embroidery: A Yahoo discussion group in which people focus on forms of stitching by hand.
Sampler life: A yahoo group "dedicated to the Sampler lover in all stitchers. Old, Repro and New Samplers. Our aim is to provide a forum to discuss all facets of the Samplers that we love the most."
Stitching Post: A yahoo group which descibes itself as "A place for hand-embroiderers and fiber artists of all persuasions can come to talk about stitching."
Silk Ribbon discussion list: A Yahoo discussion list for Silk Ribbon Embroidery enthusiasts.
SRE Safe Haven discussion list: Discussion email list on silk ribbon embroidery.
Needlelace Discussion group: Yahoo discussion group Topics include Venetian lace, Reticella (punto in aria), Hollie Point, Battenberg lace, Puncetto (knotted lace), Teneriffe lace (wheel or sun lace), filet and netted lace, open drawnwork and cutwork and all the variations.
Blackwork: Yahoo Discussion group for those interested in Blackwork
BDEIGCyberChapter: For Brazilian Dimensional International Guild Members and other interested people. Some participants are guild members and others are not.
BEStitchers: A Yahoo group for those who are interested in chat, sharing ideas, and learning more about brazilian embroidery
Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery: A Yahoo group for those that share a passion for Brazilian Dimensional Embroidery.
Swedishweave: A Disscussion group at Yahoo on Huck weaving and Pattern darning
Stumpwork and Surface Embroidery: A Yahoo group for those interested in surface hand embroidery with a particular interest in stumpwork, raised embroidery, and crewel work
Redwork Designs: A Yahoo group which discusses redwork hand embroidery
Redwork Stitches: A Yahoo group to share and discuss redwork worked by hand.
Needlepoint Etc: A Yahoo group or all those interested in Needlepoint (Canvas Work)
Heirloom Needles: A Yahoo group which aims to promote the quality of hand stitching specializing in Multi-Stitch Samplers, Drawn Pulled Thread and Hardangersom

Design resources

Quest: Taking the Fear Out of Designing: Sue Strause covers the basics of design elements such as tone, balance, rhythm, texture and colour
Pattern Making with Cross Stitch: An article by Jean Draper which pushes the simple cross stitch into the 21st century in order to create richly patterned and textured embroideries.
Designing with Stitches: Designing with Stitches by Julie Goetsch focuses on setting canvas stitches in repeat in order to create patterns of texture
Laying it on the Line: Couching and variations explored by Jan Beaney an illustrated article on couching with stitched samples and diagrams.
Variations of a Theme: Create Your Own Stitch Variations an article by Gayle Bicknell provided by American Needlepoint Guild

Starting, finishing and general tips

Starting off Using the Loop Method: An illustrated article on how to start a thread using this method

Equipment

A Few Pointers on Needle Sizes: A few "pointers" on selecting the right size tapestry needle for counted thread, needlepoint and canvas work provided by Elizabeth Tarnove
Needlework and Embroidery Scissors: Offers some brief advice on choosing scissors for hand embroidery
Stitching With a Hoop: A brief article which covers the types of hoops available on the market and how to wrap a wooden hoop.

Thread

Five Tips for Stitching with Stranded Floss: Five Tips for Stitching with Stranded Floss by Shelly Hazard is as the title says - tips for using floss and staying tangle free
Stranded Cotton: A brief article on the types of stranded cotton available, how to use it and how many strands to use on what fabric count
Using rayon threads: Tips for Stitching with Rayon provided by Edmar Threads

Fabrics

Different Fabrics: An illustrated article on the different fabrics used in hand embroidery.

Using Waste Canvas

Using Waste Canvas: Linda Barraclough provides step by step illustrated instructions on using waste canvas on crazy quilted projects.
Waste Canvas: A useful guide to the use of Waste Canvas in needlework
Stitching with Waste Canvas: Useful tips and advice to the use of Waste Canvas in needlework
Mystery of the Vanishing Canvas: Mystery of the Vanishing Canvas (All You Ever Wanted To Know About Blue Line Waste Canvas) by June H. Moes provided by the American Needlepoint Guild