4 Must Read Books for Textile Art and Embroidery Lovers

Explore the enchanting world of textile art and embroidery with these 4 recommended books curated by Amanda McCavour, a seasoned teacher at Domestika.

Today, we're diving headfirst into the captivating world of embroidery, where every stitch tells a unique story. And who better to guide us on this whimsical adventure than one of our very own embroidery teachers, Amanda McCavour (@amandamccavour) ? She's curated a list of 4 must read books that promise to inspire and ignite your passion for the art of thread work. So, without further ado, let's unravel the secrets hidden within these pages!

1. Mark Making In Textile Art

By Helen Parrott

At its core, textile art is about mark making (a creative act similar to drawing with a pencil). In this captivating book, Helen Parrott explores the intricate relationship between stitch and drawing, guiding readers through the myriad ways marks can be used to bring fabric to life. From hand to machine stitch, Parrott's insights and techniques are sure to spark your creativity and strengthen your personal voice as a textile artist.

Amanda’s note: This is one of my favorite books to look at when I'm thinking about the different ways I can use my sewing machine.

2. The Intentional Thread

By Susan Brandeis

With more than 350 color photographs, this comprehensive guide transforms the techniques of drawing and painting into the realm of stitch. Susan Brandeis invites readers to communicate their ideas through line, shape, color, and texture, offering inspiration and guidance for practitioners at all skill levels. Let your imagination soar as you explore the endless possibilities of threadwork!

Amanda’s note: This book explores different ways to arrange stitches to create different effects. I love the range of approaches and many examples this book has!

3. Freestyle Machine Embroidery

By Carol Shinn

Unleash your creativity with freestyle machine embroidery in this inspirational guidebook by Carol Shinn. From adjusting thread tension to understanding fabric distortion, Shinn covers all the basics and beyond, empowering crafters to elevate their skills to an artistic level. Get ready to breathe new life into your quilting and fiber art projects with Shinn's expert guidance and troubleshooting tips.

Amanda’s note: A great resource that covers the basics of free motion machine embroidery and more advanced techniques.

4. Textile Artist: Layer, Paint and Stitch

By Wendy Dolan

Join Wendy Dolan on a journey of creative exploration as she guides readers through her inventive style of textile art. From piecing and layering fabrics to hand and machine stitching, Dolan's step by step projects and inspiring gallery showcase the beauty and versatility of textile art. Let your imagination run wild as you transform fabric into three dimensional masterpieces!

Amanda’s note: This book is an excellent way to continue to develop layered textures using free motion machine embroidery with other techniques like painting and hand stitching.

And that's a wrap! A treasure trove of inspiration awaiting your discovery! But why stop here? Dive deeper into the world of embroidery with Amanda McCavour's (@amandamccavour) captivating online course, Embroidery with a Sewing Machine. Discover the art of delicate and colorful art installations created entirely with thread as Amanda guides you through the process of using a sewing machine for free motion embroidery.

Throughout the course, you'll learn to translate natural elements into stunning embroidered designs, from familiarizing yourself with materials to mastering essential stitch patterns. By the end of this course, you'll have the skills to create beautiful, delicate embroidered designs that can be worn or displayed.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's stitch our way to artistic greatness together!