This guide includes a selection of stitching from different cultures and a selection of contemporary work provides inspiration for experimenting with the basic hand stitches. Chapters give advice on the choice and planning of stitches and the creation of unusual backgrounds. The techniques within different stitch families are introduced - couching, detached chain, twisted chain, cretan stitch, cross stitch, buttonhole stitch and knots - including advice on building them into imaginative, textured surfaces. The text also contains sections on blending and integrating stitches, combining hand- and machine-stitching and using stitches for a specific purpose, such as for texture, joinings, borders, marks or landscape. A gallery section gives an overview of the work of leading embroiderers.