Best Needlework Books of 2025

Crochet Cute Critters: 26 Easy Amigurumi Patterns by Sarah Zimmerman is a delightful book that teaches how to make cute and cuddly animals with easy crochet. The book is perfect for both beginners and advanced enthusiasts of amigurumi. The patterns are easy to follow, and the designs are adorable, ranging from alligators to zebras. The author also provides step-by-step rundowns of essential crocheting skills, making it an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their crochet skills. Overall, Crochet Cute Critters is a must-have for anyone who loves crocheting stuffed toys and wants to create a colorful collection of pillowy plush critters.

Crochet Creatures of Myth and Legend by Megan Lapp offers a collection of 19 unique crochet patterns that range from small and adorable creatures to full-sized mythological beasts. With detailed and colorful designs, Lapp's step-by-step instructions make it easy for both beginners and advanced crocheters to bring their imagination to life. The book includes various options for wing styles, feathers, and more, allowing for flexibility and creativity. Overall, Crochet Creatures of Myth and Legend is a must-have for any crochet enthusiast looking to create their own magical beasties.

If you're looking for a pocket-sized reference book packed full of knitting tips and tricks, "Patty Lyons' Knitting Bag of Tricks: Over 70 sanity saving hacks for better knitting" is the ultimate guide for you. Expert knitter Patty Lyons shares her purls' of wisdom, offering practical advice for knitters and step-by-step instructions for a whole raft of knitting issues. What makes this book unique is that it doesn't just fix your knitting problems but helps you truly understand why the yarn/stitches/needles/tension are acting in a certain way and how to fix any issues. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone who wants to improve their knitting skills and troubleshoot common knitting mistakes.

Paint with Thread: A step-by-step guide to embroidery through the seasons is a stunningly illustrated book by self-taught embroidery artist Emillie Ferris. The book is a comprehensive guide for those who want to learn the art of needlepainting, also known as thread painting or silk shading. It features five exclusive patterns inspired by nature and the changing seasons, with around 60 detailed step-by-step photos for each design. The book is perfect for beginners, with tips and techniques on materials, transferring designs onto fabric, and fully illustrated explanations of stitches and skills needed. The exquisite photography and lavish hardback binding make it a real treasure for book lovers. The high-quality iron-on transfers at the back of the book allow readers to transfer the designs directly onto fabric and get started straight away. In conclusion, Paint with Thread is an exceptional embroidery book that stands out for its stunning illustrations, comprehensive guidance, and unique patterns.

This pocket-sized guide, Hand Embroidery Stitches At-A-Glance, is an essential reference for any embroidery enthusiast. It includes step-by-step instructions and illustrations for 30 favorite embroidery stitches, as well as needle and thread charts for quick reference. The book also provides helpful tips and variation options for achieving various effects. The compact size of the book makes it easy to carry along in a project bag or purse. Overall, this book is a must-have for anyone looking to practice and perfect their embroidery skills.

Crochet Cafe is a delightful book that features over 30 amigurumi crochet patterns inspired by food items. The author, Lauren Espy, provides easy-to-follow patterns, detailed photos, and useful tips that make this book suitable for both novice and experienced crocheters. From breakfast to dinner, this book covers all your adorable food needs, allowing you to create your favorite meals and treats in crochet form. Crochet Cafe is an ideal book for crocheters looking for gifts for all ages. The intentional artwork, precise details, and information make this book unique and a must-have for amigurumi enthusiasts.

The New Crochet Stitch Dictionary by Nele Braas and Eveline Hetty-Burkart is a must-have for any crochet enthusiast. With 440 stitch patterns presented in color, each with a sample swatch of the fabric and charted instructions, this book is well-organized and easy to use. Divided into ten chapters by stitch type, it includes everything from textures and cables to borders and granny squares. The authors' passion for crochet shines through in their detailed chart keys and notes. This book offers endless inspiration and will be a valuable reference for years to come.

Crochet Southwest Spirit is a captivating book that offers an array of over 20 beginner and intermediate crochet patterns inspired by the natural landscapes of the American Southwest. The author, Susan Kennedy, draws inspiration from the mountains, deserts, and valleys of Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Arizona. The patterns include blankets, pillows, rugs, baskets, towels, wall hangings, wraps, and tote bags. What sets this book apart is the author's respect for the fiber arts traditions of the indigenous communities in the Four Corners area, which she honors by using natural cotton and wool fibers produced by indigenous artists and shepherds. Crochet Southwest Spirit is a must-have for anyone looking to add a bohemian touch to their crochet repertoire.

Knotmonsters: Potted Plants edition: 12 Amigurumi Crochet Patterns is a comprehensive guide to crochet cute little amigurumi toys of house plants. The book includes 12 patterns and basic stitch tutorials, making it easy for beginners to follow along. The author encourages readers to experiment with different hooks, types of yarn, and colors, adding their own artistic flair to each pattern. What makes this book unique is its emphasis on personal interpretation and creativity. Overall, Knotmonsters is an excellent resource for anyone interested in amigurumi crochet and looking to bring some greenery into their home in a fun and unique way.

Make, Sew and Mend by Bernadette Banner is a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in sustainable fashion and sewing techniques. The author's signature voice and step-by-step photos make it easy for beginners to learn traditional stitches and techniques to maintain and refashion their clothes. The book also includes profiles of voices in the historic sewing community and their perspectives on how taking fashion into their own hands has changed their lives for the better. Overall, Make, Sew and Mend is a must-have for those who want to create a sartorially sustainable future.