Best Embroidery Book for Beginners (2026): 5 Picks Compared

A reader with a hoop and a first skein of thread needs a book that shows each stitch clearly, and the best embroidery book for beginners is the one that matches that reader’s starting point. This list compares embroidery books from current listings, by stitches, projects, pages and publication date.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Almost Everything by Gratz	9.8/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Embroidery by Ganderton	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	How to Embroider by Johns	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Essential Stitches by Kiyo	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Hand Embroidery At-A-Glance	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Almost Everything by Gratz

Wendi Gratz·9.8/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A motif sourcebook with step-by-step stitch tutorials and templates, for beginners starting their first embroidery projects.

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Pros

• 500+ modern motifs with templates and stitch guides
• Step-by-step tutorials for essential stitches
• Illustrated edition with a checklist of threads, needles and fabric

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• No projects stated, only motifs and tutorials
• No left-handed guidance stated

2

Embroidery by Ganderton

Lucinda Ganderton·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An all-encompassing stitch guide with more than 200 stitches, materials and mounting guidance, for beginners and accomplished stitchers.

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Pros

• More than 200 stitches illustrated and explained
• Stitch gallery for finding the right stitch fast
• Covers materials, mounting, fabrics and frames

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• No projects stated
• No templates stated

3

How to Embroider by Johns

Susie Johns·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An introduction for absolute beginners with simple projects teaching basic skills, for readers who have never held an embroidery needle.

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Pros

• 9 projects teaching basic skills and techniques
• 150 illustrations with straightforward instructions
• Written for absolute beginners

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• 108 pages, the lowest page count here
• 2017 publication, the oldest here

4

Essential Stitches by Kiyo

Hiroko Kiyo·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A stitch guide with step-by-step photos covering common stitches and stumpwork, for beginners and readers improving their skills.

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Pros

• 100+ stitches with step-by-step photos
• Covers stumpwork and 3D embroidery
• Explains embroidery from A to Z

Cons

• No reading age or grade level stated
• No projects stated
• No edition stated in the listing data

5

Hand Embroidery At-A-Glance

Janice Vaine·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A pocket-size carry-along guide with 30 stitches and needle and thread charts.

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Pros

• Pocket-size 4 x 6 inch guide, per the listing
• 30 favorite stitches, per the listing
• Needle and thread charts, per the listing

Cons

• Only 30 stitches, per the listing
• No technique depth beyond favorites is stated
• Small format suits reference, not full lessons

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More picks to compare

• One Full Page Per Stitch by AshwoodFor true beginners, with 120 stitches and left-handed diagrams.Check on Amazon
• Hand Embroidery Made Simple by HooksleyFor beginners, with 12 essential stitches and full-size patterns.Check on Amazon
• Embroidery Stitch Book for BeginnersFor beginners, with 120+ easy stitches and illustrations.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 25 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. None of the picks list a reading age or grade level, so no level points are awarded. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best embroidery book for beginners

Stitches or projects

Motif books and project books teach differently: the Gratz book gives 500+ motifs with tutorials, while the Johns book gives 9 projects for absolute beginners. A motif book suits a reader who wants many designs, while a project book suits a reader who wants finished pieces. See also our best embroidery stitch books.

Pages and publication date

Page counts here run from 108 to 160, and publication dates run from 2017 to 2022. The Johns book is the oldest and lowest in page count, while the Ganderton book is the newest and longest. The publication date shows how recent the edition is, and the page count shows how much material the book holds. See also our best knitting books for beginners.

Before you buy

• Check the edition or ISBN on the listing: the Gratz and Johns books state Illustrated editions.
• Check the page count against the reader’s patience: counts here run from 108 to 160 pages.
• Check whether the book teaches stitches, projects or both: the Gratz book teaches motifs and stitches, while the Johns book teaches projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best embroidery book for beginners?

It depends on the reader: the Johns book is written for absolute beginners with 9 projects, while the Gratz book gives 500+ motifs with tutorials. Match the book to whether the reader wants projects or motifs.

What is an embroidery stitch book?

An embroidery stitch book explains stitches with illustrations and guidance: the Ganderton book explains more than 200 stitches with a gallery, and the Kiyo book explains 100+ stitches with step-by-step photos.

How do I use an embroidery book?

Follow the tutorials in order and practice each stitch before starting a project: the Johns book pairs straightforward instructions with 150 illustrations, and the Gratz book pairs motifs with templates and stitch guides.

Still deciding? Our top pickAlmost Everything by Gratz

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Related lists

See every Nonfiction list.

More lists: best embroidery stitch books, best knitting books for beginners, best nonfiction books for beginners.