Folk Art Needlecraft

Expert crafter Clare Youngs has long been influenced by the folk art of cultures from around the world. Here she uses some of her favorite motifs to create 35 gorgeous projects to make.

Clare uses traditional imagery as well as a more modern take on classic folk art—with beautiful results. The designs use a range of different embroidery stitches—including seed stitch, French knots, star stitch, herringbone stitch, and cross stitch—to create striking arrangements. These embroidery patterns are then used to adorn a multitude of items made in a variety of fabrics including picnic bags, purses, a gingham dress for a little girl, soft toys, pillows, and cushions, table cloths, seat covers, notebooks, buttons, and more.

So whether you love the traditional style of Scandinavian needlecraft, or the intricate patterns and symbols of Mexican folk art, you are guaranteed to find something beautiful to make for yourself or to give as a gift. Each project comes with clear step-by-step instructions and beautiful illustrations, as well as a useful techniques section at the back.

• With 35 stunning projects to try, you will find everything from a cute embroidered pair of espadrilles to quilts using Japanese sashiko stitching.
• Contains beautiful embroidered motifs from Scandinavia, Eastern Europe, Spain, India, and Japan.
• Every project comes with clear instructions and artworks explaining everything you need to know, step by step.