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For those of us who prefer working from charts, books can be a great source of patterns and inspiration. In addition to local bookstores (both new and used), needlepoint books are available on the Web from suppliers such as Amazon in the US or UK and Chapters in Canada. Several Web booksellers cater exclusively to the needle arts: www.needleartsbookshop.com and for hard to find books: www.needleworkbooks.com. 

The books reviewed here are limited to those easily available.  All have been purchased by me within the last 3 or 4 years.  Where a book has recently gone out of print, copies are often still available either at your local bookseller or craft store. Most needlepoint books include basic techniques for stitching and making up the projects. Additional resource information will be noted in the review.

The Charts/Kits section contains a listing of the designs in these books with a photo wherever possible. Click on the book title to see the listing of designs. Then click on the design name to view the piece.  NOTE:  This is an ongoing project so try again later if you can't find what you're looking for. JS

Bahouth (Candace),
     Flowers, Birds & Unicorns – Medieval Needlepoint
     Romantic Needlepoint
Bradley, Elizabeth
     Decorative Victorian Needlework
     Needlework Animals
      Needlework Antique Flowers
Clayton (Judy) and Dow (Deborah),
     Needlepoint Gifts for All Seasons
Edwards, Fletcher et al, 
     The Needlework Home Collection
Ehrman (Hugh), 
     The Ehrman Needlepoint Book
     Fruits of the Earth
Ehrman (Hugh) and Benn (Elizabeth),
     Birds and Beasts in Needlepoint
Elder (Karen),
     Needlepoint
Fassett (Kaffe), 
       Glorious Color
     Glorious Inspiration
     Glorious Interiors
     Glorious Needlepoint
Gordon (Jill), 
     Needlepoint
     Take up Needlepoint
     Tapestry Collection
Hanley (Hope),
     101 Needlepoint Stitches and How to Use Them
Hasler (Julie),
      Egyptian Charted Designs
      Needlepoint Cats
Hawkins (Sue), 
      Heirlooms in Needlepoint  

Irvine (M. Elizabeth),
      Classic Posters for Needlepoint
Knight, Stella
      Exotic Textiles in Needlepoint  
      Exotic Fruits and Flowers In Needlepoint   **just added**
Kooler (Donna),
      Encyclopedia of Needlework
      Glorious Needlepoint
Lazarus (Carole) & Berman (Jennifer) a.k.a. Glorafilia
       The Glorafilia Needlepoint Collection
      Glorafilia – The Impressionist Collection
      Glorafilia – The Miniature Needlepoint Collection
      Glorafilia – The Ultimate Needlepoint Collection
      Glorafilia – The Venice Collection
McCready (Elian), 
     Elian McCready's Needlepoint
Minor (Hollis Greer)
      Needlework Masterpieces from Winterthur   **just added**
Russell (Beth),
      Traditional Needlepoint
      Victorian Needlepoint
      William Morris Needlepoint
Rust (Graham),
      Needlepoint Designs
Williams (Jim),
      American Country Needlepoint
Wilson (Erica), 
      Needlepoint – adapted from … The Metropolitan Museum of Art

101 Needlepoint Stitches and How to Use Them
Hope Hanley (1964), 111 pages

The title is an accurate description of the books. A short discussion, a black and white photo and a chart accompany each stitch.

American Country Needlepoint
Jim Williams (1997), 104 pages

This is a wonderful book of American folk art designs in needlepoint. There are 22 designs for pillows and rugs using a variety of techniques. There are two berry boxes, one of which has been beaded to simulate blackberries and the other textured using trapunto. There is a bird’s nest cushion with the needlepoint centre only 70 stitches across, the balance of the nest consisting of braided carpet-like strips. In the Farm Cat, Mr. Williams has used a longstitch background to simulate a wooden floor. There’s a project here for everyone. 

Birds and Beasts in Needlepoint
Hugh Ehrman and Elizabeth Benn (1989), 120 pages

The preface of this book describes it as a celebration of animals in needlework. It contains 26 colour charts of designs by Kaffe Fassett, Candace Bahouth, Susan Duckworth and other talented designers. In addition, the text is devoted to an extended discussion of the history of needlework and textiles and their place in the decorative arts since medieval times. Even without the marvelous designs, this book should be part of every collection.

This simple book contains 22 charted designs on Art Nouveau themes. The designs are simple yet striking.  Part of the Dover Needlework Series.

Decorative Victorian Needlework
Elizabeth Bradley (1990), 168 pages

In her first needlepoint book, Elizabeth Bradley provides background on the art of Victorian needlework as well as on her own developing interest in the subject. This book contains over 25 charted designs based on a broad range of subjects: animals, flowers, repeating patterns, borders and geometric designs. She also provides a number of smaller designs that can be assembled to make larger ‘patchwork’ projects.

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This is a marvelous and comprehensive book with thousands of color photographs.  She explains thoroughly the materials, stitches, equipment and tools for needlepoint, embroidery, hardanger, counted cross-stitch, blackwork - the many types of needlework.  Everyone should own this book.

Donna Kooler’s Glorious Needlepoint
Donna Kooler (1996), 112 pages

This is the first book of needlepoint designs from the Kooler Design Studios, better known for their cross-stitch patterns. These are elegant designs, several of which have been made into kits by other manufacturers. The book has designs representing the four seasons. Winter designs include two Christmas stockings and a set of four ornaments portraying Santa Claus, Pere Noel, St. Nicholas and Father Christmas. Available in both hard and softcover.

Egyptian Charted Designs
Julie S. Hasler (1992), 48 pages

Part of the Dover Needlework Series, this book contain page after page of black and white charts without discussion. There are 4 pages of basic techniques at the front of the book but other than a title and listing of the colours used, this book contains nothing but charts of Egyptian designs. Inexpensive and a good source of ideas.

The Ehrman Needlepoint Book
Hugh Ehrman (1995), 144 pages

This is the most recent book of needlepoint projects from Ehrman Tapestry. Its contains 35 stunning designs by Kaffe Fassett, Elian McCready, Candace Bahouth and others. There is a short background piece on the company and interesting discussion of the various designers accompanying their pieces. As is usual with Ehrman, these projects are worked exclusively in continental stitch and their beauty relies on the color and design of the piece itself. Many of these projects are also available as kits (see our Charts/Kits database).  

Elian McCready's Needlepoint
Elian McCready (2002), 128 pages

This is Elian McCready's long awaited first book of needlepoint designs.  It contains 19 designs - a combination of some spectacular new pieces as well as old favorites.  Elian's gift for dramatic color is amply showcased by the excellent photography.  

Erica Wilson’s Needlepoint
Erica Wilson (1995), 128 pages

You’re probably familiar with Erica Wilson’s designs for cross-stitch and needlepoint, as they are widely available in magazines and kits. This is a collection of 17 designs adapted from objects in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. This is an eclectic collection including a wallhanging of a Tiffany window; a frame and a small purse based on an Elizabethan embroidered textile, a pillow featuring The Favorite Cat by Nathaniel Currier, several rugs, and a Sevres fireboard.

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Exotic Fruits & Flowers in Needlepoint
Stella Knight (2005), 128 pages

Designs for cushions, pincushions and other projects based on flowers from around the world. Contains 20 projects,  half of which could be completed in a couple of  evening.

Exotic Textiles in Needlepoint
Stella Knight (2003), 120 pages

Designs based on textiles from around the world. Contains 25 projects of various sizes and complexity. The larger charts are somewhat difficult to read.

Flowers, Birds & Unicorns – Medieval Needlepoint
Candace Bahouth (1993), 128 pages

This book attests to the fact that Candace Bahouth is a master of medieval imagery. Although she gives little of her own background, Ms. Bahouth provides excellent discussion on the images incorporated in the projects and why she chose them. The book contains 20 color charts with instructions for completion of the pieces. There are also photographs of other complementary pieces without accompanying charts. Many of these projects are available as kits from Ehrman Tapestry.

This book contains works inspired by Nature and interpreted by fourteen designers.  The text is a collage of interesting background materials on the designs and designers.  Although only 12 designs are charted here, there are dozens of photographs of stitched pieces, many of which are available from Ehrman Tapestry.

Glorafilia Needlepoint Collection, The
Carole Lazarus and Jennifer Berman (1989), 200 pages

In this, the first book by Glorafilia, we are given a glimpse into the history of this wonderful partnership and their many interests and influences. Glorafilia designs are dramatically textured through the use of a variety of stitches. The book contains instructions for 25 projects - not all of which are charted as we have come to expect. Often, an outline of the design is provided for tracing onto the canvas prior to stitching. The book also contains photographs of many other completed projects. An inspiring collection of designs!

Glorafilia – The Impressionist Collection,
Carole Lazarus & Jennifer Berman (1993), 160 pages

The projects in this book take their inspiration from various works by the Impressionists – Cézanne, Degas, Manet, Renoir, Van Gogh and others. There is a short background piece on the authors and the Impressionist movement. The book contains complete instructions for over 20 projects. There are photographs of the projects as well as the original work or source of inspiration for the piece. As is usual with Glorafilia, these pieces contain a variety of stitches although they can be worked exclusively in continental stitch.

Glorafilia – The Miniature Needlepoint Collection,
Carole Lazarus & Jennifer Berman (1994), 96 pages

This book contains 16 small, easy-to-make projects from the Glorafilia partnership. It addition to the smaller pillow designs, there are patterns for several pincushions, an eyeglass case, a jewelry roll and several shaped cushions. There is less variety of stitches in these smaller projects but certainly as much imagination.

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Glorafilia's fifth book of needlepoint designs is filled with photographs, illustrating both the variety and quality of their designs. The book contains the charts for 26 of these projects, all of which are stitched using continental or tent stitch.

Glorafilia – The Venice Collection,
Carole Lazarus & Jennifer Berman (1991), 160 pages

Venice has been an inspiration for writers, artists and musicians for centuries. The over 25 projects contained in this book have been inspired by the sights of the city, the Carnival, Venice’s crafts and textiles. It contains an enormous number of photographs. This is a short background piece at the front. In addition to instructions for many of the projects, the book ends with instructions with photographs for a dozen variety stitches used in these projects.

This book is autobiographical in terms of Kaffe Fassett's life as a designer.  The concentration here is the use of color to interpret the many geometrical shapes and patterns which have inspired his knitting designs. The book does contain four needlepoint projects and certainly provides a wealth of ideas for patterns and backgrounds.

According to the introduction, this book is one Kaffe Fassett has been looking for himself - a book of images to provide inspiration to readers for their own needlepoint and knitting projects. And it certainly inspires.  It contains hundreds of photographs of drawings, paintings, mosaics. tapestries, fabrics and porcelains. Although there are no projects to be completed by the reader, it shows many needlepoint projects by Kaffe in various stages of completion, often with the work of art that inspired the piece. These clearly demonstrate how Kaffe works and, in themselves, inspire. 

Glorious Interiors contains needlepoint, knitting and decorative design projects for the home.  There are a dozen needlepoint projects as well as designs for knitted cushion covers, afghans and hooked rugs.  The book also contains photographs of  room after room packed with decorating ideas as well as many other needlepoint designs without instructions. 

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Glorious Needlepoint
Kaffe Fassett (1987), 160 pages

Kaffe Fassett, known to many of us for his brilliant knitting designs, has produced a wonderful book detailing his growing passion for needlepoint. The book contains 23 charted designs with accompanying discussion on his source of inspiration for these projects. The designs for cushions, placemats, bags, an eyeglass case, a lampshade and a frame clearly demonstrate the versatility of needlepoint. Kaffe’s bold use of colour and ability to turn simple images into glorious designs should be an inspiration to us all.

Graham Rust’s Needlepoint Designs
Graham Rust (1998), 135 pages

Graham Rust, an English muralist, has created 22 original designs for needlepoint based on the natural world and decorative arts. Each project is displayed with the original water colour illustration and a photograph of the finished work. Several of the projects incorporate both petit point and gros point stitches to dramatic effect. This book contains charts for his sunflower chair, several evening bags, an eyeglass case and doorstop, as well as many distinctive cushion designs.

Heirlooms in Needlepoint
Sue Hawkins (1994), 128 pages

Sue Hawkins provides a lovely assortment of projects of varying sizes, complexity and stitches.  This book contains 50 designs in needlepoint, bargello and embroidery - something here for any stitcher.

Jill Gordon’s Needlepoint
Jill Gordon (1993), 160 pages

Jill Gordon is perhaps best known for her use of brilliant colour. This book contains designs based on natural themes or geometric motifs with a Forward by Kaffe Fassett. The text provides background on the author and her own description of the inspiration for the designs. Charts are provided for 17 of the designs but is suggested that they be enlarged prior to stitching as they are tiny and therefore difficult to follow as printed. A watercoloured sketch and a photograph of the completed project accompany each design.

Jill Gordon’s Tapestry Collection
Jill Gordon (1997), 144 pages

This is Jill Gordon’s third book of needlepoint designs and another explosion of colour. The cover of the book is clearly indicative of the contents. Her subjects are taken from the natural world – flowers, fish, geese, a heron, elephants & leopards… There are several very large pieces: a 36" by 24" Elephant/Leopard hanging, a 30" by 30 " jungle waterfall scene, a 21" by 17" firescreen and one of three 58" by 18" Poppyfield panels. (Charts for the other two panels are available from her Website.) For anyone interested in vividly coloured projects, this is the book.

As the title suggests, all the designs are based on the decorative arts collection of the Winterthur Museum in Delaware. The book contains over 30 projects for a variety of uses: a purse and evening bag, a footstool, coasters, Christmas stockings,an Angel to top your Christmas tree as well as some elegant cushion designs.

This book is the Needlepoint entry in the Country Living (in the UK) or Potter (in the US) Needlework Library.  As such, the emphasis is instructional.  Discussion of materials, stitches and finishing techniques are provided in addition to complete instructions for each of the projects shown.  An excellent book for the beginner.

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Needlepoint Cats
Julie Hasler (1998), 128 pages

Julie Hasler has a gift for portraying cats. This book contains 39 charted designs for pillows, rugs, placemats, wallhangings, eyeglass cases and other trinkets. There are large and small projects and enough breeds represented that you should be able to find a cat similar to your own. I particularly liked the four cushions with different cats and patchwork style backgrounds. There is something for every cat lover.

Five designers have contributed to this interesting book containing 28 charted designs for home furnishings - cushions, seat covers, footstools, placemats as well as a pencil case, pincushion and eyeglass case.  Bright but simple designs that should be easy to stitch. Yardage and color suggestions for DMC, Anchor and Paterna are provided.

Designed along seasonal lines, this book contains 55 small projects intended to be completed quickly.  There's something fun here for everyone.

Needlework Animals
Elizabeth Bradley (1996), 168 pages

In Elizabeth Bradley’s third book, she gives us over 25 charted animal designs. The book starts with a large rug design that titled Animal Atlas because it is just that – a map with birds, fish and animals covering the world. There are several other rug patterns and her six animal habitat designs. The book ends with an animal alphabet that can be used to make a wallhanging, rug or cushion in one of many configurations.

Needlework Antique Flowers
Elizabeth Bradley (1993), 16 pages

The topic of the designs in this, Elizabeth Bradley’s second book, is flowers. The book has been divided into four sections representing the seasons and each begins with a sampler stitched on linen. Many of her popular designs have been charted here as well as two of her borders and several smaller pieces. There are 5 round pieces, a patchwork rug, a Christmas stocking and Rose Baby which could be stitched as a gift for a new baby.

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Romantic Needlepoint
Candace Bahouth (1995), 128 pages

As the title suggests, Candace Bahouth's second book is inspired by the theme of Love. Again she speaks eloquently of her inspiration for  each design and provides fascinating background on the symbolism. The book contains 20 charts.  There are heart shaped cushions, her striking 'Hot Lips' cushion, several evening bags, a vest, a teacosy and an eye glass case among these wonderful designs.  Several of these projects are available as kits from Ehrman Tapestry.

Traditional Needlepoint
Beth Russell (1992), 128 pages

Beth Russell’s second book of needlepoint displays her continuing fascination with William Morris and the Arts and Crafts Movement of the 19^th century. The book contains 20 elegant designs including her magnificent Woodpecker hanging and the Hare and the Fox from her Forest series. There are two unusual pieces (for Beth Russell) – an Oriental rug and a vibrant anemone design that she uses for a cushion, a footstool and a miniature.

Victorian Needlepoint
Beth Russell (1989), 112 pages

Beth Russell’s first book of needlepoint designs contains 25 projects based on the works of William Morris, a founder of the Arts and Crafts Movement of the 19^th century. The introduction provides background on both the author and this movement that has had a lasting effect on home design and decoration. Fabrics and tiles have inspired Beth’s elegant designs. Though worked mainly in continental stitch, several backgrounds have been textured using cashmere or gobelin stitches.
BK03

William Morris Needlepoint
Beth Russell (1995), 128 pages

In Beth Russell’s third needlepoint book she again draws her inspiration from the works of William Morris. This book is a little different from its predecessors in that it contains some very large pieces as well as some very small. This book contains the final three designs in her Forest series, several rugs, bookmarks and a gorgeous frame where she has worked the design on linen.

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