Embroidered Beauty from Japan

As crafters, we know it’s the detail that makes a project stand out. Little touches and subtle additions can take a piece of stitch work from mundane to artful. Atsumi knows that too, and in her book Embroidered Emblem she showcases a range of embroidery stitches and motifs that can make all the difference.



Atsumi is a Japanese embroidery artist who has published tons of beautiful books on the art and craft of stitching. She has been working as in embroidery since finishing her art degree and has collaborated on a huge range of creative projects as well as anchoring solo exhibitions of her work. Atsumi’s creative spark can also be seen in her work with the Japanese embroidery brand Ototoito (more from them later!)

Embroidered Emblem is a collection of 55 lovely little pieces of embroidery that can be added to projects or used as brooches or ornaments. These bijou pieces are stitched on tea-dyed cloth and backed with quilt batting to give them a little more oomph. The result is a super beautiful and totally wearable piece. And best of all, Atsumi uses just seven types of stitch to accomplish all this!


The book is in Japanese, but the clear illustrations and photographs mean you can follow along even if you don’t speak the language. Still, it’s probably best to have some confidence with embroidery before you take on one of the projects in this book. If you want help mastering the basics, we have beginner-friendly books like How to Embroider and Stitch School’s A-Z Embroidery Instruction Booklet in our embroidery + mending book collection.
Ototoito Embroidery Thread + Stitch Sampler

Picking threads and stitches when designing your own embroidery (or even following a pattern with your own threads) is tricky business. The texture, colour, and material of a thread (not to mention the uniqueness of the person doing the stitching) can all impact the final look. Luckily the lovely folks of Ototoito in Japan have designed the perfect solution. The Embroidery Thread + Stitch Sampler takes the guesswork out of your plans by showing you exactly how your thread will look in different stitches — and by your own hand! The threads pictured here aren’t included with the Sampler as the purpose is to “preview” threads of your choosing. If you’re looking for your perfect thread, you’re sure to find it in our embroidery threads section!
Beginner Crochet Bundle

If you want to learn how to crochet, start here. Loop’s Beginner Crochet Bundle has everything you need to get going: a really great crochet hook from Clover, three balls of CaMaRose Hverdagsuld in any colours you like, and a super easy-to-follow guide that will teach you all the basics. Crochet is a great introduction to stitch work for those who want to see what it’s all about and a great addition to the arsenal of any crafter. You can use crochet to make all kinds of household goods and garments, to embellish your knits or other fibre work, or just to unwind at the end of the day. With the Beginner Crochet Bundle you’ll save around 10% compared to buying everything included separately, and you’ll be on your way to mastery in no time!
February Knitting SOS

If you’re feeling stuck or stumped by your latest project, we’re here to help. Next Sunday 2 February is our monthly Knitting SOS session in the shop. From 10:30 to noon our Loopettes will be on hand to help you through whatever issue your knit is throwing at you. If you’ve got an advanced technique you need help with, like Baltic braid or fisherman’s rib, please drop us a line in advance so we can be sure someone is available to help. Otherwise just turn up on the day! See you then.
Enjoy your stitches!
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