An Introduction to Whitework Embroidery with Colour

Publishers Weekly
In this lovely guide, Burr (The Kew Book of Embroidered Flowers) brings splashes of color to whitework embroidery, a style that typically features white thread on white fabric. The beginner-friendly introduction details how to make various stitches, set up an embroidery hoop, and pick the most suitable fabric. Among the easiest projects are a white and red folk art flower created from straight satin stitches and French knots, and a beige and pink summer rose composed of split and padded satin stitches. Intermediate designs introduce animals to the floral tableaus, including birds, a bee, and a beetle. Rounding out the volume are two advanced pieces depicting a toadstool garden and an intricate blue and gold butterfly. Burr includes transfers for each project and suggests that for the best results, readers should tape them face-down on fabric before holding a hot iron over them. The charming floral designs include enough white accents to ensure the focus on whitework doesn’t get lost amid the color, and Burr offers an enlightening peek into her creative process by explaining that she saves striking images to Pinterest, draws inspiration from them while sketching in a graphic design software program, and then decides what stitches and colors to use where. Embroiderers will be glad they picked this up. (Feb.)

Midwest Book Review – August 2025
Synopsis: Fresh and uplifting, Trish Burr’s use of color brings a joyful lease of life to her stunning whitework designs.

Complete with a comprehensive guide to getting started, and arranged in order of difficulty, “An Introduction to Whitework Embroidery with Colour” is comprised of 10 complete, brand-new white work embroidery projects, each with clear step-by-step instructions, an iron-on transfer, a full-size template and sumptuous photography.

An expert teacher, Trish has carefully constructed “An Introduction to Whitework Embroidery with Colour” to appeal to the beginner or novice seeking a simple, no-nonsense approach to the technique, as well as being of value for the more advanced embroiderer looking for inspiration.

With subjects ranging from striking florals to birds, bees and butterflies, “An Introduction to Whitework Embroidery with Colour” will inspire and delight with its variety of subjects as it features:

Re-usable iron-on transfers for all 10 designs, as well as full-size traceable templates
A comprehensive illustrated stitch library of all the stitches used throughout
A handy guide to selecting materials, preparing your fabric and using color
Easy-to-follow step-by-step instructions with plenty of inspiring photography

Critique: This large format paperback edition of Trish Burr’s “An Introduction to Whitework Embroidery with Colour: 10 stunning projects with reusable iron-on transfers” from Search Press is an ideal pick for personal, professional, and community library Needlecraft/Embroidery collections.