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Threads That Connect Us: Exploring Fiber Arts Through Books
- coalvalleylibrary
- Sep 10, 2025
- 5 min read
This past summer at Coal Valley Public Library, we were lucky enough to host a special series of classes called Global Stitches. Together, we stitched our way across continents, learning beginner projects in Blackwork from England, Japanese Kogin, and Norwegian Hardanger. Each art form told its own story, rooted in culture and tradition, yet felt deeply personal as needle and thread moved through fabric in our hands.
What struck me most wasn’t just the beauty of the designs, but the calm and joy that came from trying something completely new. There’s a unique rhythm to fiber arts, whether you’re counting threads for Hardanger, filling in patterns with Blackwork, or weaving tiny squares of Kogin that pulls you into the moment. It’s meditative, creative, and grounding all at once.
And that’s the magic of fiber arts: there’s always something new to discover. If you’ve ever thought, I could never do that, let me assure you, you absolutely can. Fiber art doesn’t require perfection, just curiosity and patience. With every stitch, you’ll see progress, and before long, you’ll have created something that didn’t exist before.
Other Fiber Arts to Explore
Fiber arts stretch far beyond embroidery and cross-stitch. If you’re looking for your next creative adventure, here are a few forms to consider:
Knitting and crochet are often the gateway into the world of fiber arts, and for good reason. With just yarn and a pair of needles or a single hook, you can create everything from the coziest scarves to intricate lace shawls. These crafts are portable, meditative, and endlessly versatile—you can start with simple stitches and quickly build your skills into larger, more complex projects. Best of all, handmade knitted and crocheted pieces carry warmth and personality that store-bought items simply can’t match, making them cherished gifts and heirlooms.
Weaving is one of the oldest forms of fiber art, with traditions spanning cultures across the world. At its core, weaving is the art of interlacing threads, but the results can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish. A small frame loom can produce textured wall hangings full of color and pattern, while larger floor looms allow the creation of rugs, blankets, and even garments. Weaving invites you to experiment with different fibers, from soft wool to recycled fabric strips, turning everyday materials into striking pieces of art.
Quilting is both craft and storytelling, connecting generations through fabric. A quilt is made by stitching together layers of fabric and batting, often with pieced blocks or appliqué designs on the surface. Historically, quilts have been a way to preserve scraps of fabric, commemorate special occasions, and pass down family history. Today, quilting continues to honor tradition while also embracing bold, modern designs and color combinations. Whether simple or intricate, every quilt carries with it hours of care and the joy of piecing together something meaningful and lasting.
Macramé is the art of decorative knotting, and it has surged back into popularity with a modern, minimalist flair. Using just rope, cord, or twine, you can create wall hangings, plant holders, jewelry, and home décor. Unlike many fiber arts, macramé doesn’t require needles or looms—just your hands and a little space to work. The repetition of knots is calming, while the freedom to combine different patterns and textures means every piece feels unique. It’s a craft that’s both accessible and endlessly customizable, perfect for adding a handmade touch to your home.
Felting transforms raw wool into something entirely new through the magic of agitation, moisture, and sometimes even a barbed needle. Wet felting binds fibers together into durable fabric or sculptural pieces, while needle felting allows for intricate detail in creating small figures, animals, or embellishments. This fiber art combines texture and play, inviting you to shape wool into both functional items and whimsical works of art. The tactile nature of felting makes it a joyful, hands-on craft where each project feels like a little bit of alchemy.
Books to Begin Your Journey
Our library shelves are filled with guides to help you start (or expand) your fiber art adventure:
Embroidery: A Step-by-Step Guide to More than 200 Stitches by Lucinda Ganderton
A comprehensive reference for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike, this guide walks you through over 200 embroidery stitches with clear instructions and illustrations. Perfect for building skills and sparking creative inspiration.
Contemporary Kogin-Zashi by Shannon Leigh Roudhán
Discover the beauty of Japanese kogin sashiko with a modern twist. This book blends traditional patterns with contemporary projects, making this historic form of embroidery fresh, fun, and approachable.
The Geometry of Hand-Sewing by Natalie Chanin
Bring precision and artistry to your stitching with Chanin’s unique approach. Using illustrated grids and step-by-step diagrams, this book helps you master embroidery stitches through a logical, almost mathematical method.
Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book by the Editors of Vogue Knitting Magazine
Widely considered the definitive resource for knitters, this updated classic covers everything from the basics of casting on to advanced techniques. It’s a must-have reference you’ll return to again and again.
The Modern Crochet Bible by Sarah Shrimpton
Crochet gets a stylish update in this versatile guide filled with contemporary techniques, patterns, and projects. Ideal for crocheters who want to move beyond granny squares into modern, creative designs.
Weaving Within Reach by Anne Weil
Accessible and inviting, this book introduces weaving with projects that don’t require large or expensive looms. From simple wall hangings to chic home décor, Weil shows that weaving can fit into anyone’s creative life.
The Quilter’s Field Guide to Color by Rachel Hauser
Color is at the heart of quilting, and this book helps you confidently explore it. Packed with exercises, examples, and insights, it empowers quilters to experiment with palettes and create vibrant, personal quilts.
Macramé for the Modern Home by Isabella Strambio
From bohemian wall hangings to stylish plant hangers, this book brings macramé into today’s homes. With step-by-step tutorials, Strambio shows how knotting can be simple, creative, and endlessly customizable.
Felt Wee Folk by Salley Mavor
Enter a whimsical world of felt and embroidery with charming dolls, animals, and scenes. Mavor’s detailed instructions and imaginative projects invite makers of all ages to bring stories to life with needle and thread.
Each of these books is more than just instructions, they’re invitations. They invite you to play with color, texture, and pattern. They invite you to learn the skills of generations past and make them your own. And most importantly, they invite you to slow down, create with your hands, and find joy in the process.
An Invitation to Try
If you’ve ever wanted to try a new art form, fiber arts are a wonderful place to begin. You don’t need expensive supplies, just a little fabric, a ball of yarn, or a scrap of wool, and a willingness to experiment. Who knows? That first simple stitch may spark a lifelong passion.
At the library, we love watching creativity bloom, and we’d love to see what you make. Stop by, explore our shelves, and let a book inspire your next handmade project. After all, every thread you stitch connects you to something bigger: a global tradition of creativity, craft, and care.
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