Updated December 14, 2018
Golden Gate Canvas Workers ANG, self-published, $25
Many years ago, a suburban San Francisco chapter of ANG decided to turn the results of their study of background stitches into a book. The book was revised in 2000, changing the charts to clearer, computer-generated charts. You can still find copies of the book. If you can snag one, it’s great!
The book is a marvel and an outstanding reference for needlepointers. It’s divided into chapters first according to stitch families, then with a chapter on exposed canvas stitches and then one on specialty stitches.
The stitch diagrams have some nice features not seen in other needlepoint books. When used, instead of showing numbers for both sides of the stitch, only one number, where the needle comes out of the canvas, is used. On other diagrams, arrows are used to show where the needle goes back into the canvas. Some diagrams don’t have either because the stitches are self-explanatory. The result is stitch diagrams that are clear and easy to follow. The “aids to navigation” are only used where needed.
In addition to the clear diagrams, there are stitching instructions and suggestions by chapter members. I love this aspect of the book because it inspires our own creative use of the stitches. So many of us struggle with creative ideas for backgrounds. With this book you are sure to get plenty of great ideas.
The book draws on many sources for stitches suitable for backgrounds, which makes it wonderfully useful. The reader doesn’t have to wonder if the stitch will work for a background, she knows it will. Beyond this there are stitches and variations unique to this book.
Buy it for yourself or a stitcher you know. I have had both the original edition and the reprint. It’s one of the best needlepoint books around.
About Janet M Perry
Janet Perry is the Internet's leading authority on needlepoint. She designs, teaches and writes, getting raves from her fans for her innovative techniques, extensive knowledge and generous teaching style. A leading writer of stitch guides, she blogs here and lives on an island in the northeast corner of the SF Bay with her family
Rossana Gelpi-Houck says
Where can I buy the Backgrounf Stitch Reference Book? Thanks
jmp says
Please email me directly for information on how to purchase the book. I’m asking people do this because of privacy concerns.
catherine galitzine says
I am interested in purchasing the ANG reference book on Backgrounds kcatherine
jmp says
I will email you with the instructions. The information is not on the site because of privacy concerns. My email is napaneedlepoint {at} gmail {dot} com. Remove spaces and put symbols and punctuation in place of words in parentheses.
Keep Stitching, Janet
Randall Beck says
I’ve been searching for this precise info on this subject for a while. Bookmarked and recommended!
Kay Stringer says
I would like to buy the book. How do I do that?
Janet M Perry says
I have contacted the chapter to get this information. I will add it as a comment to the post once I have it. In the meantime I would contact needlepoint shops and check eBay. You might be able to find a copy that way.
Keep stitching,
Janet
Connie E Thompson-Fly says
I have searched high and low for this book at various shoPs and on eBay without success. Has anyone been able to find it?
Janet M Perry says
I emailed the chapter but haven’t heard from them. I’ll keep trying and update the article when I find out.
Keep stitching,
Janet