Friday, May 9, 2014

Love Japanese embroidery books

Love Japanese embroidery books
Since we're having a bit of an international month in May, I thought it would only be fitting to declare my love for Japanese craft books. And the embroidery ones in particular, of course.

Japanese craft books are quite special. they have a style that is completely their own. They feel quite different from western craft books.

Love Japanese embroidery books
They are usually laid out in a beautifully simple way, with few props and the focus on the project. Some also include very atmospheric photos of the project in use.

Japanese embroidery books
This is my favourite Japanese embroidery book (Freehand Embroidery by Okamura Nao). I bought it several years ago and I still pick it up whenever I need some inspiration. Not to make something from the book or inspired by it as such, but I love the vibe it has. The feeling of slight different-ness that makes me think about my embroidery in a different way.

That is the really awesome thing about the Japanese books, they give you a fresh perspective.

Love Japanese embroidery books
Other than being beautiful books with lovely projects, another thing that really sets them apart is the clarity of the project instructions. They make use of a lot of really clear diagrams, symbols and charts which are easy to follow even if you don't know how to read Japanese (I don't).

Love Japanese embroidery books
The only downside to Japanese books is that they can be a bit pricy to buy. But luckily, there are places that sell them secondhand. I don't have loads of Japanese embroidery books but the ones I do have are very much treasured.

You can find lots of Japanese embroidery (and other craft) books on Etsy. Even some secondhand ones, but you may have to do a bit of digging. Some can also be found on eBay. And YesAsia is also a great source. You may also be lucky enough to live somewhere that has a Kinokuniya store where you can go and look at the books in person. I so wish there was one of those shops in London!

What about you? Do you own any Japanese craft books?

10 comments:

  1. Hi! Yup, I have two terrific Japanese books. I bought them in Taiwan, so they're the Chinese translations. You can see the post I wrote on them here: http://sew-in-love.blogspot.co.uk/2010/05/finally.html

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    1. Oh cool, thank you for the link! :-) I think quite a few of the Japanese books are translated to Chinese?

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  2. I love love love Japanese embroidery books! My favourite is a ribbon embroidery book, it is simply magical. The colours, the layout, perfect. Cx

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  3. I love my japanese bead/jewellery-making and embroidery books too! Luckily for me, the two bead embroidery books I've drooled over lately are now available in english too so if I do get around to buying them I can find them in editions I can actually read too.

    Will be adding Freehand Embroidery by Okamura Nao to my book wishlist now. :D

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  4. I love my Japanese embroidery books, acquired through several trips to Japan. I do struggle a bit to locate them in the shops, but once I find the right section, I have to stand for hours debating on which ones to buy.

    Amazon Japan also sells some, but the postage has always been a deterrent for me.

    I also love to look at hobbyra hobbyre- the site is all in japanese and my iPad is not cooperating when I try to paste :-(. and k at

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    1. Oh I would love to go to Japan and buy looooads of embroidery book! A girl can dream, eh? ;-)

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  5. After reading this post I followed the Kinokuniya link and found that I have a store about 25 miles from where I live. I went there today and found two sewing books that I couldn't leave without! I'm an ex-pat Brit living in California. I lived in Singapore for a while and used to love shopping in the Japanese department stores, so elegant and beautiful. I love my new books!

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    1. Oh I'm so jealous! I wish there was a Kinokinuya in London. To be able to look at the books in person before buying... :-)

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  6. japanese craft books are so addictive.
    the clean style, great ideas and quality is so overwhelming. I always cringe a bit if i try to look for to other craft books that just seem dull im comparsion.

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  7. I love Japanese crafts books and I have many. Some of my favorite are Cross Stitch Sampler - Kawaii & Traditional Motif Designs, Embroidery Pattern Book - Japanese Stitch Craft Book - Naoko Shimoda. I have bought these books form Japan Lovely crafts.
    https://www.etsy.com/shop/JapanLovelyCrafts

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