Le Manuel du Petit Point, Book Review

While the book is written in French, it is easily followed by non-French readers. The designs are simple, yet effective, and the outstanding stitched samples illustrate each step clearly.

Le Manuel du Petit Point was written by well-known French designer Anne-Marie Giffard and features a whopping collection of 86 designs packed into its pages. I'm not sure why this wonderful book has taken so long to become known outside of France!

Designs range from repeating geometrics to central motifs. All designs are stitched in tent stitches, but often used in unexpected ways. I also appreciate that the author has used several types of threads within a single project, such as pearl cotton or metallics used with wools.

The stitched models are beautiful and easy to follow - many of them do not require charts due to the manner in which they are presented. Not only does the author show each step in the diagram, but she has also painted the canvases to make everything crystal-clear for the reader.

You definitely don't need to read French to enjoy this beauty!