Best Textile Books (to give and get) of 2018

December 19, 2018

The holidays are fast-approaching and what better gift to give than a book on textiles? Surface Design Association presents our countdown spotlighting some of our favorite books that came out in 2018–perfect for any fibers fan. Whether you’re into contemporary approaches, technical skills, project ideas, or historical readings, this list has got you covered!

“Weaving: Contemporary Makers on the Loom”
By: Katie Treggiden
Publisher: Ludion
Price: $34.90 via Ludion or $26.72 via Amazon
“Weaving is a centuries-old craft with a fascinating history, and one that continues to evolve. It is being revitalized today by designers, artists and modern craftspeople all over the world: from wall-hangings and carpets to art installations and technological tours-de-force.”

“Rush Basketry: Weaving with Eight Makers”
By: Clair Murphy, Felicity Irons, Jane Bradley, Rosie Farey, Brigitte Graham, John Page , Ruth Salter, and Joyce Hicks
Publisher: The Basketmakers Association
Price: $22.50 via Basketmakers or $25.00 via Amazon
“For basketmakers, this beautifully produced book with its wealth of full colour photographs, clear diagrams and helpful instruction offers sources of information and inspiration for all makers – the more experienced as well as those just starting out.”

“Mending Matters: Stitch, Patch, and Repair You Favorite Denim & More”
By: Katrina Rodabaugh
Publisher: Abrams
Price: $24.99 via Abrams or $22.49 via Amazon
“[Mending Matters] includes more than 20 hands-on projects that showcase current trends in visible mending that are edgy, modern, and bold—but draw on traditional stitching… In addition, the book addresses the way mending leads to a more mindful relationship to fashion and to overall well-being.”

“The House of Worth: The Birth of Haute Couture”
By: Chantal Trubert-Tollu, Francoise TÃtart-Vittu, Jean-Marie Martin-Hattemberg, Fabrice Olivieri, and Christian Lacroix
Publisher: Thames & Hudson
Price: $85.00 via T&H or $57.80 via Amazon
“Organized chronologically and illustrated with striking ensembles, paintings, and documents sourced from both private family archives and the best fashion collections from museums around the world, ‘The House of Worth’ is an inspiring tribute to the house that started it all.”

“From Tapestry to Fiber Art: The Lausanne Biennals 1962 to 1995”
By: Magali Junet, Odile Contamin, Janis Jefferies, Keiko Kawashima, Marta Kowalewska, and Jenelle Porter
Publisher: Skira
Price: $55.00 via Skira or $50.99 via Amazon
“Illustrated with more than 100 works and views of rooms, most of them unpublished, the book testifies to the impact and vitality of these exhibitions and their impact abroad. The historical research carried out by Toms Pauli Foundation, heir to the International Center for Ancient and Modern Tapestry, is enriched by the essays of specialists from four countries with a textile tradition: France, Poland, USA and Japan.”

“Make and Mend: Sashiko-Inspired Embroidery Projects to Customize and Repair Textiles and Decorate Your Home”
By: Jessica Marquez
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
Price: $15.00 via WG or $12.91 via Amazon
“Requiring no special equipment other than a sewing needle and thread, Make and Mend introduces the incredibly simple technique of sashiko–a striking hand-sewing method using a running stitch to form pleasing geometric patterns.”

“The Golden Thread: How Fabric Changed History”
By: Kassia St Clair
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
Price: $20.00 via H&S
“All textiles begin with a twist. From colourful 30,000-year old threads found on the floor of a Georgian cave to what the linen wrappings of Tutankhamun’s mummy actually meant; from the Silk Roads to the woollen sails that helped the Vikings reach America 700 years before Columbus; from the lace ruffs that infuriated the puritans to the Indian calicoes and chintzes that powered the Industrial Revolution, our continuing reinvention of cloth tells fascinating stories of human ingenuity.”

“Stitched Textiles: Nature”
By: Stephanie Redfern
Publisher: Search Press
Price: $24.95 via SP or $21.12 via Amazon
“An inspiring step-by-step guide to creating contemporary textile artworks themed on nature. It contains an extensive section on techniques, featuring step-by-step guides to machine- and hand-stitching, attaching embellishments and found objects to your work; painting and printing on fabrics including cotton, silk and Khadi paper; and using objects found in nature, such as leaves, to make unique and iconic prints.”

“The Eye: How the World’s Most Influential Creative Directors Develop Their Vision”
By: Nathan Williams
Publisher: Workman
Price: $45.00 via Workman or $28.01 via Amazon
“They’re often behind the scenes, letting their work take center stage. But now Nathan Williams… brings more than 90 of the most iconic and influential creative directors into the spotlight.”

“On Weaving: New Expanded Edition Hardcover”
By: Anni Albers, Nicholas Fox Weber, Manuel Cirauqui, and T`ai Smith
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Price: $49.95 via PUP or $24.27 via Amazon
“With her focus on materials and handlooms, Anni Albers discusses how technology and mass production place limits on creativity and problem solving, and makes the case for a renewed embrace of human ingenuity that is particularly important today.”

Tags: