Annotated Booklist:
Metal Thread Embroidery

A Handbook of Metal Threads for the Embroiderer
Carter, Virginia B.
self, St. Louis MO, 1975
Small spiral bound notebook that walks through the various metal thread techniques. Skimpy on the information provided. SB
Intermediate

Flowers of Silk and Gold: Four Centuries of Ottman Embroidery
Krody, Sumru Belger
Merrill, in association with The Textile Museum, Washington DC, 2000
ISBN# 1-85894-105-9
The book was produced inconjunction with an exhibition, but is quite complete in itself with clear pictures, history, stitch diagrams, description of fabrics and stitches, cultural commentary. Unfortunately the book contains only a few 16th or 17th C. items. SB
Advanced

Gardening with Silk & Gold: A History of Gardens in Embroidery
Beck, Thomasina
David & Charles, Devon UK, 1997
ISBN# 0-7153-0487-9
Beck uses old pattern books, portraits, engravings, etc. to show how gardens were mirrored in embroideries (e.g. knot gardens/Elizabethan needlework). Unfortunately, this book starts with the Elizabethan period. Excellent color photos and well documented info for those Elizabethan admirers. Not much in the way of learning stitches or techniques. IB
Intermediate

Gold & Silver Embroidery
Pyman, Kit
Search Press, Kent UK, 1987
ISBN# 0-85532-550-X
Mostly modern art of using metal thread embroidery. Chapter 2 is an excellent overview of techniques. SB
Intermediate

Metal Thread Embroidery: Tools, Materials and Techniques
Lemon, Jane
Batsford, London, 2002
ISBN# 0 7134 8758 5
If you can only have one how-to metal threads, this is it. She walks you through all the techniques and materials with lots of hints. Very clear pictures of each technique. SB
Advanced

The Technique of Metal Thread Embroidery
Dawson, Barbara
B. T. Batsford Ltd., London, 1992
ISBN# 0-7134-3919-X
Good book on technique, but not for the novice needleworker. SB
Intermediate

Traditional Silk and Metal Thread Techniques on Canvas
Zimmerman, Jane D.
self, Richmond CA, 1995
ISBN# 0-9646219-0-8
Has lots of diagrams for many patterns - laid work, couching, burden stitch, etc. Some of the patterns were used pre-1600 but it is unclear which from the descriptions provided. Useful for learning variety of patterns (50 for couching) and in conjunction with understanding pictures of historical pieces. SB
Advanced