Zakka Wool Appliqué

Starred review from April 6, 2020
With this charming compendium, fabric and pattern designer Kim (Zakka from the Heart) shows that a basket of embroidery floss and a pile of wool felt scraps are all one needs to begin hand-sewing appliqués. Offering projects intended specifically for stitchers who prefer to work without sewing machines and while alongside other people (Kim enjoys doing needlework with her family), she begins with a section devoted to basic techniques before starting in on the projects, for which she gives step-by-step instructions. These are followed by a visual gallery of stitches and patterns used in the projects, prominently featuring kitchen, floral, and gardening motifs. Some of the projects call for skills other than stitching, such as the “Little Patch Coasters,” which require some simple quilting and machine sewing. Other projects, such as purses and baskets, call for other more sophisticated skills. However, all the appliqué work can be hand-sewn, and designers can use the included stitches and patterns for their own projects. Kim’s pleasing book should inspire fiber artists of all kinds to add hand-sewn embellishments to their in-progress projects.