The trouble with most embroidery books is that all the diagrams are for right-handed people.  Here at last is a book filled with diagrams for over 170 different stitches that left-handers can use without the aid of a mirror.

It’s a simple enough idea, but how useful.  I am amazed that I have not seen another book like this before, but I haven’t.  All the diagrams are in color, too, which avoids the problem that a lot of black and white diagrams that show threads have—often they look like a bowl of spaghetti or mazes in a puzzle book.  Every stitch has several captioned diagrams, which also avoids the problem of having to guess what happens between one part of the stitch and the other.  There is certainly an impressive list of stitches, many of which I have not previously encountered myself, and which had me wishing for a companion volume for right-handers.  Each stitch also has a small photograph of a piece of embroidery showing the relevant stitch, which is useful, plus a few hints of what the stitch is used for.  Variations are shown, too, with diagrams on how to achieve this alternative look, as well as a page of instructions for starting and finishing work and tying knots.  What you won’t find are any patterns, which is perhaps a pity, but there are many other books that have these.  If you or somebody you know is left-handed and keen on embroidery, then this is the book for them.