I love spending time pouring over textile books and learning about the history behind textile designs, stitching and dyeing techniques, and how design has shifting over the years. These are my three favorite books on my shelf:
The Fabric of India by Rosemary Crill - I could spend all day looking at this book! It's the exhibition book that accompanied the Indian textile exhibit that was held at the V&A Museum last year. I was so sad to not be able to make it to London to catch the exhibit, but the book is all encompassing with gorgeous photographs.
Embroidered Textiles: Traditional Patterns from Five Continents with a Worldwide Guide to Identification by Sheila Paine - This book provides a wonderful overview of different styles of embroidery from around the world. It helps the reader identify traditional techniques from countries like Pakistan, India, Tunisia, and Russia. Paine also addresses common motifs found in traditional techniques and their meanings.
Textiles of the Islamic World by John Gillow - The best part about this large book are the vibrant full-bleed photographs on nearly every page. This book also covers motifs and techniques found in textile creation with a specific focus on the Islamic world. My favorite section in particular details the amazing designs coming out of Indonesia.
Top image via Fabric of India, V&A
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