As a professional letterer, I did not seek this book out to teach me lettering design. Instead, I wanted to learn more about embroidery. The writer was ready for a reader like me -- clearly pointing out that I can focus on what I want to learn about in this book (either about lettering, embroidery, or both in combination) and take away what works best for me.

I appreciate the warm and insight that Ciera LeRoy puts into her writing, reflecting her joy in the creative process. The information she lays out is fantastic as it gives folks the tools needed for good lettering design and to practice embroidery. Several of the designs she create for this book are inspiring and I look forward to trying out similar ones for myself. A really fun book for those who wish to explore a new creative outlet.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This is a neat book. It's half lettering and half embroidery book. There's instructions for both. Great practice sampler, good explanation of how to translate from paper to cloth. There's also some design explanation for your own projects. It's a fun book to have.

Thank you NetGalley & Storey Publishing for the ARC.

Lettered in Thread by Ciara Leroy
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
If you’ve ever looked at a needle and thread and thought, "I want to make something that actually says something," this is your new holy grail. Ciara Leroy doesn’t just teach you how to embroider; she teaches you how to weave personality and bold typography into fabric.
What Makes This Book a Standout:
• Typography Focus: Unlike traditional floral-heavy embroidery guides, this focuses on lettering. It covers how to translate different font styles—from script to bold block letters—into stitches that look professional rather than DIY-gone-wrong.
• Empowering Tone: The projects are designed to be expressive. It’s less about perfection and more about using your hands to create something soulful and unique.
• Clear Instruction: The photography is crisp, and the step-by-step guides make complex-looking textures feel manageable, even if you’re still figuring out your tension.
Why You’ll Love It:
The book strikes the perfect balance between a technical manual and an art book. It’s incredibly satisfying to watch a phrase come to life in 3D on a hoop. Whether you’re looking to customize your clothes or create some modern wall art, the techniques here are versatile and high-impact.
This is a must-read for anyone who loves a tactile hobby and wants to level up their lettering game. It’s definitely earned its permanent spot on my craft shelf!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book.

I was excited to read Lettered in Thread and try out some of the projects. The cover looks fun and enticing, immediately making me curious to discover what was inside. I was expecting a nice array of embroidery projects, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book offers so much more.

Ciara LeRoy first shares her background and the inspiration that led her to embroidered lettering. This is followed by an in-depth teaching section covering not only the mechanics of lettering and stitching, but also how to overcome creative blocks, find inspiration in your local environment, understand colour theory, composition, and design principles, along with a variety of creative exercises to try. She also includes detailed guidance on embroidering onto different surfaces, from hoops to T-shirts, denim jackets, and personal items such as handkerchiefs.

Having finished the book, I now feel both prepared and excited to begin a stitched lettering project of my own. My favourite project is the “secret” lettering style, where the letters are disguised by blending them into elements of the printed background design.

Ciara has created not just a book of embroidery projects, but an in-depth creative class covering art principles, finding inspiration, developing unique lettering styles, and applying them to a wide variety of surfaces—all presented in her upbeat, colourful style. Her artwork is rich in detail and beautifully expressive, opening up a whole world of lettering possibilities using thread.

Thanks to Ciara LeRoy and Storey Publishing for providing an advanced copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.