Title: Batik Patterns
Author: Pepin van Roojen
Publisher: Shambhala Publications
ISBN: 1570624771

Book Review by Sandi Marshall

Maybe you've always admired the look of Batik design. Then you can just imagine how pretty those designs would be when translated into a needlecraft pattern. This book is filled with images based on Batik textiles, intended for use in graphic programs or as a source of inspiration for craftspeople, with permission-free use. A CD-ROM containing all the images is included.

There are 23 drawings in black and white; along with 67 images in color. Each Batik textile presented is so different from the last, that you have a widely varied range of design possibilities to inspire you. Some are (not your ordinary) floral repeats, some seemingly random swirls of gold on black, some contain many small sections of varying patterns. Some are so intriguing and unique ... just a small portion of many could inspire you with a design idea.

Crocheters and knitters, as you look through the book for inspiration in charting your own designs, during those times when you are planning to limit the number of different colors that you would be working with in each row, you may want to consider including texture stitches to create some of the patterning, in place of some of the color patterning shown. Also, many of the images are shown in only two colors or could easily be translated into two colors.

This book could be a great source of inspiration for those charting cross stitch and needlepoint designs as well.

Pepin van Roojen has chosen well a selection of batik textile patterns that can be an inspiring design source for craftspeople.