Geometric shapes can appear in many venues, one of the most interesting is when they are created by needles, thread and yarn being subjected to the careful manipulations of the talented human hand. In this book, some of basic geometric shapes are created via needlework. The mathematics used to explain and design the shapes is described, but whether you understand them or not, you cannot help but be impressed by the finished products.
Calculus of surfaces, fractals, elementary number theory, group theory, platonic solids and continued fractions are some of the mathematical topics used to explain the creations. Colorful caps, balls, cross-stitch patterns, and quilts are the useful and decorative items that are the final result of the needlework.
You don't have to understand a great deal of mathematics in order to appreciate the talent that goes into making these items. If you know how to do the required stitches, then you will be able to follow the patterns used to create them. Applied mathematics has many forms, I am sure even the legendary G. H. Hardy would have approved of what was done here.
Published in Journal of Recreational Mathematics, reprinted with permission
