Source illustrationGarter stitch washcloth
A square washcloth worked in plain knitting, with a small tape loop at one corner.
The archive
Historical library
Adapted patterns & guides
10 entriesFilter by book or entry type
Source illustration
Source illustrationRibbed wristers
A short tube in 2 × 2 rib, based on a 1918 pulse-warmer pattern. Check the fit on your own wrist as you work.
Source illustrationNarrow Vandyke knitted edging
An eight-row lace repeat that forms a narrow pointed edge. The source terminology is translated in the modern steps.
Source illustrationCounted cross stitch
Practice counted cross stitch in two passes, following Dillmont’s illustrated stitch lesson.
Source illustrationSingle hem-stitch
Draw a small group of fabric threads and stitch the folded hem to the remaining cross threads.
Source illustrationStraight and sloping stem stitch
Practice two line stitches from a historical embroidery guide, one worked over a foundation thread and one worked without it.
Source illustrationMiniature hemmed towel
A small school exercise in folding and hemming a woven cloth, finished with a tape loop.
Source illustrationA pair of miniature pillowcases
Two small pillowcases sewn by hand with a folded seam and a deep top hem.
Source illustrationDesign your own embroidered doily
Plan a balanced outline on folded paper, transfer it to cloth, then finish the edge and decorate the design with two stitches.
Source illustrationFour-panel doll’s quilt
Join four small running-stitch panels, add a lining, turn the edges, and tack the layers together as the source describes.
Source books
Books listed here are public domain in the United States. Copyright status can differ in other countries.
Digitized needlework book
Encyclopedia of Needlework
English edition, undated; the title page names Dornach, Alsace.
An illustrated reference to embroidery, openwork, tapestry, and other needlework techniques. The selected entries teach counted cross stitch, hem-stitch, and stem stitch.
3 adapted entries in this library
Read at Project GutenbergPublic domain in the USA. Status may differ outside the United States.
Digitized needlework book
Exercises in Knitting
Third Thousand, David Bogue, London, 1846.
A nineteenth-century knitting collection with garment, furnishing, border, and edging instructions. The selected narrow Vandyke edging is an eight-row repeat.
1 adapted entries in this library
Read at Project GutenbergPublic domain in the USA. Status may differ outside the United States.
Digitized needlework book
Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet
Needlecraft Publishing Company, Augusta, Maine, 1918.
A practical knitting and crochet handbook. Its washcloth and wrister instructions provide the two small wearable and household projects in this collection.
2 adapted entries in this library
Read at Project GutenbergPublic domain in the USA. Status may differ outside the United States.
Digitized needlework book
Handicraft for Girls
Manual Arts Press, Peoria, Illinois, 1910.
A school course in sewing, design, basketry, and related handwork. The selected lessons include miniature household sewing, doily design, and an elective doll’s quilt.
4 adapted entries in this library
Read at Project GutenbergPublic domain in the USA. Status may differ outside the United States.