The ladies' complete guide to crochet, fancy knitting, and needlework

Ann Sophia Stephens

• Publisher: Science & Technology Publishing
• eBook ISBN:
  9782528122853
• Year: 2025

The Ladies' Complete Guide to Crochet, Fancy Knitting, and Needlework is a comprehensive 19th-century manual designed to instruct and inspire women in the art of needlework. Originally published in 1859, this guide offers a rich collection of patterns, techniques, and practical advice for mastering crochet, knitting, and various forms of decorative needlework. The book is meticulously organized, beginning with foundational instructions for beginners and progressing to more intricate and elaborate designs suitable for experienced crafters. Within its pages, readers will find detailed explanations of stitches, tools, and materials, accompanied by clear, step-by-step directions for creating a wide array of projects. These include elegant shawls, delicate lacework, decorative edgings, purses, slippers, caps, and household items such as antimacassars and doilies. The guide also features unique patterns for garments and accessories, many of which reflect the Victorian era's taste for refinement and ornamentation. In addition to practical instruction, The Ladies' Complete Guide provides helpful tips on selecting appropriate yarns and threads, caring for finished pieces, and achieving professional results. The book's accessible language and thorough approach make it an invaluable resource for both novice and seasoned needleworkers. It not only preserves the traditional techniques of its time but also serves as a source of creative inspiration for modern enthusiasts of crochet, knitting, and needlework. With its blend of utility and artistry, this guide remains a testament to the enduring appeal of handmade crafts and the skillful creativity of women throughout history. Whether used as a historical reference or a practical handbook, The Ladies' Complete Guide to Crochet, Fancy Knitting, and Needlework continues to delight and instruct generations of readers.

Table of contents

• THE LADIES’ COMPLETE GUIDE TO Crochet, Fancy Knitting, and Needlework.
• CONTENTS.
• NEEDLE WORK AND ITS HISTORY.
• INTRODUCTION.
• HONITON LACE COLLAR. [Fig. 1.]
• PASSION FLOWER IN CHENILLE [Fig. 2.]
• CARD BASKET IN CROCHET [Fig. 3.]
• BORDER FOR AN EMBROIDERED QUILT. [Fig. 4.]
• CROCHET EDGING. [Fig. 5.]
• PUNCH’S ANTI-MACASSAR. [Fig. 6.]
• DEEP LACE IN CROCHET. [Fig. 7.]
• TATTED INSERTION. [Fig. 8.]
• ANTI-MACASSAR. [Fig. 9.]
• NET FOR THE HAIR. [Fig. 10.]
• BERLIN WORK AND CANVAS EMBROIDERY.
• CROCHET COLLAR. [SEE FIG. 1, FRONTISPIECE.]
• KNITTED LACE UNDERSLEEVE. [Fig. 2.]
• INSERTIONS IN EMBROIDERY. [Figs. 7 & 8.]
• TABLE MAT. [Fig. 3.]
• GENTLEMEN’S KNITTED BRACES. [Fig. 4.]
• SMALL GIMPS IN CROCHET [Fig. 5.]
• JUDY’S ANTI-MACASSAR. [Fig. 6.]
• CROCHET D’OYLEY. [Fig. 9.]
• POINT LACE STITCHES.
• CROCHET COLLAR [Fig. 1.]
• MAT WITH BORDER OF MOSS, CHERRIES, AND LEAVES. [Fig. 2.]
• INITIALS IN EMBROIDERY [Fig. 3.]
• AUTOUR BOUTONS. [Fig. 4.]
• A VERY PRETTY CARRIAGE BAG. [Fig. 5.]
• D’OYLEY IN SQUARE CROCHET. [Fig. 6.]
• DEEP POINT LACE, FOR A HANDKERCHIEF OR VEIL. [Fig. 8.]
• CROCHET EDGING.
• CROCHET EDGING.
• CROCHET INSERTION.
• ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS IN EMBROIDERY.
• HONITON CROCHET COLLAR. [Fig. 1.]
• KNITTED BASKET. [Fig. 2.]
• INITIAL LETTERS IN EMBROIDERY. [Fig. 3.]
• SHAMROCK-LEAF D’OYLEY. [Fig. 4.]
• PINAFORE. [Fig. 5.]
• NECK TIE. [Fig. 6.]
• EMBROIDERY. [Fig. 7.]
• SQUARE D’OYLEY IN CROCHET. [Fig. 8.]
• DEEP LACE IN CROCHET. [Fig. 9.]
• COLLAR IN TATTING OR FRIVOLITE [Fig. 10.]
• ANOTHER COLLAR IN FRIVOLITE. [Fig. 11.]
• CROCHET INSERTION.
• KNITTING INSTRUCTIONS.
• INFANT’S CAP CROWN. [Fig. 1.]
• INITIALS.
• KNITTED BAG. [Fig 4.]
• LACET BAG. [Fig. 5.]
• D’OYLEY IN SQUARE CROCHET. [Fig. 6.]
• CROCHET EDGING. [WORKED THE LONG WAY.]
• LADY’S CHEMISETTE.
• ANTI-MACASSAR. [Fig. 8.]
• CROCHET MAT.
• ELEMENTARY INSTRUCTIONS IN TATTING OR FRIVOLITE.
• EMBROIDERY ON CAMBRIC.
• KNITTED LACE COLLAR. [Fig. 3.]
• SPANISH CROCHET EDGING [Fig. 4.]
• COLLAR IN FRIVOLITE. [Fig. 5.]
• COLLAR IN FRIVOLITE. [Fig. 6.]
• FISH CLOTH. [Fig. 7.]
• CROCHET INSERTION.
• NETTED SCARF.
• NIGHT CAP IN CROCHET.
• CROCHET EDGING. [WORKED THE SHORT WAY.]