Needlework ~ Dressmaking ~ Millinery ~ Embroidery ~ Quilting ~ Sewing ~ Etc...

You will find this book to be a very complete work on the many  and varied needlecraft disciplines.  A definitive guide. A must have for your library if you like a variety of crafts.

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MANY books have been written on the subject of Needlework and kindred crafts, and yet they differ one from another, because handwork has limitless ways of expressing the same thing. In Needlework the alteration of a stitch or color, or the filling in of a space, gives variety; and even in the execution of the work can be found individuality, just as handwriting reveals the character of the writer.

Purpose of book - This vintage publication aims to introduce methods of many craftsmen and women who work in different media to the reader. So many types of handcraft are described that every taste is sure to be satisfied.   The authors hope that readers will be inspired to find or improve a craft for their leisure hours. 

572 pages with index. Prolific diagrams, line drawings and photographs (16 pages.)  Cover of gray linen cloth with forest green decoration and lettering.

THE
BIG BOOK OF
NEEDLECRAFT

Edited 
by Annie S. Paterson
assisted by Sarah G. Service
and Helen M. Paton
1935
Published by Odhams Press Ltd.

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CONTENTS

The written· word cannot be a complete exponent of Arts and Crafts, so numerous diagrams have been added, that no difficulty may be experienced by the reader in following the text.

NEEDLEWORK

by Annie S. Paterson 

The great advantage of Needlework is that the necessary tools are small, simple, and easily carried about.  The term plain needlework is usually applied to the stitches, seams, openings and finishings used...as distinct from embroidery.

Plain Needlework Stitches ~ Buttons, Buttonholes and Loop Stitches ~ Seams Used in Plain Needlework Gathering and Stroking 

DAINTY  LINGERIE 

by Rose H. Thorpe

Science and machinery have combined to take much of drudgery from life.  At the same time...creative self-expressions is more necessary than ever before. Surely there could be no more fitting a medium of individual expression for women than fashioning something of loveliness.

Equipment, Materials, Cutting Out, etc. ~ Details of Stitchery and Seams ~  Openings ~ Edges ~ Decoration

CHILDREN'S GARMENTS

by Mary Westwood

The smart shape, the dainty workmanship and above all the absolute simplicity of these clothes appeals to every one who has a love for children.  But the smartness and even the simplicity help to bring the price to a figure which is alarmingly high as compared with clothes for the grown-up, the reason being that so much hand work is used in children's garments.

Fortunately, even a beginner can tackle these little garments with care and attention to detail...

Choice of Material, Color and Style ~ Directions for Children's Garments to Sew ~ Directions for Children's' Garments to Knit ~ Hints for Washing Children's Woolens 

SIMPLE DRESSMAKING 

by Sarah G. Service

Every woman at some time in her life has the ambition to make a dress, skirt or blouse.  Few can withstand the creative impulse to see something being assembled bit by but under their creative own hands.  Some, for lack of time, do not carry out this desire, but those who have can make it a very profitable and enjoyable hobby.

Equipment, Materials, Cutting Out, Etc. ~ General Hints and Methods ~ Making a Simple Coat

CUTTING GARMENT PATTERNS 

by J.A. Strachan

In these days of expertly-cut paper patterns, to be obtained from any shop, it may appear unnecessary to know how to make one's own patterns.  Two considerations, however, make it worth while.  First, the person who has studied the proportions of the figure...is better able to criticize and make full use of bought patterns.  Secondly, the really first-class patterns are somewhat expensive, and each serves for one occasion only, unless the worker has enough knowledge to make alterations without spoiling the shape.

In spite of the enormous variety of styles which shop windows display, there are really but a few fundamental patterns....

Measurements Necessary for Block Patterns ~ Magyar Style and Adaptations ~ Bodice Patterns and Adaptations ~  Knickers Pattern and Adaptations ~ Sleeve, Skirt and Yoke Patterns ~ Alterations on Bought Patterns

NEW COLLARS FOR OLD DRESSES 

by Elizabeth L. McCaskill 

Collars have played a very important part in the drama of fashion throughout the ages and today command the attention of dress-designers of repute and makers of simple dresses.  Each realizes and appreciates the value of the right collar.

Peter Pan Collar and Variations, Stand-up Collar , Collar and Revers ~ Straight and Detachable Collars ~ Cross-Cut Material, Facings and False Hems

HOW TO USE YOUR SEWING MACHINE 

by A. H. Tugwell 

The joy of making things, of being able to choose some charming piece of material, to ponder over the fashion papers, choose the right pattern and then go home and make it yourself, is only fully understood by those who have experienced it, and it is possible for most of us with the help of the sewing machine.

Choice of Machine, Different Models, etc. ~ Practice and Advice for Beginners ~ Use of Parts, Maintenance and Correction of Faults ~ Use of Attachments 

EMBROIDERY 

by G. Goldie Killin

There is a quality about hand embroidery which no machine can ever copy. Hand embroidery is a very personal art, not governed by fixed conditions of production.... Fortunately for the continuance of this beautiful craft, there yet remains a large public to whom a needle is still a fascinating instrument, to whom the urge to create is still and integral part of their being and for whom the making of a a complete article... fills the blank which the perfecting of the machine has caused in modern life.

Design and Application to Material ~ Stitchery ~ Embroidery with a Practical Applications (1) The Child, (2) The Bachelor Girl, (3) The Prospective Bride, (4) The Young Mother, (5) The Matron, (6) Bazaars and Sales of Work

STITCHERY 

by Margaret Munro

It is possible to change almost any material or article form the ordinary and commonplace to something of interest and beauty by the addition of few or many stitches.

Materials, Patterns, Etc. ~ Stitches on Material Background ~ Stitches on Background with Drawn Threads ~ Cut Work, Quilting and Edgings

APPLIQUÉ 

by Louisa M. Chart

Appliqué presents a sewer the opportunity to express her skill and love of decoration.... Eminently suitable for rich and bold decoration, it can supply just the necessary touch of interest to a room.... It presents to the woman with a creative sense a type of work that gives great scope for her imagination.

Different Types of Appliqué and Their Uses ~ Equipment Preparations for Appliqué Work ~ Directions for Working Examples

JACOBEAN EMBROIDERY 

by Louisa M. Chart

This term has become so universal in its use to denote this particular heavy wool work of the later half of the 17th Century, that the writer feels compelled to fall into line and make use of it.  Actually, however, the historic use of the word carries the name far beyond the period that this work was in vogue.

Study of Old Work ~ Present-Day Interpretations and Comparison

BIAS BINDING DECORATION 

by Marjorie Allison

Bias binding is generally looked upon as a useful means for finishing edges and for tidying-up the wrong side of a garment, but seldom is it considered as a medium for decoration.  So these few articles are to give you some suggestions on hits possibilities in that way.

Directions for Various Decorative Uses

NEEDLE WEAVING 

by Jennie Newton

The form of embroidery which we call needleweaving, is , as its name suggests, very closely allied to weaving.  It is by no means a modern type of work, or confined to our own country.  This type of needlework affords great scope to those who prefer to work out their own designs.

Method of Weaving and General Hints ~ Simple Borders ~ Chairback

CROSS-STITCH 

by Marian Copestake

This favorite stitch of our great-grandmothers is becoming increasingly popular as an adornment of household furnishings and linen, children's frocks, lingerie and, in fact, anything which lends itself to this type of embroidery.

Method and Application to Suitable Material ~ Assisi Embroidery ~ Directions for Working Various Examples

CROCHET 

by Marjorie Allison

Nowadays crochet with all its color is so much more attractive than it used to be in the bygone days, when yards and yards of white edgings were produced - no wonder interest began to wane, but with the introduction of color, crochet was able to take a new lease of life.

General Hints ~ Crochet Stitches ~ Directions for Working Various Examples

KNITTED LACE 

by Annie S. Paterson

Knitted lace is one of those crafts which come and go as fashion dictates. Inthis matter it resembles many of its sister crafts, such as cross-stitch and drawn-tread work.  It makes a very dainty edging for ornamental purposes when done with fine l inen thread, and an equally satisfactory edging when worked in wool ad knitted with knitting pins.

Directions for Working Six Different Patterns

CHILDREN'S MILLINERY 

by Agnes B. Laird

With children's millinery, a good needleworker invariable obtains good results, provided of course she has a daintiness of touch and some knowledge of shape and construction. Children's millinery is quite distinct from adult millinery and closely allied to needlework.  

Suitable Materials ~ Directions for Drafting and Making Three Types of Bonnet ~ Hats, Circular and Sectional ~ Beret for Small Boy ~ Girl's Hat ~ Trimmings

A LAYETTE FOR BABY 

by Sarah G. Service and Agnes B. Laird

There are few prospective mothers who do not have the desire to make the outfit necessary for the little newcomer. It is at this time more than any other that a woman turns to her needle.

List of Garments and Necessary Materials ~ Directions for Making Them in Order of List

HOUSEHOLD RENOVATIONS 

by Jean M. Hendry

As each new spring comes round, with its fresh beauty and new birth, the things we have been accustomed to all winter begin to look so drab and tired.  The housewife especially wonders what she can do to give a new life and interest to her house without a great deal of expenditure.

Bedspread from Old Curtains ~ Curtains from Old Blankets ~ Bath and Table Mats ~ Coal and Oven Gloves ~ Waterproof Apron and Felt Overshoes ~ Uses for Old Sheets 

NEEDLEWORK IN THE KITCHEN

by Jean M. Hendry

How few of us really understand the value of the old adage: "A stitch in time saves nine." Or, while appreciating its wisdom, we know not how to apply its teaching.

Patching - Material, Stockinet and Damask ~ Darning ~ Tapes ~ Helpful Hints With Repairs

KNITTING

by Helen M. Paton

In knitting woolen garments great care should be given to the choice of needles suitable for wool used.  Knitting should never be worked so tightly as to feel at all stiff.  It should be soft, light and full of elasticity.

General Hints ~ Patterns in Knitting ~ Directions for Knitting Various Garments and Articles ~ Uses for Remnants of Wool ~ Christie Method of Casting On

UPHOLSTERY

by A.K. Forrest, Jane Duncan, Sarah G. Service and Helen M. Paton

Perhaps covering an easy-chair may seem a big undertaking, but, by taking careful meausrements and by following th eline of the chair in cutting and fitting this task will prove well worth while, and many a worn but comfy chair will be disguised.

To Upholster a Box ~ Loose Cover for Straight Chair ~ Loose Cover for Easy-Chair ~ Round Cushion ~ Round Humpty

SMOCKING

by Annie S. Paterson

Smocking, or honeycombing, derives its name from the smock that at worn time was worn by the peasants of England.  These garments were wide and loose, but gathered in at the back and front of the shoulders with this stitch.

TATTING 

by Mollie E. Shannon

Tatting, in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, was done with very much larger shuttles and coarser thread than are used today. A fairly thin cord of silk was often used.  Last century thick crochet cotton or knitting cotton was popular, but them, as now, fine thread for trimmings for baby garments and finer underwear was also used.

Materials and General Methods ~ Directions for Making Various Articles

FELT WORK

by Helen M. Paton

Felt is a material which has recently been much used in needlework.  It is soft, easily handled, and may be bought in many beautiful shads. 
Felt not only forms the foundation fo various articles but is also greatly used to appliqué designs on linen, crash and other coarse materials.

CURTAINS, BLINDS and PELMETS

by Annie S. Paterson

Curtains are of great variety, and they are made up of many different ways. Some, like tapestry hangings of old, server the purpose of keeping a room warm, by shielding it from draughts in cold weather.  These curtains were usually made of heavy material, such as chenille, plush, or velvet.  Or, in the case of windows in a level with the street, they may serve as a  screen against prying eyes.

Curtains ~ Valances and Pelmets ~ Window Blinds

CORDS, FRINGES and TASSLES 

by Annie S. Paterson

A cord is convenient as a decoration around the edge of a cushion or tea cozy, and it is sometimes sued to ornament small children's clothes...

QUILTING

by Annie S. Paterson

To quilt is to place two pieces of material together and, with or without an interlining, stitch through the double cloth, thus outlining a design or pattern.

GLOVE MAKING

by Grace J.C.Lghtbody

Gloves play an important part in the fashion of today, and many changes have taken place since the day when the first gloves were fashioned by the caveman as a rough covering, made from the skins of the wild bests, to protect his hands in the forests and from the cold.

Materials and Skins ~ Slip-on Glove ~ Decorations and Gauntlets ~ Buttoned Glove ~ Instructions for Washing  Chamois Gloves ~ Fur-Backed Glove

WEAVING 

by Garnet I. Somerville

When choosing a new handcraft, there are many points to be considered.  Question of costs, initial and running, of time and fatigue, or eye strain and of interest, present themselves, and there are few occupations that, like weaving, can pass all these tests.

Looms: Parts and Preparation ~ Weaving: Process, Materials, Etc. ~ Patterns in Color and Texture ~ Cardboard and Board Looms

HOME RUG MAKING

by Stephanie Herbert

Rugs with a thick, springy pile are undoubtedly the favorites of the majority of people and so this chapter deals with them at length.  One or two sections of the chapter, however, such as those which deal with designs, adaptations and color schemes do not only apply to pile rugs and should be borne in mind when dealing with other types.

Pile Rugs: Long Pile-Materials, Design, Working ~ Short Pile-Materials, Design, Working ~ Stitched Rugs

LEATHER CRAFT

by P. Wylie Davidson

The art of leather craft is a craft with a history, and although its origin is lost in the age of romance, it still retains a certain spirit of the past. In the design and execution of leatherwork, aim exclusively at the free and correct use of the material, which is the secret of all true craftsmanship.

Materials and Tools ~ Constructional Methods, Fittings, Etc. ~ General Working Hints ~ Forms of Decoration

TOYS and MASCOTS FROM ODDMENTS

by Jean M. Hendry

The most amusing and enjoyable evenings may be spent by making toys at home. Soft cuddlesome dolls to delight the heart of any child, grotesque and fearsome animals... cost little to make but sell extremely well at bazaars, etc.

Woolen Bunny ~ Figures on Wire Frames ~ Stuffed Toys: Dog,  Picanny

HAND-MADE FLOWERS

by Garnet I. Somerville

Flower making is an "art" rather than a "craft."  The worker must bring to ti something more than merely scissors and silk, leather, felt or velvet, as the case may be.  It is for this reason that the amateur with a keen perception and creative faculty often achieves a delightful result, conveying the form and feeling rather than an exact reproduction of any flower.

Materials Used ~ Felt Flowers ~ Leather Flowers ~ Fabric Flowers

USEFUL WASHING HINTS 

by Helen M. Paton

Wool, when wet, is plastic, retaining almost any shape into which it may be drawn, hence special care must be taken to keep woolen garments in good shape during the process or washing and drying.

Washing and Care of Woolens ~ Bran Washing ~ Renovation of Ribbon and Lace ~ To Wash a Lame Jacket ~ To Wash Prints ~ Removal of Stains ~ To Clean Straw Hats ~ Removal of Stains ~ To Clean Straw Hats ~ Infants' and Children's Clothes ~ Washing and Ironing Silks

THE LAUNDERING OF ARTIFICIAL SILK

by Agnes M. H. Speir

Artificial silk, or as it is now expressively termed "rayon," is manufactured from cellulose obtained from cotton and wood pulp...

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LIST OF PLATES IN MONOCHROME

A section of 16 pages in half-tone has also been inserted to show how the various handcrafts can be put to practical use.
EMBROIDERY
TYPES OF LINGERIE LACES
CROCHET
NEEDLE WEAVING
CROSS-STITCH, NEEDLE WEAVING AND CROCHET
SEWING-MACHINE CRAFT
KNITTING
TOYS AND MASCOTS: FROM ODDMENTS
USES OF BIAS BINDING
TATTING
APPLIQUÉ
JACOBEAN EMBROIDERY
LEATHER CRAFT