Crochet and Knitting Instructional Literature Published before 1851

Ladies’ Crochet Manual: A Hand-book of Crochet, Useful and Ornamental; Containing New Receipts for Collars, Edgings, Caps, Polkas, Purses, D’oyleys, Napkins, etc. By the Author of the Hand-books of “Etiquette for Ladies,” “Knitting, Netting, and Fancy Work,” etc., etc. Philadelphia: George S. Appleton, 148 Chestnut Street; New York: D Appleton & Co., 200 Broadway, 1849.

The Ladies’ Guide in Needlework: A Gift for the Industrious. Containing Instructions in Canvas Work, Knitting, Netting, and Crochet Work, Millinery and Mantua-making, Embroidery, and Appliqué. Illustrated with Numerous Engravings. Philadelphia: J. & J. L. Gihon, 1850.

The Ladies’ Hand-book of Knitting, Netting, and Crochet: Containing Plain Directions by Which to Become Proficient in Those Branches of Useful and Ornamental Employment. Edited by an American Lady. New York: J.S. Redfield, Clinton Hall, MDCCCXLIV. [1844].

The Ladies’ Work-table Book: Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting, and Crochet. With Numerous Engravings, Illustrative of the Various Stitches in Those Useful and Fashionable Employments. Philadelphia: G. B. Zeiber & Co., 1845.  

Lambert, Miss [Frances]. The Hand-book of Needlework: With Numerous Illustrations Engraved by J.J. Butler. New York: Wiley & Putnam, 161 Broadway, 1842.

Lambert, Miss [Frances]. The Hand-book of Needlework: With Numerous Illustrations. London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1842.

Lambert, Miss [Frances]. My Crochet Sampler: With Numerous Illustrations. New-York: D.M. Peyser, 58 John-St., and 363 Broadway, 1846.

Patterns for Crochet Work, Original and Selected, By a Lady. [Philadelphia]: Hyman L. Lipman, 1846.   

A Winter Gift for Ladies, by an American Lady, Being Instructions In Knitting, Netting, and Crotchet Work: Containing the Newest and Most Fashionable Patterns. From the Latest London Edition. Revised and Enlarged by an American Lady. Philadelphia: G. B. Zieber, 1848.

  

Crochet and Knitting Instructional Literature Published from 1851 to 1899

American Ladies’ Memorial: An Indispensable Home Book for the Wife, Mother, Daughter; in Fact, Useful to Every Lady throughout the United States. Embellished with Numerous Engravings, Illustrative of the Contents of the Work. Boston: Published at 60 1/2 Cornhill, 1850.

Caulfeild, Sophia Frances Anne. The Dictionary of Needlework, an Encyclopedia of Artistic, Plain, and Fancy Needlework. By Sophia Frances Anne Caulfeild and Blanche C. Saward. New York: Arno Press; distributed by Crown Publishers, 1972. Reprint of the 1882 ed.

Frost, Sarah Annie. The Ladies’ Guide to Needle Work, Embroidery, etc.: Being a Complete Guide to All Kinds of Ladies’ Fancy Work, with Full Illustrations of All the Various Stitches and Materials, and a Large Number of Illustrations for Each Variety of Work. New York: Henry T. Williams, 1877.

Glaister, Elizabeth. Needlework. London: Macmillan and Co., 1880.

Hamilton, Alexander V. The Household Cyclopedia of Practical Receipts and Daily Wants, with Over One Hundred Illustrations. Springfield [MA]: W.J. Holland & Co., 1874.

Hartley, Florence. The Ladies’ Hand Book of Fancy and Ornamental Work: Comprising Directions and Patterns for Working in Appliqué, Bead Work, Braiding, Canvas Work, Knitting, Netting, Tatting, Worsted Work, Quilting, Patchwork, &c., &c. Illustrated with 262 engravings. Compiled from the Best Authorities, by Miss Florence Hartley. Philadelphia: G. G. Evans, publisher, no. 439 Chestnut Street, 1859.

The Ladies’ Work-table Book, Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in All Kinds and Descriptions of Fancy and Plain Needlework: As Well As in All Kinds of Embroidery, Knitting ... With Twenty-Seven Illustrative Engravings.... Philadelphia: T.B. Peterson & Brothers, [1864].

Lambert, Miss [Frances]. Miss Lambert’s Complete Guide to Needlework and Embroidery: Containing Clear and Practical Instructions Whereby Any One Can Easily Learn How to Do All Kinds of Plain and Fancy Needlework ... With One Hundred and Thirteen Illustrations and Diagrams, Illustrative of All the Various Stitches in Those Useful and Fashionable Employments, Showing at a Glance to All How to Make Any One or All of the Thousands of Articles, in All Kinds of Needle-work, Embroideries, etc., Described in This Work. Philadelphia: T.B. Peterson, No. 306 Chestnut Street, 1857.

Jones, C.S., Mrs. Ladies’ Fancy Work: Hints and Helps to Home Taste and Recreations. New York: Henry T. Williams, publisher, 1876.

Nicholson, Elizabeth. What I Know, or, Hints on the Daily Duties of a Housekeeper: Comprising Nearly Five Hundred Receipts, for Cooking, Preserving, Pickling, Washing, Ironing, Gardening, Plain and Fancy Needle-work, Putting Up of Winter Stores, and Numerous Other Receipts, Useful and Needful in Every Well-regulated Household. Philadelphia: Willis P. Hazard, No. 190 Chestnut Street, 1856.

Pullan, Matilda Marian. The Lady’s Manual of Fancy Work: A Complete Instruction in Every Variety of Ornamental Needle-work. Illustrated with Over 300 Engravings, by the Best Artists. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, publishers, 1859.

Stephens, Ann Sophia. The Ladies’ Complete Guide to Crochet, Fancy Knitting, and Needlework. New York: Dick & Fitzgerald, 18 Ann Street, [1854].

Eighteenth-Century Society and Culture As It Relates to Needlework

Buchan, William. A Letter to the Patentee Concerning the Medical Properties of the Fleecy Hosiery. New York: G. Forman, no. 156, Front-Street, for F. Wetherill, 1794.

Burton, John. Lectures on Female Education and Manners. New York: Hugh Gaine, 1794.

Gisborne, Thomas. An Inquiry into the Duties of the Female Sex. Philadelphia: James Humphreys, 1798.

 

Nineteenth-Century Society and Culture As It Relates to Needlework

Alcott, William A. The Young Mother, or the Management of Children in Regard to Health. Eighth Stereotype Edition. Boston: George W. Light, 1839.

Alcott, William A. The Young Wife, or Duties of Women in the Marriage Relation. Eighth Stereotype Edition. Boston: George W. Light, 1839.

Alexander, James Waddell. Letters to a Very Young Lady. Philadelphia: American Sunday School Union, 1843.

Bazar Book of Health: The Dwelling, the Nursery, the Bedroom, the Dining-Room, the Parlor, the Library, the Kitchen, the Sick-Room. New York: Harper & Bros., 1873.

Beecher, Catharine E. The American Woman’s Home, or, Principles of Domestic Science: Being a Guide to the Formation and Maintenance of Economical, Healthful, Beautiful, and Christian Homes. By Catharine E. Beecher and Harriet Beecher Stowe. New York: J. B. Ford & Co., 1869.

Beecher, Catharine E. A Treatise on Domestic Economy for the Use of Young Ladies at Home, and at School. Boston: Wm. A. Hall and Co. printers, 1841.

Blacklock, Ambrose. Treatise on Sheep: With the Best Means for Their Improvement, General Management, and the Treatment of Their Diseases. With a Chapter on Wool, and the Wool Trade; and an Additional Chapter on the Management of Sheep in Australia. New York: Wiley and Putnam, 1841.

Burnham, Capt. Geo. P. A Hundred Thousand Dollars in Gold, How to Make it: A Practical Narrative, Suggesting How to Use, and Not Abuse It; How to Gain, and How to Lend It ... Springfield, Mass.: W. J. Holland, 1876.

Butler, Charles. The American Lady. Philadelphia: Hogan & Thompson, 1836.

Carll, Maskell Mills. Infant Instructor and Mothers’ Manual. Philadelphia: Published by Thomas T. Ash, Chestnut Street, 1832.

Carter, W. The Royal Victoria Knitting Book. Vol. I., part II. London: Published by Faudel and Phillips, J. Haddon, printer, 1850.

Cary, Virginia Mrs. Letters on Female Character: Addressed to a Young Lady, On the Death of Her Mother. Richmond, VA: Published by A. Works, 1828.

Chapin, Edwin Hubbell. Duties of Young Women. Boston: George W. Briggs, 1848.

Child, Lydia Maria Francis. The Frugal Housewife: Dedicated to Those Who Are Not Ashamed of Economy. Third Edition. By the Author of Hobomok. Corrected and Arranged by the Author. To Which Is Added Hints to Persons of Moderate Fortune. Boston: Carter & Hendee, 1830.

Child, Lydia Maria Francis. The Mother’s Book. Boston: Carter, Hendee and Babcock; Baltimore: Charles Carter, 1831.

Church, Ella Rodman. Artistic Embroidery: Containing Practical Instructions in the Ornamental Branches of Needlework, with Nearly Two Hundred Illustrations and Explanatory Diagrams. New York: Adams & Bishop, [1880].

Diaz, Abbey Morton. A Domestic Problem: Work and Culture in the Household. Boston: James R. Osgood & Company, 1875.

Eighty Years’ Progress of the United States. Hartford, Conn.: L. Stebbins, 1867.

Felkin, William. A History of the Machine-Wrought Hosiery and Lace Manufactures. London: Longmans, Green, and Co., 1867.

Gilroy, Clinton G. The Art of Weaving by Hand and by Power: With an Introductory Account of Its Rise and Progress in Ancient and Modern Times. For the Use of Manufacturers and Others. New York: George D. Baldwin, 35 Spruce Street. Stereotyped by T. B. Smith, 216 William Street, New York, 1844.

Gilroy, Clinton G. The History of Silk, Cotton, Linen, Wool, and Other Fibrous Substances. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1845.

Haserick, E.C. The Secrets of the Art of Dyeing Wool, Cotton, and Linen: Including Bleaching and Coloring Wool and Cotton Hosiery and Random Yarns. A Treatise Based on Economy and Practice. Cambridge [Mass.]: Welch, Bigelow, and Co., printers to the University, 1869.

Higgin, L. Handbook of Embroidery: Edited by Lady Marian Alford. Published by authority of the Royal School of Art Needlework, and Dedicated to Their President, H.R.H. Princess Christian, of Schleswig-Holstein, Princess of Great Britain and Ireland. New York: Scribner and Welford, 1880.

Jones, Mrs. C. S.. Household Elegancies: Suggestions in Household Art and Tasteful Home Decorations. By Mrs. C.S. Jones and Henry T. Williams. New York: H.T. Williams, 1875.

Kennedy, Alexander. The Practical Cotton Spinner: Showing the Methods of Calculating the Different Machines Made Use of in a Cotton-Spinning Factory; Also, an Easy Method of Changing Systems to Any Grist Wanted, with Accuracy, Ease, and Despatch.  Edinburgh: A. Fullarton and Co., 1845.

The Ladies’ Hand-book of Etiquette and Manual of Politeness. New York: James Miller (successor to C.S. Francis & Co.), 647 Broadway, [between 1868 and 1877?].

Leslie, Eliza. The American Girl’s Book, or, Occupations for Play Hours. Sixteenth Edition. New York and Boston: C. S. Francis and Co., M.DCCC.LIX. [1859].

Linton, Elizabeth Lynn. Modern Women and What Is Said of Them. New York: J. S. Redfield, publisher 140 Fulton Street, 1868.

Lockwood, Mary Smith. Art Embroidery: A Treatise on the Revived Practice of Decorative Needlework; With Nineteen Plates in Colours from Designs by Thomas Crane. By M.S. Lockwood and E. Glaister. London: Marcus Ward, 1878.

Lyman, Joseph Bardwell. The Philosophy of Housekeeping: A Scientific and Practical Manual for the Preparation of All Kinds of Food, the Making of All Articles of Dress, the Preservation of Health and the Intelligent and Skillful Performance of Every Household Office. Hartford: Goodwin and Betts, 1867.

Newcomb, Harvey. Anecdotes for Girls: Entertaining Narratives and Anecdotes, Illustrative of Principles and Character. Boston: Gould, Kendall and Lincoln, 1848.

Leroux, Charles. A Practical Treatise on the Manufacture of Worsteds and Carded Yarns. Philadelphia: Henry Carey Baird, 1869.

Logan, Olive. Get Thee Behind Me, Satan! A Home-born Book of Home-truths. New York: Adams, Victor, & Co., 1872.

Palliser, Mrs. Bury. A History of Lace. London: Sampson, Low, Son, and Marston, Crown Buildings, 188, Fleet Street, [1869].

Penny, Virginia. Five Hundred Employments Adapted to Women: With the Average Rate of Pay in Each. Philadelphia: J. E. Potter, 1868.

Ruutz-Rees, Janet Emily. Home Decoration: Art Needle-work and Embroidery; Painting on Silk, Satin, and Velvet; Panel-painting; and Wood-carving. New York: D. Appleton and Co., 1881.

Thornwell, Emily. The Lady’s Guide to Perfect Gentility, in Manners, Dress, and Conversation:…Also a Useful Instructor in Letter Writing, Toilet Preparations, Fancy Needlework, Millinery, Dressmaking, Care of Wardrobe, the Hair, Teeth, Hands, Lips, Complexion, etc. Philadelphia: J.B. Lippincott & Co., 1868.

Tonna, Charlotte Elizabeth Browne. The Wrongs of Woman, ... Part IV The Lace-Runners. New York: John S. Taylor & Co., 1844.

Tuthill, Mrs. Louisa C. The Young Lady’s Home. Boston: William J. Reynolds and Co., 1847.

The Useful and Beautiful, or Domestic and Moral Duties Necessary to Social Happiness. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Grambo & Co. (successors to Grigg, Elliot & Co.), 1850.

Warren, Mrs. Eliza. How I Managed My Children from Infancy to Marriage. Fourth American Edition. Boston: Loring, publisher, 1866.

Watson, John. The Theory and Practice of the Art of Weaving by Hand and Power: With Calculations and Tables, for the Use of Those Connected with the Trade.

Philadelphia: Henry Carey Baird, industrial publisher, 406 Walnut St., 1864.

Wilton, Mary Margaret Stanley Egerton, Countess of. The Art of Needlework, from the Earliest Ages: Including Some Notices of the Ancient Historical Tapestries. London: Henry Colburn, publisher, Great Marlborough St., 1844.

Young, Edward. Labor in America: Showing the Rates of Wages and Cost of Subsistence in the United States and British America, in the Year 1874, as Compared With Previous Years; Forming the Concluding Portion of a Special Report on Labor in Europe and America. Washington [D.C.]: Government Printing Office, 1875.

 

Nineteenth-Century Periodicals

Demorest’s Family Magazine. New York: William Jennings Demorest, (January 1865 - December 1899). Supersedes Mademoiselle Demorest’s Mirror of Fashion. Also titled Demorest’s Illustrated Monthly (1865) and Demorest’s Monthly Magazine (1866-1889).

Frank Leslie’s Lady’s Gazette of Fashion and Fancy Needlework. New York, (January 1854 - August 1857). Merged into Frank Leslie’s New Family Magazine, and later Frank Leslie’s Lady’s Magazine.

Godey’s Magazine. Philadelphia: Louis A. Godey. Known as Lady’s Book (1830-1839), Monthly Magazine of Belles-Lettres and the Arts, the Lady’s Book (1833-1834), Godey’s Lady’s Book (1840-1892).

Le Guide-Sajou. Seul Journal Complet des Ouvrages de Dames. Pour Tricot, Broderie, Filet, Tapisserie, Crochet, Frivolité, Etc. Paris: Au Bureau du Journal.

Harper’s Magazine. New York (June 1850 - 1912). Also called Harper’s New Monthly Magazine.

Harper’s Weekly. New York (1857 - 1916).

Miss Leslie’s Magazine: Home Book of Fashion, Literature, and Domestic Economy. Philadelphia (January - December 1843). Superseded by Ladies’ Magazine of Literature, Fashion, and the Fine Arts, later Arthur’s Magazine.

Peterson Magazine. Philadelphia. Ed. Charles J. Peterson, (1842-1898). Also called Lady’s World of Fashion (1842), Lady’s World (January - May 1843), Artist and Lady’s World (June 1843), Ladies’ National Magazine (July 1843 - December 1848), Peterson’s Magazine (1849 - 1892), and New Peterson Magazine (1892-1894).

 

Secondary Resources

Baker, William Henry. A Dictionary of Men’s Wear. Cleveland, Ohio: William Henry Baker, 1908.

Bath, Virginia Churchill. Needlework in America: History, Designs, and Techniques. New York: Viking Press, 1979.

Bushman, Richard L. The Refinement of America. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1992.

Cott, Nancy F. The Bonds of Womanhood. New Haven, Conn.: Yale University Press, 1977.

Finley, Ruth E. The Lady of Godey’s: Sarah Josepha Hale. Philadelphia: Lippincott, 1931.

Graffam, Olive Blair. “Youth is the Time for Progress”: The Importance of American Schoolgirl Art, 1780-1860. Washington, D.C.: DAR Museum, 1998.

Harbeson, Georgiana Brown. American Needlework: The History of Decorative Stitchery and Embroidery from the Late Sixteenth to the Twentieth Century. New York: Coward-McCann, Inc., 1938.

Herr, Patricia T. The Ornamental Branches: Needlework and Arts from Lititz Moravian Girls’ School between 1800 and 1965. [Lancaster, Pa.]: Heritage Center Museum of Lancaster County, 1996.

Holden, Angus. Elegant Modes in the Nineteenth Century. New York: Greenburg, 1936.

Ierley, Merritt. The Comforts of Home. New York: Clarkson Potter, 1999.

Jourdain, M. Old Lace: A Handbook for Collectors. New York: Charles Scribner’s & Sons, 1909.

Lowes, Mrs. Chats on Old Lace and Needlework. New York: Frederick A. Stokes Co., 1908.

McConnel, Bridget. The Story of Antique Needlework Tools. Atglen, PA : Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 1999.

MacDonald, Anne L. No Idle Hands: The Social History of Knitting. New York: Ballantine Books, 1988.

Mathews, Glenna. “Just a Housewife”: The Rise and Fall of Domesticity in America. New York: Oxford University Press, 1987.

Mintz, Steven. Domestic Revolutions: A Social History of American Family Life.

New York: The Free Press, 1988.

Musheno, Elizabeth J. Book of Colonial Needlework: A Handbook of Contemporary Projects. New York : Van Nostrand Reinhold Co., [1975].

Osaki, Amy Boyce. The Needle’s Web: Sewing in One Early Nineteenth-Century American Home. Master’s thesis, University of Delaware, 1988.

Paludan, Lis. Crochet, History and Technique. Colorado: Interweave Press, 1986.

Potter, Annie Louise. A Living History: The International Art and History of Crochet. [n.p.]: A.J. Publishing International, 1990.

Ring, Betty. Girlhood Embroidery: American Samplers and Pictorial Needlework, 1650-1850. New York: A. A. Knopf, 1993.

Stansell, Christine. City of Women: Sex and Class in New York, 1789-1860. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1987.

Strasser, Susan. Never Done: A History of American Housework. New York:

Pantheon Books, 1982.

Turner, Pauline. Crochet: A History of the Craft Since 1850. Haverfordwest, England: Shire Publications Ltd., 1984.

Vincent, Margaret. The Ladies’ Work Table: Domestic Needlework in Nineteenth-century America. Allentown, Pa.: Allentown Art Museum, 1988.