Needlework Treats: Resources & Vintage Patterns

Currently Browsing: Needlework Goodies

It's been a long time coming but I finally have all the vintage embroidery/needlework patterns here on one page. The bigger sets are in the second section below then the smaller/individual designs listed underneath. Simply click on the image desired and you'll be prompted with a .zip file or an individual pdf to download.

Everything is still free--no cost whatsoever, not even an email required for access! There's nothing seasonal yet (Christmas, Easter, etc.), only generic home stuff featuring household/kitchen objects, flowers, fruits, vegetables and some cute animals/characters (including a few inspired by Sunbonnet Sue). I'm hoping to get holiday themes uploaded at some point but this will take time.

Once I get everything back in order here on the website, I will start adding more goodies from my collection again. Please be patient while I get things done :)

Good-To-Know: Tips & Online Projects

Sparse so far, but this is the section where I will be adding goodies that I find from around the 'net and also any FYI/info sheets I publish via vintage sources and other places.

Scissor Pouches, Cases & Fobs: {A Great Mix}

Needle Books & Cases For Optimal Organization

The Art Of Smocking: How To Guide

Needlework Blocking, Care, Quick Tips & More

Free Embroidery & Cross Stitch Patterns: Vintage

These are sets I've scanned from my personal collection, most are cross stitch but also include basic embroidery. Many are suitable for kitchen linens (napkins, days of the week dish towels, tablecloths, runners) and even a few nursery items (quilt patches, bibs, baby blankets, receiving blankets, burp cloths, etc.).

I have many more to come but on the sideburner at the moment. You are welcome to share any of these (online and off), I just ask that "Tipnut.com" is kept as the source and none of the information provided in the files is changed.

Small Design Charts & Files

This final batch is where I keep the smaller sets & assorted files/resources from my personal collection, most are cross stitch and in a fruit or floral motif (one includes a more geometric theme) suitable for edging, trim and household linens.

Don't miss the Borders sheet (pdf), it includes some diagrams of basic stitches that will work well in samplers.

Here's a large card featuring a fancy vintage frame that I whipped up for reference. I left the back blank so once printed, there's space to write personal "cheat sheet" notes you may want to keep track of.

Click image above to download file (pdf).

Print on cardstock & laminate for a nice, sturdy card that is ideal to use as a bookmark in medium to large charts or books.

Note: Wish it was smaller? Set "Custom Scale" to 65% in printer settings & result is still nice.

If creating an original pattern, you need a method to transfer it onto fabric. There are three different options to consider:

First Method:

The simplest option is dressmakers' carbon paper. Place the carbon paper in position face down on the textile, then place the design on top. Draw over all the lines with a sharp-pointed pencil. Care must be taken to press only on the lines of the motif, otherwise the carbon may smudge the fabric.

Second Option:

Trace directly onto fine transparent material such as organdy, nylon or silk, by placing the design underneath the fabric and tracing over the lines with a soft pencil.

Third Way:

On very coarse or textured textiles, it is difficult to manage. In this case, trace the drawing onto fine tracing paper, baste the paper in position on the fabric, then carefully mark over all the motif lines with small Running Stitches. The drawing can be torn away before the embroidery is begun. Remove all basting after the completion of the embroidery.

Source: Coats & Clark's Book No. 144; Learn How to Embroider (1963)

Place a white cloth on lap before starting, helps to keep track of dark threads underneath the project's fabric.
Neaten The Edge: Do this before starting a project to keep edges tidy. Either machine finish (zigzag or serge/overlock) the edge or if by hand, whipstitch. Protects the material from fraying or warping along the edges. Allow for a margin of about 1/4" all the way around.
Mascara Wands: Keep a couple clean spoolies in the kit, these effectively brush away tiny bits of fuzz & snippings.
Reading Glasses: Pick up a 2.5x (or higher) pair of inexpensive reading glasses, they'll help you examine fibers & tiny spots closely without having to awkwardly handle a magnifying glass. A Jewelers Eye Loupe is another option & it won't take much room at all in the kit.
Sticky Notes: Ideal for marking your place on the pattern, move up and down as needed. Once it loses its stickiness or gets too worn, simply replace with another.
Ziploc Bags: Perfect for storing floss & yarn when traveling or running errands. Open a corner of the bag to let the thread through when doing needlework. This helps keep the strands clean & everything stored neatly so you can get up quickly without having to rush, stuffing everything back into tote.

(click image above to view larger size)

Here is a great tip for keeping thread organized while also preventing it from tangling when working on a project...

Cut two pieces of material about 12 by 12 inches. Sew seams 1/2 inch apart down length as shown.

Cut whole packages of floss into manageable lengths (most prefer about 27 inches long).

Lay strands together, fold in half, insert a hairpin at fold and with it pull the entire group of strands through a channel in the cloth. Remove hairpin, and floss is ready for the job.

To remove thread, pull out one loop at a time.

(Source: The WorkBasket/1952)

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