Weldon's Practical Knitter, Fifteenth Series eBook

PieceWork magazine is pleased to present this exact reproduction (neither alterations nor corrections were made to the originally published in the 1800s) from Weldon's Practical Needlework. It is a fitting example of needlework and history, hand in hand.  

This electronic pattern book opens a window on another time and another place. The time is the turn of the twentieth century and the place is London, England. Needleworkers of that era would be amazed to see their favorite knitting patterns in a virtual format of which they could never have dreamed. In an effort to bring needlework to the emerging middle class, Weldon’s, a paper pattern company of the Victorian era, began to publish monthly newsletters devoted to various crafts (beading, knitting, crochet, patchwork, and the like). These newsletters were typically 14 pages and cost 2 pence. Later, they were collected into book form, titled

Weldon's Practical Needlework. This series was included in Volume 5.

We have reproduced for you here the knitting material from the Fifteenth Series of Weldon's Practical Needlework.

The 21 projects in this eBook range from simple to ornate and include the intriguing American Overshoes, Gentleman’s Cuff in Honeycomb, Lady’s Bed Jacket, an intricate Shawl Worked in Cross-Stitch knitting, and charming sock patterns for children.

The instructions might perplex a contemporary knitter accustomed to detailed charts and succinct directions, but the patterns are often ingenious, and many of the objects transcend the century-plus span of years since they were devised.

This electronic book serves as a curiosity, an inspiration, a resource, and a link to a time beyond our memories. In using and enjoying it, you keep the craft alive.