Handbook of Embroidery

by L. Higgin

Reproduction of the Handbook of Embroidery by L. Higgin

Genres: Crafts, Reference

90 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1880

About the author

This author has also published works under the name Letitia Higgin

Reviews

[Susan Molloy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First published in 1880, London.

I discovered this to be a fascinating book, in that it is abundant with not only general information, but specific techniques, threads, fabrics, notions, and the like. Despite this being well over 140 years old, it remains apropos to today’s embroidery enthusiast.

I learned several new things, to wit:

Thimbles which have been well worked, and are therefore smooth, are best. Some workers prefer ivory or vulcanite.

I was surprised to learn that vulcanite was a material used to make thimbles.

Velveteen, if good quality, makes an excellent ground for screen panels, chair-covers, portières, curtains, border, etc. It can be worked in the hand if the embroidery be not too heavy or large in style.

I never thought of using velveteen as an embroidery material. Good idea, thought I.

Overall, this was worth my time to read. It is not a long book; it is readable in about an hour or so, if you are a fast reader like I.

💥 Recommended for fans of old books and embroidery enthusiasts.
🟣

[Reading · Rating 2 out of 5]

The illustrations are missing from the kindle edition I have. It would be a lot more useful if it had them.

[K.E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very informative read, but really wished the Kindle version had the original illustrations.

[Nc · Rating 2 out of 5]

hmm...

very old fashioned book. not enough detail to help a new embroider get a good grip on what they are doing g