Woman's Day Book of American Needlework

by Rose Wilder Lane, Woman's Day (Editor)

This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. To ensure a quality reading experience, this work has been proofread and republished using a format that seamlessly blends the original graphical elements with text in an easy-to-read typeface. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

Genres: Reference, Sewing, Nonfiction, Crafts, Knitting

208 pages, Paperback

First published January 28, 1963

About the author

Rose Wilder Lane was an American writer, journalist, and political thinker whose work ranged from fiction to biography and social commentary, and who became an influential advocate of individual liberty in the twentieth century. Born to Laura Ingalls Wilder and Almanzo Wilder, she grew up amid financial hardship and frequent moves before her family settled in Missouri, experiences that later informed both her own writing and her collaboration with her mother. As the only surviving child, she developed independence early, shaped by a frontier environment that demanded resilience, adaptability, and self-reliance in daily life and work. After completing her schooling, she worked as a telegrapher in several states, gaining practical skills and financial independence while educating herself through extensive reading and study. Her early marriage to Claire Gillette Lane was marked by instability and ended in divorce, a turning point that pushed her toward a more focused literary career and personal autonomy. She gained recognition as a journalist and editor in San Francisco, where her talent for storytelling and observation quickly brought her professional attention and opportunities. Transitioning to freelance writing, she published short stories and articles in major American magazines, building a reputation for clear, engaging prose and strong narrative voice across different genres and audiences. Her novels, including Let the Hurricane Roar and Free Land, explored pioneer life and drew heavily on her family’s experiences, blending historical detail with fictional storytelling in a compelling and accessible manner. Lane also played a significant role in shaping and editing her mother’s Little House series, helping transform early drafts into widely successful books that reached generations of readers worldwide. Alongside her literary career, she developed a strong interest in political philosophy, becoming associated with the libertarian movement and emphasizing individual freedom, limited government, and personal responsibility as core principles. Her book The Discovery of Freedom articulated many of these ideas and became a key text in libertarian thought and discourse. Lane traveled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, often working with humanitarian organizations and observing social and political conditions firsthand in diverse cultural contexts. She maintained a wide network of intellectual and literary contacts, engaging with prominent writers, thinkers, and public figures of her time in ongoing dialogue and exchange of ideas. Known for her independence and strong convictions, she often chose a simple, self-sufficient lifestyle despite periods of financial success and public recognition. In her later years, she continued writing, lecturing, and mentoring younger thinkers, remaining an active and sometimes controversial voice in debates about freedom, society, and the role of the individual in modern life.

Reviews

[Cookie M.]

Comprehensive collection of American fiber arts in many forms, from quilting to embroidery, needlepoint, hand sewing and lacemaking. The book came in a slipcover with bound sheets of patterns and charts that could be removed, unfolded and easily followed.
I am lucky enough to own this complete volume, and have created two original counted thread samplers using charts from this book as templates for my own designs.
I have also tried several other techniques from the collection, and will attempt more before my time on earth is up.

[Beth]

Serendipitous Find at the used book store its gorgeous, and well done as one would expect.

[Ginny]

I originally got this book because Rose Wilder Lane was the editor. (I'm a nerd of all things Little House on the Prairie/LIW) What I got from the library though, was a lovely anthology of all types of knitting arts. I browsed through most of it but read all of the knitting section. Very cool to see pretty patterns from the past. A joyous find. :)

[Sherry]

It would be hard to say enough to do justice to how horrid this book is. There is a history of American needlework, probably mostly accurate, though infused with Euro-centric statements. Native Americans get almost zero references. Navajo weavers are mentioned, neutrally. But Lane describes a continent, as discovered by Europeans, that had been laid waste or neglected by indigenous people. Black people get no mention until page 192. Then you read that George Mason, owning a plantation in Virginia, was "responsible for hundreds of lives" "manage[d] a large productive property profitably" and was a gentleman, scholar, founding father. "Probably" his daughter-in-law's slave made the candlewicking breadspread on display. Slavery "was taken for granted", people thinking it was "natural, necessary, and good." I gave it a "1", though "-1" would be better.

[Kathleen Brandt]

I bought this book because of the author, but it is a great overview of the history of needlework in America. History, traditions, and even patterns and templates in case a reader wanted to try to replicate some of the items shown. It's long out of print so I feel luck to get a copy for my library.

[Lauri]

Why yes, I won this at a Laurapalooza Silent Auction because it was written by Rose. It was thorough but more so than I wanted being a Wilder fan rather than a Needlework fan. It will go on my bookshelf, but I doubt I'll read it again.

[Jacqueline]

This is a fantastic history of American needlework as is the companion box of patterns.

[Erika Mulvenna]

A volume compiled by Woman's Day editors after a complete series of articles on American Needlework was featured through the pages of the magazine in the mid 1950's. Not sure about the accuracy of the text in this book, it seems some of the background history is just nostalgia on the part of the author. Chapters cover Embroidery, Crewel Work, Cross-stitch, Needlepoint, Patchwork, Appliqué, Quilting, Hooking, Crochet, Knitting, Weaving, Candlewicking and Rugmaking. Some neat examples of historical pieces in each chapter along with a projectt and how-to for each technique.

Not a great book if you are truly looking for more historical content. Also not great for really detailed instructions on techniques.

Perfect for inspiration and a quick flip-through to see some nice historical designs.