Late Victorian Embroidery Patterns for Home and School

Originally published in in Germany in 1890, this collection of 74 pattern "plates" or full-page charts was part of a school program to teach students how to create and adapt counted needlework designs to use for decorating household linens. Included is my translation of the rather scholarly lesson plan.

"Stickmüster für Schüle und Haus" was originally published as a portfolio of loose pages accompanied by a 16-page booklet written by Dr. A Stuhlman. It's a fascinating look at the depth with which needlework skills were taught in school at the time, throughout all years of a girl's education. The text explains how students should approach learning to adapt charted patterns for towels, table linens and other home decor.

The beautifully illustrated charted patterns use whole cross stitches and back stitches, making them suitable for both cross stitch and needlepoint. No specific projects are offered (although many pages would make delightful samplers on their own), so I present them to modern stitchers as a treasure trove of borders and motifs to inspire and enhance their embroidery. All 74 pages from the original portfolio are included in this reproduction, along with my English translation of the original German language text. The charted pages have been enlarged from the originals for easier use.