Where today's Victorian minded embroiderers and crafters meet!
If you love the Victorian age and all the beautiful embroidery and crafts produced during that era, this is the site for YOU! Here you will find how to produce beautiful household items just like they did in Victorian times.
Victorian Embroidery and Crafts is devoted to home art. In this site are included objects of use and beauty which deft fingers and artistic tastes enable a lady (or gentleman) to provide at trifling or moderate expense, according to her/his means and inclination, for the adornment of the home. You will find a great number of fancy and practical articles illustrated and described.
Embroidery
Begin your journey by perusing the multitude of embroidery stitches and all the variations of each stitch. Varying the stitches on a project will make the project your own, making your article not a reproduction but a true work of art.
Almost everyone likes to do crafts of one type or another. The crafts included in this site are not just for those who are extremely talented in the making of crafts, but also for those who consider themselves not artistically inclined. No matter what your skill level, you will find a craft item that you will enjoy making and with which to beautify your home.
You will find a great number of patterns, instructions, and illustrations provided FREE! Whether it is embroidery, arts or crafts that you are interested in, you will find it here. All instructions (unless otherwise noted) are authentic Victorian!
Not all items were easily attainable to every lady of the Victorian era, whether it was due to financial or other reasons. The inability to find the "exact" item called for in a pattern or project did not stop them from producing beautiful and useful adornments for themselves, their loved ones and their home. The Victorians were proud of the many ways they could recycle. We can follow in their footsteps, not only by reproducing beautiful items from that era, but also by using the ingenuity and imagination we posses to substitute what is available today for those items not easily procured.
If you have completed a project from this site, or would like to share a Victorian project you feel others who love all things Victorian would enjoy, please let me know. I would love to help you share your projects (and comments) with others. Victorian Embroidery and Crafts is a place to learn, a place to get ideas, and a place to share your embroidery and craft successes (and failures) in making true Victorian artwork with others. Come join the fun!
Please be sure to return often, or bookmark this page, to find new and exciting items for your perusal. Or better yet, sign up for the VEAC newsletter! Be informed of new additions to the site plus any new Victorian embroidery and craft information you may find enjoyable. Or, if you prefer, join my Blog or RSS feed. You'll get up-to-date changes and new page notifications right away!
If you have any comments or would like to see something added to this site, please let me know. Remember, if you would like to see something discussed, or certain Victorian projects shared, chances are others do to. By letting me know, it will help you find other who enjoy what you do and maybe make a few new friends along the way!
Embroidery Instructions Find great embroidery instructions with illustrations for victorian embroidery projects here.
Hand Embroidery Hand embroidery is an art of it's own. Care must be taken from the very first step to the last. Learn the finer points in hand embroidery to ensure your project becomes a work of art you are proud of.
Embroidery Stitches Embroidery stitches with instructions will supply those who desire to use the needle an opportunity to vary or increase their knowledge and efforts in the decorative arts.
Types of Embroidery Types of embroidery includes every sort of ornamental work done with a sewing needle of any kind. Embroidery may be done on any number of fabrics from satin to canvas. Victorians embraced them all!
Secrets of Embroidery Secrets of embroidery revealed to all! Find out the tips that you need to make all your embroidery projects works of art you can be proud of.
Embroidery Materials The final results of your project depend on the quality of products you use. Top quality embroidery materials are requisite. Learn more here!
Embroidery Fabrics Don't know one fabric from another? Here is a list of vintage embroidery fabrics, each with a brief description, that were more generally used for decorative purposes in 1902.
Special Designs These special designs are complete directions on how to embroider specific fruits, flowers, and more!
Victorian Feather Work Here are some Victorian Feather Work projects women used to decorate their homes. Are you daring enough to give one a try?
Victorian Embroidery Frames Do you know how many different types of Victorian embroidery frames that were in use from the mid 1850s to 1912? It might surprise you!
Mexican Stitch Over the course of time, different stitches have become known as the Mexican Stitch. Both can be used for ornamental embroidery work and one can be used as a faggoting stitch.
How to Work the Rope Stitch The rope stitch is a beautiful thick outline stitch that is useful on almost any type of embroidery project imaginable.
Lesson on Victorian Dress Accessories Victorian dress accessories were often made with Wallachian embroidery. Most often done in white, using colors became quite popular. Find samples of dress accessories here.
The Popular Catch Stitch The Catch stitch is a very popular stitch. You may know it by another name. Do you know what it is?
The Knotted Cord Stitch The knotted cord stitch is an easy stitch to make and can be adapted to many beautiful types of embroidery projects. Take a look and see how.
All About Victorian Embroidered Centerpieces Discover how to make your very own Victorian embroidered table centerpieces that were so dearly loved by the ladies of that era. Vintage designs and instructions are here!
A Victorian Bachelor Button Centerpiece A free vintage design and instructions for making your very own Victorian embroidered Bachelor Button centerpiece that will add beauty to any table.
Lattice Stitch The Lattice stitch is used in making borders of uniform width. Worked much like the Ismit Stitch, it is quite easy to do and provides a pretty pattern to embroidery projects.
The Truth About Victorian Embroidery Victorian embroidery is often thought of as the epitome of embroidery, however, many contemporaries at that time were less than kind when speaking about it. Here is what one has to say.
The Tree Stitch The Tree Stitch is used to give the appearance of rough bark. This is an unusual stitch you may find fun to work with. Give it a try.
The Ship-Ladder_Stitch The Ship-Ladder stitch is an easy, but interesting stitch, that will add interest to any embroidery project. See what it is all about here.
A Beautiful Morning Glory Centerpiece Make your very own Victorian embroidered Morning Glory centerpiece that will add beauty to any table. Free vintage design and instructions right here!
Making the Leviathan Stitch The Leviathan stitch is often used as a filler stitch. Do you know its called when it is made in a larger size?
The Border Stitch & How to Work It The Border stitch is a great stitch if you need a border design and the stitch is one you probably already know but worked just a little differently.
All About Net Embroidery Net embroidery is a beautiful way to ornament white or black net for use in caps, dressing trimmings, and other small articles of dress as well as decorative items.
The Railway Stitch The Railway Stitch is aptly named for its quick execution when used in embroidery. Use it when you need a stitch that is easy to do and quick as well.
All About Sabrina Work Sabrina work is a variety of Applique work. See why this work became so popular with Victorian ladies.
The Simple Thorn Stitch The Thorn Stitch is a line of interlaced loops resembling Single Coral Stitch, used to make thorns in embroidery. Simple yet effective.
The Leaf Stitch The Leaf Stitch makes the most wonderful leaves. It is a combination of three easy to do stitches. It is one you definitely want to know.
1898 Popular Doilies There are a multitude of different styles of doilies. In 1898 popular doilies included the following three.
The Oblong Centerpiece Here is how to make your very own Victorian embroidered oblong centerpiece that was so dearly loved by the ladies of that era! Free vintage design and instructions.
Victorian Crafts Authentic Victorian crafts are highly sought after. Here you will find authentic directions, illustrations and suggestions for craft items made during the mid-1800's to the early 1920's.
Victorian Banner Fronted Shelf This banner fronted shelf will surely add Victorian flair to your decor. This authentic Victorian craft is sure to personalize any room.
Make Your Very Own Victorian Owl Pincushion Here is an authentic Victorian Owl Pincushion pattern. It would be a great Victorian touch to any Victorian style room. It is easy to make, too!
Vintage Poster and Portrait Clipart Here is some of famous Victorian and Edwardian poster and portrait clipart and would look lovely used in art projects.
Appliqued Victorian Hanging Basket This appliqued Victorian Hanging Basket is unique in shape and beauty. It will be greatly admired by everyone who sees it.
A Victorian Hair Pin Holder Here is a beautiful hair pin holder that you can make to display and use on your dressing table or dresser.
A Victorian Key Bag to Make A key bag was very handy for Victorian ladies. It kept the keys of the household handy yet out of the way. Here is how Victorian ladies made and decorated this indispensable bag.
A Make Your Own Butterfly Craft This Victorian butterfly crThis Victorian butterfly craft is one you’re sure to enjoy. Victorian ladies used butterflies to decorate lampshades, to pin to the window curtains, to put almost anywhere.
A Victorian Photograph Holder or Memo Board This Victorian photograph holder looks like something you may find in a store today. It is easy to make and great for displaying photos, postcards, reminders, etc.
Make a Victorian Shoe Tidy This Victorian shoe tidy will help you keep your shoes and boots organized just like our ancestors did. Fast and easy to do. No reason to by a modern one when you can easily make this for pennies!
Victorian Gentlemans Toilette Case The Gentlemans toilette case was a favorite gift from women to men during the Victorian era. It was easy to make. See more here.
A Victorian Brush Holder to Make These Victorian brush holder directions are from 1893. This items would also be great for holding a number of other personal grooming items.
Dresden Watch Pocket This Dreden watch pocket was actually sold as a kit in 1904. Although no longer available, the directions here are easily followed. This would make a great gift to any Victorian lover.
Victorian Catchpennies These Victorian catchpennies were originally made for fairs but would make equally great gifts for birthdays or Christmas. See what I mean.
Victorian Inspired Crafts Victorian inspired crafts can bring that wonderful Victorian feeling into your home quickly and inexpensively. Here you will find craft projects you can start and finish today!
A Victorian Water Bouquet - Make One for Yourself! This Victorian Water Bouquet novelty is extremely pretty and is a variation from the everyday flower-pots. It is especially nice since even those with allergies to flower can enjoy it! See more here
More Victorian Caps Looking for more Victorian caps? Here are a few more you are sure to find interesting.
Ladies' Crocheted Slippers This is a wonderful example of a Victorian crochet pattern for crocheted slippers.
Make a Victorian Cap A Victorian cap is the perfect touch to add to your Victorian costume. Here are instructions that will have you making your own easily and quickly.
Victorian Knitting Vintage Victorian knitting information for you to use to make your very own AUTHENTIC Victorian knitwear.
Have a Victorian Christmas A Victorian Christmas! Learn how to make your Christmas as Victorian as possible.
How to Make a Victorian Music Wrapper A Victorian music wrapper will have you carrying you sheet music in style! Victorian ladies made these as gifts for musical friends. These authentic 1865 directions show you how to make your own.
Victorian Christmas Gifts To Make Would you like to make some authentic Victorian Christmas Gifts? Here are some very nice items you can make.
A Victorian Hand Penwiper The hand penwiper was a necessity for any educated Victorian! Make one for your desk for a truly Victorian flair.
Mandolin Pin Holder - A Great Victorian Gift These Victorian gift mandolin pin holder instructions are unique< AND authentic, instructions used by Victorian ladies to make Christmas gifts.
Victorian Gift – Fish Pincushion This victorian gift, a fish pincushion, could not get more Victorian. Simple to make but oh, so authentic. Give it a try. It is sure to bring a smile to any true Victorian lovers face.
Home-Made Holiday Gifts Over 8 home-made holiday gifts that were suggested to ladies in 1897 are here ready for you to make!
1895 Christmas Buying Hints These 1895 Christmas buying hints will give you an insight on what was acceptable as gifts during this time in Victorian history.
A Victorian Desk Set to Make Here are instructions how to make a wonderful Victorian desk set - beautiful in any office.
A Victorian Writing Pad and Blotter This 1898 Victorian writing pad and blotter is a perfect Christmas present to make. You can make it as fancy or plain as needed. Look here!
Inexpensive Fancy Work for the Holidays Inexpensive fancy work Christmas gifts are wonderful to make and give to those you know who love this type of work, especially Victorian lovers. Try a few.
Bellows Bodkin and Pin Holder A unique Bellows Bodkin and Pin holder is truly a period piece. It would be great to showcase. Here are the instructions to make your very own.
Turkish Slipper Thimble and Bodkin Holder A Turkish Slipper Thimble and Bodkin Holder would thrill any Victorian lover. It does not require a lot of materials and is quite unique. A great gift idea but remember to make one for yourself, too!
Scent Balls and Pomanders Scent balls and Pomanders make as lovely a Christmas gift today as they did in 1882 when these directions were published. Find out more here.
Victorian Paper Cones Who has not seen those fancy Victorian paper cones used as Christmas ornaments. Here is how the Victorians made them.
Victorian Pedestal Ornament A pedestal ornament is not one you see used often today. It was quite popular with Victorians. See why here.
Victorian Sugar-Plum Case When was the last time you saw a Sugar-Plum case on a Christmas tree? Why not add some to your tree to make it a one-of-a-kind Christmas tree?
Victorian Hour Glass Ornament This hour glass ornament was made by Victorian ladies to decorate their Christmas tree. Why not try to make one yourself?
Christmas Games for Children Looking for some Christmas games for children? Here are a few that were popular during the Victorian era.
Victorian Drum Ornament Make your very own Victorian drum ornament for your Christmas tree. Here is how.
Wheelbarrow Pincushion Here is another Victorian gift: a Wheelbarrow Pincushion to make. You will find this unique little number nothing like you have ever seen before. Take a look.
Victorian Muff Ornament This Victorian muff ornament is easy to make but oh, so Victorian. A nice accent to any Victorian Christmas tree.
Victorian Christmas Ornaments Everyone who loves Victorian items would love to have some vintage Victorian Christmas ornaments. Now you can! Original instructions on how to make your own.
Holly Branch Design to Embroider or Paint Here is a great Holly branch design for embroidery or painting. Large and easy to work with. Great for Christmas linens, etc.
Tasteful Trifles Here are instructions to make some Victorian tasteful trifles. These instructions are from c1869. Any one of them would make a wonderful addition to any Victorian room.
Victorian Christmas Decorations Part 3 Victorian Christmas Decorations Part 3 continues to illustrate how to truly decorate your home and church Victorian style
Victorian Christmas Household Decorations These Victorian Christmas household decorations were published in 1869 to help ladies’ decorate their home as well as the Christmas tree. Great ideas to use in your Victorian home.
Victorian Christmas Clipart Here is some wonderful Victorian Christmas Clipart for you. Great to use in crafts, Christmas cards, etc.
Victorian Doll Furniture to Make Here are some 1899 directions for maing Victorian doll furniture. These are sure to please a little girl or young lady.
Make Your Own Victorian Gifts or Souvenirs The Victorians were very fond of presenting small gifts or souvenirs to those they cared for. Here are a few original instructions for Victorian gifts that will help you make your very own.
An 1899 Christmas Gift for a Lady This 1899 Christmas gift was popular with the ladies. Easy to make and wonderful to receive, it was a popular gift.
Some Home-Made Gifts Home-made gifts are often the best ones to receive. Here are some, c. 1885, you will love.
Holiday Suggestions for 1895 Did you ever wish you had some holiday suggestions for the perfect gift? It is nothing new. Here are some suggestions given for the year 1895.
Christmas Suggestions for 1885 Here are some very Victorian Christmas suggestions for gifts. A variety of items to please just about any lady on your list.
Popular 1884 Christmas Gifts The following 1884 Christmas gifts get the nod of approval from Cousin Dora! What lovely items to grace a Victorian room.
Home Christmas Decorations These home Christmas decorations will have your home as beautifully decorated as the best Victorian home ever was.
Simple Christmas Gifts of 1896 These simple Christmas gifts were suggested for ladies in 1896 to make for those on their Christmas list. Any Victorian lover would love any one of them.
Christmas Presents for Men If you are looking for some ideas on what to get a gentleman who loves Victorian items, take a look at these Christmas presents for men suggestions from 1896.
Homemade Christmas Gifts for 1895 These suggestions for homemade Christmas gifts were published in 1895. Many Victorian lovers would love to receive them today!
Christmas History - An 1884 View This Christmas history article explains why December 25 was chosen to celebrate the birth of Christ. Not everyone agrees it is right.
Star Shaped Hanging Pincushion This wonderful hanging pincushion with scissors would be a perfect Christmas gift. See why here.
How to Celebrate a Victorian Valentines Day Discover how and when Valentines day originated and came to be a favorite Victorian holiday. Includes directions in making your very own Victorian Valentines cards.
A Victorian Valentine Exchange Have you ever wondered how a true Victorian Valentine exchange was done? You can find out here.
Make A Victorian Valentine Here is how to make a Victorian Valentine just like those in the Victorian Era did.
Victorian Home Decor Victorian home decor is a special look that anyone can achieve. With the proper know-how, items can be made that will make any room wonderfully victorian. Check it out!
Victorian Mirrors Victorian mirrors add an elegance to a room like nothing else can. Find out here how to make your very own!
Victorian Portable Ivy Screen A portable ivy screen was found very use by the Victorians. Not only did it bring the outdoors in, it required little in the way of care, and it could be moved around when wanted elsewhere. Try it!
Create A Victorian Bric-A-Brac Table Looking for a different way to hide that black hole in your fireplace when it is not in use? The Bric-a-Brac table is a unique idea, used by Victorian ladies, that did the trick!
Techniques for Folding Napkins Elegantly Folding napkings elegantly is almost a lost art. Now you can add these wonderfully elegant creation to yours! Here's how.
10 More Napkin Folding Techniques 10 fancy napkin folding techniques can be found here. Add the elegant touch of nicely folded napkins to YOUR table.
Making a Christmas Table Here is an 1893 suggestion on how to decorate a Christmas table to display presents and cards. This is something you probably had not thought of.
Patchwork Here you will find original Victorian Patchwork designs with illustrations to help you produce your own vintage inspired piece.
Twist Patchwork Twist patchwork is a truly Victorian pattern that has the appearance of long narrow patches twisting or interlacing each other and twine around the squares and cubes.
Have You Tried Jewel Patchwork? Jewel patchwork gives the appearance of large precious stones set around smaller ones. This is not a typical patchwork pattern but is quite beautiful.
Victorian Box Patchwork Pattern The Box Patchwork pattern, also known as the block or tumbling block pattern, is a favorite of many people. Learn how to make your own special box patchwork piece.
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Victorian Books for Sale Want to learn how to make your own Victorian treasures. Check this out!
Art Needlework 1895 Art Needlework published by Brainerd & Armstrong in 1895
Victorian Fancy Work and House Decoration A great book filled with authentic Victorian fancy work and house decoration instruction to help you make your very own Victorian items
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Victorian Cone Work Cone work was popular during the Victorian era. It made use of the plentiful cones. Here are some examples with directions for you to try.
Two Embroidered Tea Cozy Designs These (slightly edited) authentic Victorian embroidered tea cozy designs were published in 1889. Either design would be make a lovely addition to your Victorian tea table.
A St Valentines Day Party in 1896 Style! This is how to plan a Victorian party celebrating St Valentines Day like those given in 1896. Truly a Victorian experience.
German Stitch The German Stitch is a great stitch for borders where the foundation can be left exposed but is rarely used for another popular application.
Free Hand Embroidery Pattern Everyone loves a free hand embroidery pattern. This Fuchsia design was a favorite with Victorian ladies. Check it out now.
Victorian Ticking Work Victorian Ticking work imitated the bright and elaborate embroideries of Arabia, Turkey and Persia. It was well loved because of how quickly and easily it could be done and still produce stunningly.
Knitted Reins for Children Knitted Reins for Children? Are you kidding? Devised and used by Victorian ladies. See what it is all about here.
The Size Needle To Use for Embroidery A common question for beginning embroiderers is what size of needle to use for embroidery work. Here are some helpful guidelines.
Embroidery Pointers for Beginners Learning how to embroider can be confusing at times. Here are some embroidery pointers to help you get started.
Hints on Selecting Embroidery Silk or Floss Selecting embroidery silk, floss, or any type of embroidery thread can be difficult. It was the same for Victorian women as well. Here are some tips to help choose correctly.
Buttercup Doily Design, 1898 Here is a beautiful buttercup doily design that would lovely in almost any room of the house. Directions and a color picture to go by are included.
The Tete de Boeuf Stitch The Tete de Boeuf stitch derives its name from its shape. It is a useful stitch in Ticking and ornamental work. Do you know what animal it resembles?
Beautiful Outline Embroidery Outline embroidery is particularly suitable for ornamentation of all kinds, even those that require washing. Easy but oh so satisfying.
Create a Beautiful Round Centerpiece Discover how to make your very own Victorian embroidered round centerpiece that was so dearly loved by the ladies of that era. Vintage design and instructions are here!
All About Victorian Decalcomanie The Victorians used a method called decalcomanie to decorate the outsides of plates, vases, and other items to imitate finely painted china. Here is how they did it.
Make Your Own Victorian Book Covers Here are two Victorian Book Covers that are easy to make and oh, so pretty. Take a look and see how beautiful any book you own can be.
All About Victorian Embroidered Patchwork Victorian ladies considered embroidered patchwork suitable for small articles. This made this type of patchwork very popular, as the projects were always small and usually easy to do. See for yourself
Free Filet Crochet Patterns Here are a couple free filet crochet patterns for you to try. Instructions plus illustrations to make sure your final piece is as lovely as possible.
Filet Crochet Information Filet Crochet has been around for a long time but many people do not know exactly what it is. Here is some general filet crochet information to see if it is something that may of interest you.
Working the Italian Hemstitch The Italian Hemstitch is a drawn hemstitch that is quite beautiful. Discover how to use this beautiful stitch in one of your embroidery projects.
A Violet Centerpiece - Victorian Style! Here is how to make your very own beautiful Victorian embroidered violet centerpiece. Vintage 1886 design and instructions FREE! .
Garland Medallion Antimacassar, in Raised Crochet The Garland Medallion Antimacassar was a new kind of raised crochet in 1869, when these instructions were published. This doily would add a special flair to any Victorian style room.
Yes! A Burnt Match Holder A Burnt Match Holder? For real? Most definitely! And easy to make. This item is as useful as it was during the Victorian era. Where else would you safely put a hot, burned out match after using it?
Ornamental Chimney Boards Chimney boards were used by Victorian ladies to hide the fireplace opening when not in use. They ranged for very simple to very intricate. Here are a few ideas to use to add beauty to yours.
Victorian Kid Patchwork Kid patchwork projects were often made from old gloves but if large enough could beiused for larger projects. An unusual patchwork for current times but interesting. See why.
Button Work Mats for the Dinner and Breakfast Tables Button work mats are the perfect Victorian mats to make because they are so easy to make, can be made to fit any size table, and take no time to finish. Here are a number of patterns to try.
Button Work Egg Basket This lovely Victorian Button Work egg basket would look lovely on the breakfast table. So simple and yet so Victorian. See more here!
Make Your Own Victorian Ornamental Jardinieres Ornamental Jardinieres, Victorian style! Not all Victorians could afford Sevres or Wedgwood China Jardinieres so they made their own imitation ones. So can you! Here are the instructions.
The Dot Stitch The Dot Stitch is a good stitch to use to fill flower centers and much more. This is one stitch that goes by many names. Do you know what they are?
Decorating a Fireplace Decorating a fireplace, Victorian style, is not that difficult. The reason why is because there were as many ways for the fireplace to be adorned as their were Victorian ladies. Here are some tips.
Working the Diaper Couching Stitch The Diaper Couching Stitch is an easy way to get rich results on almost any embroidery project. Discover more about this stitch and how to use it to its best advantage.
Needle Craft Sales Page Needle Craft Sales page for the one of the best Victorian needlework books ever!
The Last and Best Book of Art Needlework
Over 100 pages of authentic Victorian instructions and patterns from 1895!
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Beeton's Book Of Needlework
433 pages!
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