Classic Book of Patterns and Instructions for a Number of Needlework Techniques

Now out of print, Needlework in Miniature is a good classic reference book for a number of miniature needlework projects in 1:12 scale, mainly covering needlepoint or petite point and a range of rugs and small upholstery items. The book also includes instructions for dressing an elaborate bed, as well as making a set of clothes for a lady doll, and making hooked, braided, and French knot rugs and doing simple embroidery. This is a good reference book to obtain second hand, or borrow from the library as the projects are useful across a number of periods and styles.

Now out of print, Needlework in Miniature is one of those classic craft books which still has a great deal to offer thirty years after its original publication. Often available from libraries or used book stores, the book covers a range of stitchery projects including needlepoint, petite point, embroidery, braided rugs, hooked rugs, french knot rugs, simple dressing for a doll, leather ladies shoes, simple patchwork, and bed trimmings, all in 1:12 scale.

The book's main strength is needlepoint, and in the first 100 pages it presents a number of charts for needlepoint rugs, mainly worked on #22 cotton canvas. The charts are black and white, presented clearly with a variety of symbols for detailed color patterns, suggesting Appleton crewel wool or DMC embroidery colors. Clear instructions, and photographs are given for the main needlepoint stitches and there are also instructions for adapting your own designs for miniature rugs. Twenty-two charted rug patterns are included, ranging from traditional oriental rugs to small mats for a child's room. There are an additional fifteen patterns for other detailed petitpoint projects, ranging from chair seats, to pillows for a child's room, as well as pole screens, bell pulls, doorstops, and tester bed hangings. There are instructions for filling pillows, blocking and washing needlepoint, and applying petitpoint to upholstered miniature furniture.

Twenty pages of photographs illustrate both the designs shown in the book, and a range of other needlepoint and crochet projects by well known artisans.

The book devotes ten pages to miniature embroidery, covering basic stitches and showing several pages of examples. Ten pages are also devoted to hooked, knotted and braided rugs. Examples, but no patterns are given. Instructions are given for a simple quilt of patchwork squares, as well as a quilted lace bedspread and the drapery and canopy cover used to dress a Hepplewhite bed with a serpentine canopy. A simple set of dolls clothes including leather ladies shoes and a decorated parasol are shown with instructions and basic patterns.

Price and Availability Now out of print. Needlework in Miniature, Virginia Merrill and Jean Jessop. Originally published 1978, at least five issues published to 1981. Crown Publishers Inc. New York. ISBN 0-517-52825-8 Price roughly $10 for a used paperback edition in good condition.