This instruction book was the first British publication of this type on knitting. 'Instructions on Needlework and Knitting' was a handbook for use in the Church of England charity schools run by the National Society. This particular book was probably a gift. It contains a letter from a Miss M.A. Smith to her governess thanking her for her teaching.
The pupils at whom this book was aimed would also have been shown how to sew and knit by a teacher. The instructions in early knitting books would have been difficult to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the craft. They did not supply information about needle size or which tension was best. Nor did they advise on how much or what type of yarn to use. Notation was not standardised, so the knitters would have relied greatly on their own judgement when interpreting these patterns.
Physical description
Instruction book for needlework and knitting. It includes samples of handicraft techniques including knitting, crochet, netting, sewing and embroidery. With a letter.
[Instruction book] Book of 26 pages including the title page and the 'List of the Prices of Work done by the Girls'. Bound in maroon paper and stamped with a simple pattern and with the inscription in gilt 'NATIONAL SOCIETY. Instructions ON NEEDLEWORK AND KNITTING'.
After an 'Introduction' and 'General Rules and Remarks', the book has sections on Hemming, sewing and Felling, Stitching, Gathering, Button-holes, Shirt-Making, Whipping Frills, Herringbone, Darning, Marking, Knitting, A scale of stockings and socks. Each section is complete with a worked sample.
The fly-leaf of the book is inscribed in ink 'S J Conner, Xmas, 1844'.
[Letter] Inside the book is a letter addressed to Miss Conner.
'Boston, August 1st 1848 / My Dear and honoured Governess, / I take my pen to address you with a heart overflowing with gratitude and love for the kind instruction which I have received from you and I hope that I shall never disgrace your kindness and trust that the good impressions made on my mind will not wear out with time and when we cease meeting here on earth O may we meet in heaven where sin and sorrow shall be no more. I remain your humble and obedient pupil. / M A Smith'
Place of Origin
England, Great Britain (published)
Date
1838 (published)
Artist/maker
Unknown (production)
Materials and Techniques
Printed paper, cotton, wool
Marks and inscriptions
[Instruction book] 'NATIONAL SOCIETY. Instructions ON NEEDLEWORK AND KNITTING'
[Instruction book] 'S J Conner, Xmas, 1844'
Dimensions
Weight: 0.2 kg Instruction book and letter
[Instruction book] Length: 23 cm, Length: 8.875 in, Width: 14.5 cm, Width: 5.625 in, Depth: 1.3 cm, Depth: 0.5 in
[Letter] Length: 7.375 in folded sheet, Length: 18.7 cm folded sheet, Width: 4.5 in folded sheet, Width: 11.5 cm folded sheet
Object history note
The first British publication of this type on knitting: 'Instructions on Needle-work and Knitting, As Derived from the Practice of The Central School of the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church, in the Sanctuary Westminster' 2nd edition, 1838'.
Descriptive line
Instruction book 'The National Society's Instructions on Needlework and Knitting' with letter and textile samples, published in England, 1838
Materials
Paper; Cotton; Wool
Techniques
Sewing; Embroidery; Hand knitting; Crocheting; Netting
Categories
Textiles; Embroidery; Needlework accessories; Books
Collection code
T&F
