Encyclopedia of Needlework by Therese de Dillmont (1846-1890)

I found a link to a wonderful online historical needlework book on the Project Gutenburg website. It downloads quickly (on my computer at least) and the pictures are beautiful and very clear. I'm absolutely fascinated by the alphabet done in some kind of embroidered braids. And I love the practical directions for transferring the design onto the fabric.

Encyclopedia of Needlework by Therese de Dillmont

This is the table of contents. The links don't always seem to work, but sometimes you can click on the titles for a direct link to the pages :-)

PREFACE.	Page
PLAIN SEWING
Stitches
Seams
Gathering
Sewing on cord and flaps	10
Button-holes	11
Sewing on buttons	12
Binding slits	13
Sewing on piping	13
Fixing whale-bones—Herring-boning	14
MENDING	15
Linen darning	16
Satin or twill darning	17
Damask darning	18
Fine-drawing	20
Patching	20
SINGLE AND CUT OPEN-WORK	23
Hem-stitching	24
Open-work patterns	27
Cutting out threads at the corners	39
Cut open-work	40
Patterns for cut open-work	42
NET AND DAMASK STITCHES	51
Net embroidery	51
Net patterns	52
Net darning	62
Damask stitches	63
WHITE EMBROIDERY	76
Stitches	77
Different kinds of scallops	79
Eyelet holes	80
Six ways of making dots	81
Venetian embroidery	82
Patterns and alphabets	83
FLAT STITCH AND GOLD EMBROIDERY	105
Encroaching satin stitch	105
Oriental stitch	106
Plaited stitch and mosaic stitch	108
Persian stitch	109
Straight and encroaching flat stitch patterns	110
Chinese embroidery	111
Raised embroidery	113
Turkish embroidery	113
Implements and materials for gold embroidery	115
Stitches used in gold embroidery	119
Patterns for gold embroidery	120
TAPESTRY AND LINEN EMBROIDERY	127
Marking out the embroidery ground	128
Tapestry stitches	129
Tapestry patterns	138
Stitches for linen embroidery	143
Patterns for linen embroidery	152
KNITTING	171
Position of the hands	172
Casting on	173
Stitches	178
Stocking knitting	182
Scalloped edge	183
Heels	184
Toes	189
Mending knitting	190
Piqué patterns	195
Patent knitting	201
Turkish stitch	201
Knitting patterns	203
CROCHET WORK	221
Position of the hands	223
Stitches	223
Method for copying tapestry patterns in crochet	238
Crochet with soutache or lacet	239
Crochet square, hexagon and star	240
Tunisian crochet	241
Hairpin crochet	243
Patterns for hairpin crochet	245
Crochet lace patterns	249
Crochet counterpanes	284
Crochet stars	300
Crochet collar	304
Crochet chair-back	316
TATTING	325
Position of the hands	326
Knots	328
Patterns of scallops and medallions	331
MACRAMÉ	343
Materials and implements	344
Formation of the knots	345
Macramé shuttles	360
Macramé patterns	361
NETTING	395
Implements and materials	395
Stitches	397
Patterns produced in netting	400
Mounting the netting on the frame	410
Stars and wheels	414
Grounds and lace	423
Embroidery on netting	434
Netted insertion	438
IRISH LACE	439
Materials	439
Tacking down the braids	440
Bars of different kinds	442
Insertion stitches	445
Lace stitches	450
Needle-made picots	467
Irish lace patterns	468
LACES OF DIFFERENT KINDS	473
Pillow lace and the implements for its manufacture	474
«Stitches» or passings	481
Patterns or grounds	481
Armenian lace	503
Laces in knotted stitch	505
Reticella-lace	508
Venetian-lace	510
Brussels-lace	515
MISCELLANEOUS FANCY WORK	517
Knotted cord	518
Balls for trimmings	519
Tambour work	521
Smyrna stitch	523
Malta stitch	525
Triangular Turkish stitch	526
Turkish embroidery	530
Appliqué-work	531
Morocco embroidery	535
Spanish embroidery	536
Different kinds of linen stitches	540
Pattern for linen stitches	541
Pattern for Roumanian stitch	544
Pattern for Piqué embroidery	546
Embroideries with Soutache	546
Chinese subject	551
PRACTICAL DIRECTIONS	553
Tracing and drawing the designs	553
The preparation of the stuffs and the subdivision of the patterns	557
To transpose and repeat patterns by means of looking glasses	559
To alter the proportions of a pattern by dividing the ground into squares	560
To prepare the paste for appliqué work	564
To stiffen new needlework	565
To wash ordinary lace	565
To wash real lace	566
To stiffen lace	566
To iron lace	566
To pin out lace	567
To wash coloured cottons and work done with the same	568
Materials