Finding books online: You should check for free versions of older books before buying older ones to download, as many are now in the public domain (the ones people charge money for have often been reformatted in some way). Searching for specific terms, like “embroidery” instead of “sewing or “knitting” instead of “craft” is often necessary, as there are few keywords in free books descriptions to help you fidn them!
Kindle Books– You can download a kindle app to read these on your computer, phone, and Ipad. Kindle books might not work on the Nook, Sony, or other ebook readers. These book can all be found to download for kindle or can be read through the Gutenberg website (which often has the pictures for the book, if available).
Exercises in Knitting No pictures for most of the patterns. Includes patterns to make finished items and patterns to design your own (lace patterns, etc). Patterns do not tell you what abbreviations mean (for increases, for example), so it is hard to tell if the patterns are correct.
Handbook of Wool Knitting and Crochet
Includes instructions for sweater, hats, gloves/mittens, scarves, etc in knit and crochet.
The Ladies’ Work-Book Containing Instructions In Knitting, Crochet, Point-Lace, etc
Includes both a large number and wide variety of patterns, from childern’s clothing to housewares.
The Ladies’ Work-Table Book Containing Clear and Practical Instructions in Plain and Fancy Needlework, Embroidery, Knitting, Netting and Crochet
Variety of patterns, limited instructions (old patterns did not include as much information as patterns do now)
Embroidery and Tapestry Weaving
Includes information on tools, set up, and weaving.
Vegetable Dyes Being a Book of Recipes and Other Information Useful to the Dyer
This book needs a review all by itself. Suffice to say, like most old dye book, the information may not be completely accurate (this book contains information on dyeing with dandelion root, which people have not been able to duplicate the color of). Vegetable Dyes is, however, an interesting read, and unlike many of the natural dye book on the market, is chock full of text and information, not just pictures.
Embroidery and Needlework Books:
Beeton’s Book of Needlework
Tatting, knitting, and embroidery patterns. Keep in mind that written patterns often use different language and make different assumptions than we do now.
Art in Needlework
No pictures, but describes various embroidery types and stitches.
General Craft Books:
Things To Make by Archibald Williams
Geared more towards the home inventor than crafter, it is all about building models and useful things for the home (shed, bench, rain gauge…). However, there are no pictures in the free version.
A Course In Wood Turning by Otto K. Wohlers and Archie S. Milton
Exactly as it sounds. Gutenberg version of Wood Turning includes detailed pictures.
Wood-Block Printing A Description of the Craft of Woodcutting and Colour Printing Based on the Japanese Practice by Frank Morley Fletcher
Both history and how to.
How to Make a Shoeby John Parker Headley
About making shoes, though not really actual instructions, more hints and tips in, dare I say, poem form?
The Scholfield Wool-Carding Machines by Grace Rogers Cooper
Includes a history of wool carding from hand cards to early drum carding machines. Interesting (short) read if you are untested in sheep, spinning, or fiber processing.
Jacobean Embroidery Its Forms and Fillings Including Late Tudor
Jacobean embroidery is an English embroidery technique. See the Gutenberg version of Jacobean Embroidery for the pictures. Some people call it Crewel, and it is worked in wools. Examples are often ornate, with floral and animal motifs
Aboriginal American Weaving
Sadly, the pictures do not come through in the free version (for kindle).
Prehistoric Textile Fabrics Of The United States
Extremely short, no pictures, but a quick read for people looking for a view of how people started studying weaving (looms and baskets)
A Study Of The Textile Art In Its Relation To The Development Of Form And Ornament
A look at weaving (baskets, embroidery, etc). The pictures the book is referring to are not present.
Arts and Crafts in the Middle Ages
including history on metals, embroidery, sculpture, mosaic, etc.
