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Free hand embroidery patterns from the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue

Free hand embroidery patterns from the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue

I was browsing the Antique pattern Library and discovered 3 files I had not spotted before. They are part of the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue. It caught my eye since it was described as

“Herrschner, Frederick. Art Needlework Supplies General Catalog. Chicago, Frederick Herrschner, c.1907, 242pgs. Scans donated and photo edited by Luann Pfost 08-2010. Enormous and beautiful needlework catalog, a wonderful reference for early 20thC needlework, with many illustrations.”

After I down loaded the PDF files I discovered pages and pages of patterns that could be used in either crazy quilting or on small hand embroidery projects. If you vintage patterns you will be in stitchers paradise.

 

free pattern from out of copy right 1907 Herrschner CatalogueSome of the patterns are a bit blurred but I have cleaned up a few using Phototshop as I wanted to share these with you.  There designs are just a little of the sort of free needlework patterns to be found in the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue.

free pattern from out of copy right 1907 Herrschner CatalogueFeel free to right click and save these designs if you like them as they are out of copyright and perfectly legal to use. However  if you pass them on say where they come from.

 

There are quite a few patterns in the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue that would be suitable for very modern projects such as biscornu designs. I can see how it would be possible to establish the main lines with stitches as stem stitch or chain stitch and for the the little circles you could use a stitch  like buttonhole wheel. You could easily add seed beads in the middle or if beads are not your thing you could add French knots 

 

free pattern from out of copy right 1907 Herrschner CatalogueYou will find  the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue in the Antique pattern library and the three files are called:

 

 

If you have trouble opening them see the Pattern library instructions at the top of the page as you really do need the latest version of acrobat to view them.

 

free pattern from out of copy right 1907 Herrschner CatalogueSimply right click on the image and save to your computer. If people like the cleaned up versions of these files. Let me know if they are useful as they could easily become a mini series offered here when I had time.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think of them.

 

free pattern from out of copy right 1907 Herrschner CatalogueAnyway I hope you enjoy the 1907 Herrschner Catalogue and happy stitching!

 

Have you seen my book?

holding my book in front of quilt

My book The Visual Guide to Crazy Quilting Design: Simple Stitches, Stunning Results  shares detailed practical methods on how to design and make a crazy quilt. Topics such as fabric choice, tricky challenges like balancing colour, texture and pattern, and how to create movement in a block to direct your viewers eye around the block are covered in detail. I also explain how to stitch and build decorative seam treatments in interesting and creative ways. My book is profusely illustrated as my aim is to be practical and inspiring.

Stitchers templates

My templates aim to help you take your stitching to the next level. Designed by an embroiderer for embroiderers. With them you can create hundreds of different hand embroidery patterns to embellish your seams  with flair. These templates are easy to use, made of clear plastic so you can position them easily and are compact in your sewing box.

using my stitchers Templates set 2These are simple to use. You simply position the template in place and use a quilter’s pencil to trace along the edge of the template. Stitch along this line to decorate the seam. I have a free ebook of patterns to accompany each set which illustrates how they can be used.

TO ORDER your Stitchers Templates

Crazy Quilt Templates set 1 you will find here 
Crazy Quilt Templates set 2 you will find here 

25 Comments

  1. I am a young adult VERY interested in learning to hand embroider. I love the patterns shown here but I know absolutely no stitch styling. How do I get started?

    A. Willems
  2. You did not leave an email address os I will answer here. The original patterns are open source (link in the post) and sure you can share the info that I have cleaned some up and link to it.

    Sharon B
  3. Hi Kamala the designs don't come with suggested stitches. People select their own. In the days when the designs were first released people did not have such detailed kits and I think were more creative as a result. But that is a soapbox of mine. Basically you get to choose your own stitches. If you need help with jogging your memory I have a stitch dictionary online here
    http://inaminuteago.com/stitchindex.html

    Sharon B
  4. I love these designs. Thanks so much for cleaning them up and posting them. How do you know which stitch to use? Are there directions in the original catalogue? Sorry for the stupid question. I haven't embroidered since childhood. I remember some stitches, but I think it was only in kits with detailed directions. I really love the freer, more creative designs I've seen on your site (been reading for hours) and Maureen's blog. Kamala

  5. I liked all the designs very much.
    Being an learner, i triedout the kikos flower stitch with the design no.4 and uploaded at stitchinfingers photo, flicker site and my blog. Have a look.
    I found very intersted in doing so. Thanks a lot.
    viji

  6. Oh, thank you for this. I'm working now on a large crazy quilt block entitled "purple baskets." I need lots of old flower and fruit basket patterns and I found several in this catalog.

    Bobbi Pohl
  7. Thanks for sharing Sharon. The patterns are lovely I can see Mountmellick for the first and the last 4 with silk ribbons in Japanese stitch with Fargo roses. I'll try the last one.

    Maureen Bond

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