Victorian Whitework Embroidered Monograms

Book excerpt: Victorian embroidered monograms are lovely examples of creativity in home decoration. This collection from an 1890 series features elaborate illustrations of whitework embroidery that are sure to inspire modern needleworkers and craftsmen. These 48 pages are reproduced from an historic artifact, and as such show some signs of age and the limitations of 19th century printing technology. Monograms have long been an elegant way to personalize household items; many beautiful examples are worked on plain white fabric embellished with tone-on-tone raised, elaborate embroidery. Often a variety of stitchery techniques were used to create texture, such as padded satinstitches combined with lacemaking techniques including pulled or drawn thread work and needleweaving. A large 8" high single display style initial is given for each of the alphabet (except for the letters "I" and "Y", which were commonly left out of alphabets) plus several small two-letter monograms featuring each letter in a variety of design styles. Like most antique books, a high level of skill was assumed of the reader so there are no instructions to accompany the illustrations. The designs could be transferred onto fabric for embroidery, or adapted to needlepoint, machine embroidery or other techniques.