Vintage crochet patterns

The knot stitch - Clark's ONT Book of Crochet Patterns No.3 1917

Luncheon set doilys from the Clark's ONT Book of Crochet Patterns No.3 1917

The Grape and Leaf Centerpiece featured within Clark's ONT booklet of crochet patterns 1917.

Front cover of the 1917 Filet Crochet with Instructions pattern booklet.

Nightgown yoke detailing from the Royal Society Crochet Book No.8 1916

Advertisement for crochet cottons featured in the Royal Society Crochet Booklet No.8 1916

Butterfly used on yoke pattern taken from A.W.B Lingerie Special 1915

Top - down; Yoke with butterflies, simple yoke with motifs applied to points. Taken from A.W.B Lingerie Special 1915.

In addition to learning how to crochet I really enjoy trying to create my own little collection of vintage patterns. Regardless of age, of style, their ware and tear or even what the patterns are for, merging together a collection is something I love doing. Its a collection that's been cheap to begin and started in the UK through hunting in charity shops or ones passed down to me. In honestly I had somewhat forget about this until finding some at the estate sale - I merely glanced at them, amazed they were vintage, grabbed and then paid for them. It wasn't until we were sitting in the car that their beauty emerged.

The first pattern booklet, the A.W.B Lingerie Special of Yokes, Trimmings and Crochet Hats which perfectly describes itself as providing "wonderful effects never before attempted in crochet" was copyright to 1915. I was more then amazed at something being 97 years old being in such good condition. And the more I looked, the wonder of this new collection grew. From this to the Royal Society Crochet Book No. 8 (1916), Filet Crochet with Instructions Series No.7 to Clark's ONT Book of Crochet Patterns No.3 (both 1917). Although the latter booklet is missing some of it's middle pages, these have become the oldest patterns in my collection. 

While they may have an age to them they have some gorgeous designs, from the intricate, delicate edging to your nightgown, the beautiful butterfly, to providing patterns for lampshades and edgings to table pieces - there really was something for the lady of that era. Whether you crochet or not I hope you can find and admire the beauty in the photographs and designs. I'm already eying up some of the doily patterns to tackle, I think it's about time I reunited myself with the art of doily crocheting.