Comprehensive in scope and elegant in presentation, this classic Victorian-era volume was the first complete how-to guide to knitting. Originally published by Butterick, the company that later produced Vogue Knitting, it constitutes a fantastic historical document as well as an easy-to-follow guide for knitters at all levels of experience. In addition to basic knitting instructions and a dictionary of stitches, the book offers illustrated patterns for dozens of projects, including sweaters, scarves, hats, and other items for women, men, and children.
Starting with a chapter of general directions, the guide presents examples of fancy stitches, including edging designs for mittens and socks, borders for scarves and shawls, and knitted edgings and insertions. Ladies' apparel and accessories include hoods, capes, shawls, jackets, fascinators, leggings, and many other projects. Menswear includes sweaters, belts, scarves, ties, and more. In addition to children's clothing and toys, the book also features patterns for counterpanes, spreads, doilies, mats, and other household articles.
Founded by Ebenezer Butterick to distribute the first graded sewing patterns, The Butterick Publishing Company released its first magazine, Ladies Quarterly of Broadway Fashions, in 1867. The Metropolitan followed in 1868 and The Delineator magazine in 1873, establishing Butterick as a worldwide enterprise, with 1,000 agencies throughout Europe and North America.