Since I’ve been playing around with drawn thread embroidery on my whitework technique sampler, I thought it worthwhile to look around online for some good resources for technique and design ideas.
As usual, one of my first stops when looking for needlework instructional books online is Antique Pattern Library.
I love this website! And I could spend many long, lingering hours there!
I was happy to find Therese Dillmont’s Drawn Thread Work (DMC Library). Typipcal of these Therese Dillmont books (there’s a whole list of them on Antique Pattern Library), there’s heaps of information, diagrams, and so forth in the book.
While many of the Dillmont books listed on the APL index are in French, the drawn thread book is in English. No matter what language you speak, though, the diagrams are clear enough to follow, if you have at least a little understanding of drawn thread embroidery.
There are so many techniques that can fall under “drawn thread work,” so the book is quite extensive. It’s available as a two-part download, in PDF format.
The first part addresses mostly the different types of drawn thread work, with pictures of how to work out different bunching techniques, as well as decorative corners, needle lace accents, and so forth.
The second part features some really beautiful ideas for drawn thread projects.
If you’re looking for some inspiration for your own drawn thread embroidery, do check out Therese Dillmont’s book at the Antique Pattern Library.
And if you’re just longing to spend some time browsing some old needlework books, pop in at the Antique Pattern Library and enjoy lingering for hours over some of the wonderful books available there!
Mary, thank you for those posts on whitework.
And now I remember why I had an urge to buy a book about whitework 🙂
I have spent many wonderfull hours looking throught this wonderfull resource.
Jaci
Oh, I love this book. I actually bought a copy of it a few years ago before I discovered the Antique Pattern Library. (I have a terrible weakness for the old DMC books.) It’s a really nice resource and made me want to try drawn work. I haven’t done so, yet, but maybe someday….. For now, Mary, I’m just living vicariously through your drawn thread adventure!
Hi Mary,
Unfortunately the links for part one and two drawn thread books no longer work. I do realize that these were posted in 2009, just thought I would let you know.
Now I am all interested in drawn thread. So many fun techniques to try, but can only work a few projects at a time. I want to do it all, right now! Trying to complete current projects without starting a bunch of new ones.
So much fun and inspiring!
All the best,
Mindi Hammerstone
The new link would be http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/html/warm/catalog.htm#6-DA002
That’ll put you on the catalog page at the location of the thread work book.
We cannot guarantee that the pdfs will be always accessible via deeplinks. Names, versions, and locations may change. I do try to keep them accessible via the site itself.
Best wishes,
Sytske Wijnsma
Library Director of the Antique Pattern Library, a project of New Media Arts, Inc., a nonprofit registered in the USA.
How do I do to get the free book: DRAWN THREAD WORK as advertised.
Thank you.
nga
http://www.antiquepatternlibrary.org/html/warm/catalog.htm#6-DA002 and then click on PDF01 and PDF02.
Best wishes,
Sytske Wijnsma
Library Director of the Antique Pattern Library, a project of New Media Arts, Inc., a nonprofit registered in the USA.
What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you are now not really a lot more smartly-preferred than you might be now. You’re so intelligent. You already know therefore significantly on the subject of this matter, made me for my part imagine it from so many varied angles.
I wanted to thank you for posting this information on the drawn thread book. I think it is amazing. I am trying to teach myself, or remember what I was taught as a child. I am glad to see this information available. Thank you!
I have a copy of this but would love to know the date of publication if you have found it.
I just purchased two tablecloths with this type of stitching. Is this rare?
Hi, Cynthia, It’s not necessarily rare – it is a fairly common form of needlework, especially on antique pieces. There are also machine made pieces that mimic drawn thread, so if they are new tablecloths, they may be machine embellished. But maybe not! You can also find hand stitched ones available these days, too. If they are very inexpensive, though, they usually come from sweatshops in China, India, or similar countries, where the laborers don’t necessarily make a just wage. It just depends on the origins.
Drawn thread work makes excellent decorative edging for table cloths!
It is a beautiful art work I love doing it,thank you