White Work

Selected and Edited by Carner Houck

White Work, white embroidery on white fabric, historically has been one of the best ways to show one’s talent in needlework. Often considered a form of embroidery only for the expert, this book demonstrates that White Work is a craft that can be performed at all levels of expertise with superb results and without protracted practice. The author assumes no previous knowledge of White Work on the reader’s part and provides complete information on materials, pattern-transferring techniques, and instructions, plus diagrams for over 20 stitches. Following the instructions are forty pages of charming patterns, 188 in all, including florals, repeats and borders, two complete sets of alphabets and more. For each design, the author suggests a stitch or stitches which produce optimal effects. As a result, the book presents a self-contained guide to White Work that can transform any embroidery medium into a treasure of heirloom quality.

58 pages. Line drawing stitch illustrations and patterns. 8½ x 11. Soft cover. $5.95. (1978) ISBN 0486236951