Machine Embroidered book – Pages 12-13 …

These 2 pages concentrate on the use of yarn or thread.





The first of these pages shows some examples for different thicknesses. The upper example shows creating a new fabric by weaving on net; the central example decoratively stitching on a plain knitted fabric and the third example shows a yarn being used in a different manner – the example of rug wool used to make some shoes.








The second of these pages shows some knitting samples of the period – typical stitch patterns and colours of those suggested items of clothing. Swatches of patterns were knitted using yarns and colours as close to those as recommended within the original instructions.

Again on this page, I continued with the theme of a photo album to display the samples with machine embroidery used to ‘write’ notes (eg. bright colours were cheerful) and secure swatches and photocopies of patterns.

Machine Embroidered book – Page 11 …

This page is worked entirely in machine embroidery and shows a typical set of wartime clothes that had been recycled or made using different needlecraft techniques.


‘Stitched notes’ provide explanations (eg. old raincoat to make gas mask bag).

Machine Embroidered book – Pages 7-10 …

These 4 pages reference the variety of transfers that were available for stitching for varied uses and on many different fabrics.

With wide ranging uses, transfers could ‘brighten up’ any recycled material as well as enhance drab (fabric) colours.


The samples shown were stitched using today’s threads but in colours as close as possible to the ones of the period.

There were also suggestions to use other items of haberdashery for making or enhancing clothes and home furnishings.

Machine Embroidered book – Pages 5 & 6 …

These 2 pages show some of the reference books and magazines printed during the war period. Providing instructions for a wide range of needlecrafts and fashion-related projects, the majority encouraged the recycling of various items of clothing and textiles.






On this page, an ‘economy’ slippers pattern was referenced. Transformed with a modern interpretation, a partial sample was handstitched in crazy patchwork using sections of post-war ties.













The next page shows a selection of popular wartime magazines that were available – sewing technique shown here is magazine photos held together by machine quilting on a netting layer together with various wording in free-machining.

Machine Embroidered book – Pages 3 & 4 …

This page briefly details the overall effect of WWII on London and the Home Front.



Lower left pocket contains samples of parachute fabric and cords to show the quality for a wide variety of 'home' uses.








The next page shows a typical house interior during the war. Items shown are those suggested during the 1939-45 period and could be made using a variety of textiles and/or needlecrafts. Often made to 'brighten up' a particular room - many were recommended to make ‘for economy’ with instructions found in magazines and books of the period. This page is machine embroidered – a colour photocopy enhanced with stitching and further embroidery.

Machine Embroidered Book - Pages 1 & 2 ...

The 'Make-Do-and-Mend book' has detachable pages inside - here are the first 2.



Page 1 (left) - machine embroidery on chiffon.



Page 2 (right) - discharge dye/resist technique and machine embroidery on grosgrain fabric.

When the book is first opened, these 2 pages initially appear as 1 (see below) and depict St. Pauls Cathedral (London) amidst the smoke and fires of the Blitz.

Machine Embroidered Book …

Several years ago, I researched ‘Make-Do-and-Mend’ from WW II & it included reading many official and factual books. The conclusion of  that research was the making of an oversized (appx. 60cm x 40cm) and machine embroidered (rag-style) book. Samples of a variety of needle-craft techniques from the period were included and depicted in a manner more familiar today.


Here is my book:

I am showing it over the next few days together with brief descriptions for each set of pages.

The image (above right), shows the front of the book and represents London during the Blitz. It is worked in a variety of machine stitchings using mainly metal thread. The black/red central panel is raised and depicts the bombed and burning London buildings or metalwork. The outer coloured 'stitched hatching' is a quilted layer representing radial beams of tracer lights and bombing patterns visible during the night raids (better shown on the book's reverse - above left).