Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers

by Jennie Batchelor, Alison Larkin

Jane Austen was as skillful with a needle as she was with a pen, and this unique book showcases rare and beautiful embroidery patterns from her era, repurposed into 15 modern sewing projects. Derived from Lady's Magazine (1770–1832), a popular monthly periodical of fashion, fiction, and gossip, the projects consist of embroidered clothes, accessories, and housewares. Designs include an evening bag, a muslin shawl, an apron, a floral napkin set and tablecloth, and other pretty and practical items with timeless appeal.
These authentic patterns — many of which have not been reprinted in more than 200 years—are enlivened by vivid glimpses into the world of Regency women and their domestic lives. Fascinating historical features, quotes from Austen's letters and novels, enchanting drawings, clear instructions, and inspirational project photography trace the patterns' origins and illustrate their imaginative restoration for modern use. A must-have for every Jane Austen fan, this book is suitable for needleworkers at every level of experience.

Genres: Crafts, Nonfiction, History, Sewing, Art, Jane Austen, Historical

160 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2020

About the author

Jennie Batchelor lives in Reigate, Surrey, with her partner and two children, and teaches at the University of Kent. She has written and edited several books on women's writing, eighteenth-century dress and early women's magazines, and regularly gives public lectures and writes articles and guest blogs on these and other subjects. In April 2016 Jennie appeared on the New Statesman's Hidden Histories podcast series, 'The Great Forgetting: Women Writers before Jane Austen', and in 2017 she was invited to speak at the Cheltenham Literary Festival with Lucy Worsley and Sarah Moss about the enduring popularity of Jane Austen. She can regularly be heard on podcasts, the radio and sometimes on TV.

Jennie's longstanding interest in the history of fashion and needlework led to her curation of 'The Great Lady's Magazine Stitch Off', a project for which people around the world recreated rare, surviving embroidery patterns from the Lady's Magazine for an exhibition to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the publication of Jane Austen's Emma at Chawton House Library. She is Patron of the Kent branch of the Jane Austen Society

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers is the kind of book I love, blending needlework and literature and history.

We learn about Austen's material world and society, the women's work that was expected and the fashions it adorned. Plus, actual patterns from the Regency era Lady's Magazine are reproduced to make projects with today's women in mind.

I enjoyed the essays that introduce embroidery in Austen's time and explain the use of embroidery in dress, trims, and objects for the home.

I learned so much!

The authors plumb Austen's prose and letters for references to these objects and the use of needlework.

The embroidery patterns are delightful and the instructions are detailed and clear. The projects range from purses to tablecloths, a cell phone pouch and tablet sleeve, to a work bag and sewing set. They cover every part of a modern women's life!

When I first read Austen, I thought a 'sprigged muslin' was a printed fabric. Now I know it could have been hand embroidered, white embroidery on sheer muslin.

We quilters are very familiar with the quilt made by Jane Austen and her family. But I learned that a sampler made by Cassandra Austen, Jane's beloved elder sister, is on display at Chawton.

This is a delightful book that will please embroiderers and Austen lovers alike.

I was given a free book by the publisher in exchange for a fair and unbiased review.

[Yogaa Lakshmi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is such an interesting and detailed guide of Regency Patterns. The patterns were clear and well photographed and directions were very well explained. I loved this book and I strongly recommend it to all craft-entusiasts.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is quite the charmer as you’d imagine, I got it solely for the historical content because I’m not into traced embroidery. The historical content is choice, and the history of how these patterns were used and why they didn’t survive is very good.

I’d quibble that I didn’t like the actual projects presented, I’d rather have been given just the straight motifs and left to my own devices as to what to do with them. I’m sorry but an embroidered cell phone quilted pocket is just silly, that thing is going to get absolutely blasted in my filthy overloaded mom purse. If they wanted to include projects with patterns, I’d have liked them to keep them closer to history. They had some patterns that were for shoes, why not use them on a project for house slippers instead of a needle case? Also lots of the patterns were intended for mob caps, like include a pattern for one of those, I’d rather make something useless and historically fun like that instead of modern and pseudo practical.

[Tansy Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glorious book -- not only for the patterns which are great, but for the social history! Based largely on an archival hunt for embroidery patterns shared in the historic Lady Magazine during Jane Austen's lifetime, every chapter includes loads of context about Regency clothing, accessories, handcrafts and other items of interest. If you ever wondered how long humans have been making jokes about "muffs" this is the book for you.

There are also some cool embroidery projects here for the modern stitcher.

[Nic · Rating 5 out of 5]

The projects are very pretty but the real reason to read this book is for the details and information about how embroidery, millinery, sewing, etc. played a huge role in Regency era society. I love books that give a fuller background to the environment and societal norms of an era, this was a truly interesting book.

[Kelly Hodgkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jane Austen Embroidery” by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin Is exactly what a craft-enthusiast Jane fan would want it to be! It is packed with interesting Jane facts, historical notes and beautiful embroidery patterns.

I so enjoyed the research put into the book both in finding the patterns and in understanding their context. In our world of modern conveniences, the historical aspects clarify why needlework was abridged to be called just “work”. It was not a hobby but a necessity. Jane is reported to have been particularly skilled in this area of life and her personality has been stitched throughout.

The embroidery patterns are whole projects rather than just the attractive elements and including sewing and make-up as well as embroidery. Each pattern has been carefully chosen, related to Jane, and modernised to make it relevant to today, I appreciated all the guidance included for the less knowledgeable reader – a.k.a. Me – about fabrics and threads as well as how to sew each stitch. It is detailed with great photos and lots of tips!

The COVID-19 pandemic has limited my ability to access the various resources to put into practice what I have learnt but I look forward to doing so in the future. If you love Jane Austen and embroidery, this is one to get! It is five out of five on the enJOYment scale and highly recommended.

[Juli Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a lot of craft books, and a lot of literary- and history-themed craft and cookbooks, but this is a true standout. There is so much background information here about not only regency-era stitchery and fashion, but also how these topics show up specifically in Jane Austen's life and works. The patterns are taken from 18th and early 19th century women's magazines and adapted to projects that are the perfect blend of useful and ornamental. The patterns themselves are honestly some of the most beautiful I've seen in a contemporary stitchery book, right down to the colors and fabric choices. There's a range of difficulty levels incorporated, as well and excellent background information on embroidery for those just getting started. I will likely be purchasing a copy of this book for myself.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed all the historical information that Batchelor gave about patterns and explaining how they changed it to some of the items in the book. I look forward to making my first piece... whenever that will be :-)

[Cynthia Corral · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book for fans of Jane Austen, even if they cannot embroider, or have no desire to try. It is also a history book, and a great reference for those interested in fashion history.

There are many projects in the book, both embroidery projects as well as sewing projects. You can make your own apron! Your own cell phone or tablet sleeve! And there are darling purses. The embroidery projects are not difficult and should be possible for anyone with some embroidery experience, but a beginner should be successful with many of them.

There are chapters that reference fabrics and materials from the time period, several chapters on fashion of the time , and the standard how-to sections and thread conversion charts. The section on materials needed was quite extensive, and I liked the explanations of each item, what it was used for, and why it was needed.

The photography is lovely, and my imagination was struck by their use of colored linens to make the projects.

Overall a very impressive work, both for the projects and as a reference book. I received an ARC in exchange for honest review, and I can honestly give this book 5 stars with no hesitation.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was instantly charmed by Jane Austen Embroidery. As an avid embroiderer, I devoured all the history about Regency Era needlework, and the role it played in upper middle and working class society. Great and thorough explanations about what the modern embroiderer needs to have to start stitching. The projects are unique, and once completed look to become lifelong treasures. That said, the prospect of assembling/finishing the projects is a little daunting. As charming as hand-finishing is, it's a completely separate skill from hand embroidery, and many of us have to rely on professional finishers. I would encourage beginners to have fun with the projects, then perhaps pay a sew-handy friend or a needlepoint store to whip them into treasures.

Though I received a free ebook from netgalley, I also purchased the paperback.

[Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightful read. The patterns are lovely and very accessible. The historical and literary sections on Georgian fashion and needlecraft are fascinating and definitely contribute to a deeper appreciation for the time period, as well as Austen's own consideration of the topic throughout her books.

[Francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a lovely book filled with historical textile information and beautiful patterns.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

If anyone is looking to get into historical costuming, cosplay, etc, this is a must read. Even if you do not embroider or have no intentions of embroidering, the social history, the insight into items that would have been commonly carried or used during the Regency era is well worth the time spent reading!

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Originally published on my blog: Nonstop Reader.

Jane Austen Embroidery is a tutorial and pattern book for projects in the Regency style of the time period. Due out 13th May 2020 from Dover, it's 160 pages and will be available in paperback format.

This is a well researched and period accurate group of projects for surface embroidery embellishment. The projects are varied and all are appealing. There are small projects (pencil case, cushion, sewing kit, and more) as well as larger projects (tablecloth, stole, muslin shawl). None of these is outside the ability of a keen beginner (especially if they have some available help).

The book includes a good overview over tools and supplies for surface embroidery as well as meticulously annotated discussions of the daily lives of women who lived during the period (including Jane Austen herself).

There are abundant links and resources for further reading. The pictured finished projects use silks but the authors have included a conversion chart for Silk Mill, DMC, and Ancho flosses. Patterns are included in each project chapter along with illustrated construction notes.

It should be noted that this book is about surface embroidery, not cross stitch. It's lovely to see tutorials and and upswing in interest for the other fibrearts; it seems like only cross-stitch had any following for a long long time and it's nice to see surface embroidery enjoying a renaissance.

Beautiful projects. Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Doreen Prentiss Gabriellini · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jane Austen Embroidery: Regency Patterns Reimagined for Modern Stitchers By Jennie Batchelor I was interested in this book because I just finished reading a book about Jane Austen’s home town. This book is a small sampling (15 )of the embroidery during Jane Austen’s time. The book is divided into three major sections: accessories, home décor and clothes. At the beginning of each section is a history lesson. So the book is part historical information and part embroidery patterns. There are a few ‘modern’ adaptations like the cell phone case and tablet holder embroidered with an embroidery on them from the Regency Patterns. There are a few of ‘old-fashioned’ items like a reticule ( a purse with strings) aprons and a shawl of sorts. Each pattern is detailed and with each pattern is a list of all the materials needed for that project.
The title seems misleading as the reader is lead to believe that these are Jane’s embroideries. There are quotes from Jane Austen’s works and letters. The patterns are however derived from a lady’s magazine which was popular during Jane’s lifetime. I am sure there was considerable work in researching and reprinting these patterns
I would like to thank the publisher, author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part history book, part embroidery guide - Jane Austen Embroidery is a wonderful book that would appeal to so many people.

The book is broken up into three major sections: clothes, accessories, and home decor. Each section contains insight into the history of the items in these categories. There are multiple patterns included in each section - from a more modern spin, such as making a tablet or cell phone holder, to a more classic take, like making aprons, reticule bags, and more. Each pattern is fully detailed and includes all materials needed, the embroidery pattern itself, and a step by step process from start to finish.

Jane Austen Embroidery hits the mark for so many people and would be a great addition (or gift) to anyone who is a fan of history, Jane Austen's novels, or just enjoys embroidery!

[Debbie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall it's a lovely book, just not what I was expecting. The embroidery designs are from the era, and the projects incorporating these designs are somewhat current. Lots of historical information.

[Robin Henry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This delightful book is a combination of Austen adjacent writing and embroidery instruction. Though I knew Austen to be occupied with needlework since it figures in some of her letters and family stories, I had not considered more deeply any connection between artistry with a needle and artistry with a pen. This work does do that, as well as offering the reader a selection of period embroidery patterns which the authors have provided color choices, stitching instructions, and even suggestions for how to make up the finished products--with lists of sources for some of the harder to find materials.

The commentary begins with Wollstonecraft, who found needlework an offense to women, because it led to fatuousness in her opinion--women who cared too much about fashion and dress. Sadly, I think in this instance Wollstonecraft commits one of the “sins” of some forms of feminism, which is to discount women who make choices different from our own, thus splitting women along lines of preference rather than calling for the acceptance of women as humans of equal value with men. The sad story of Mary Lamb is also related, but the authors quickly move on to consider Austen’s own thoughts about needlework, which were fascinating. Each chapter includes connections to Austen’s writing; citations and endnotes are available for further reading.

The patterns come from the Ladies’ Magazine circa 1770-1810 either found or given to the authors as they worked on this project. According to the authors, one of the reasons it can be challenging to find Regency Era embroidery patterns is that they were intended to be taken out of the magazine and used. Most methods of transferring the patterns to fabric would have resulted in their destruction.

The projects are designed for all levels of stitchers, from beginner to advanced. Interested readers may find out more about this by watching this talk, given at Chawton House, (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWqLE...) and by taking a look at the “Stitch Off” Twitter stream. (https://twitter.com/hashtag/StitchOff...)
By the way, I totally want those shoes…

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you hear the name Jane Austen, of course you think of her as the famous author. But Jane Austen Embroidery will add a depth to Ms. Austen that most people are unfamiliar with. Per all accounts she was an accomplished embroiderer and truly took great joy and pride in the beautiful and utilitarian items she stitched. Items she created are currently housed at the Jane Austen’s House Museum, on display for all to see.

The main source for patterns back in Ms. Austen’s time was various women’s magazines. Included in this very book are 15 patterns that appeared in Lady’s Magazine from the 1770’s to 1810. Perhaps Jane herself stitched one of them and now you create them as well.

The authors have added a section on tools and resources for traditional embroidery. While it is different from most modern items embroidered, the basic stitches are the same. If you have embroidered before using the counted cross stitch method or a stamped image you should be able to jump right in and begin. Diagrams, pictures and step-by-step instructions will have you stitching in no time.

From start to finish this is a fascinating book about Ms. Austen and one of her favorite past times. It is a given that there are lovely items to create with easy to read tips and directions that will ensure your success. And on a history level, it is truly a fascinating read. I will look at Ms. Austen differently now. She is not just one of the most revered authors of all time, but a skilled embroiderer as well, taking as much pride in her stitches as she did with her words in Pride and Prejudice.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from Dover Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman

[April Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my, but this is a lovely book! It is not just an instructional embroidery book; I learned so much about late 18th-early 19th century needlework, the daily lives of women of the time, the skills they learned. I had no idea monthly magazines existed then! I just never thought about it I guess, but it was so interesting learning about Lady's Magazine. The historical aspect of this book was fascinating to me, as I'm sure it will be to anyone interested in that era, in Austen's works, in antique needlework, or all of the above!
The instructional part of this book are very thorough, covering tools and materials of the time, the different stitches and embellishments used, techniques involved, and what modern equivalences can be substituted. While the projects will require some amount of experience, they do range in difficulty level; however, I think an absolute beginner might be in a little over their head here. The projects are reproductions from the Lady's Magazine, some recreated from actual patterns the author was able to find. There are two projects that are updated for modern times- a tablet sleeve and a cell phone pouch- but otherwise, any of them could have been made by Austen herself. The instructions are explained well, with tips specific to the project to make things easier. I loved the embroidery patterns, which would look lovely on any number of other items besides the pieces in the book.
This is a book any Austen fan should have, I think, even if they don't do embroidery themselves, as there is so much information about the time period Austen lived in and her interest in needlework, as well as giving insight into the lives of her characters. So very recommended!

#JaneAustenEmbroidery #NetGalley

[Lucy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Austen is best known to us as a writer of fiction, but she was also a daughter and sister and woman of her time. So she did sewing and embroidery for the household and the people in it, as well as for gifts. Most of what we know of the needlecrafts at the time is from letters and from publications like The Lady's Magazine. This book publishes embroidery patterns from that time, adapted to objects we might use in our daily life, like an apron, an evening purse, tablet sleeve, phone pouch, napkins, tablecloths, shawls and the like. But what I like most is the articles about the time period.
Historical chapters are: Embroidered Clothes, dressed to impress; Embroidered Accessories, how do you like my trimming; Embroidery for the Home, a nest of comforts.
Embroidery patterns give the stitches and colors used, how to do the stitches, and how to make up the items featured. A lot of this is in satin stitch, not my favorite one to work. My favorite pattern is for the apron because of the embroidery pattern. It would also make a lovely pillow cover.
Recommended if you like needlework, especially embroidery, and the Regency period of English history, with emphasis on the lives of women.

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgian Patterns for Modern Stitchers

If you're a fan of the 1995 BBC version of Pride and Prejudice, you are familiar with the embroidery that is the introduction to each episode. If you ever wanted to make items with Regency/Georgian embroidery yourself, this is the book for you. Not only does it have beautiful old-fashioned patterns, some of which have been taken from a ladies’ magazine from that era, but it also tells some about Jane's personal embroidery—she was quite the stitching enthusiast—as well as different aspects of embroidery during that time in Georgian England. As a huge Jane Austen fan and longtime embroiderer, I found this book to be an utter delight. How fun is that the author is a historical pattern sleuth, and in this book, brings us ones that perhaps have not seen the light of day in over 200 years. If you enjoyed textile history, old-fashioned patterns (some of which have been repurposed for modern items like a cell phone pouch), or are a Janeite, you will most likely find this book to be as much fun, and insightful, as I did.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com

[Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25 stars. So glad I stumbled on this during my first Jane Austen July readathon! I think this book will continue to be a valuable resource to anyone reading Georgian/Regency writers who wants to know what they were reading and how they lived and dressed. There was Jane Austen + family biographical information that was new to me, and a deep dive into The Lady's Magazine that might be new even to a Janeite.

An equally important group of readers who would love this book is anyone who wants to make useful projects with the charming embroidery patterns that Batchelor discovered in the magazines. The projects, including a sewing set, a couple of bags, a tablecloth and more, were adapted and created by her co-author Alison Larkin. You might like to see how to work an antique hem stitch on a set of handmade napkins. I'm not a needlewoman, but I know what looks good! Even if the projects are something that you, like me, don't feel up to, they are lovely to look at. Patterns embroidered with silk thread on silk look so much better than what so many of us have probably tried at some point in our lives. 

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! So much great information in here about embroidery during Austen's lifetime, the needlework that she herself did, and the ways it shows up in her books. The projects cover a range of different objects, which is always appreciated, and you could pretty easily adapt any of the designs to suit the object you wanted. The embroidery work tends to stick to about 4 stitches, so this would be a good book for a beginner; however, there is fairly minimal page space dedicated to teaching embroidery so the true novice might want to pick up something else first. The sewing ranges a little more into intermediate territory but only just barely. If you can make a pillow cover, you should have no trouble with most of the things in this book.

The only problem for me is that I borrowed it from the library so now I need to go buy my own copy.

[joyce w. laudon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am currently deeply immersed in a Jane Austen phase.  I recently reviewed reread Emma, finished The Other Bennet Sister and am currently deeply immersed in The Jane Austen Society (a new novel) which I will review soon.  It comes out later this month.  So, I was delighted to be approved by NetGalley and the publisher for this title which was full of information on Regency era women and their craft.

While I don't anticipate doing my own embroidery, I was impressed by the scope and detail of what was covered in this nicely illustrated book.  I recommend it to those of you who would like to start a project (there are fifteen here) or just learn more.


Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this title in exchange for an honest review.

[Thora Hrafnsdottir]

I highly recommend this book, for any who enjoy it want to explore embroidery stitching. The book assumes you are a beginner, and works from there, making it very useful to all levels of skill.

It is very nicely written, even if you are unfamiliar with Jane Austen's works (which I have not read, myself). The embroidery designs are lovely, with detailed instructions and patterns for useful items such as a cell phone poouch and a tablet cover. The designs can be reused and modified to suit the needle workers desires, as well.

For additional patterns and help with similar stitching, as well as crewel work, I also very highly recommend this website:

https://www.needlenthread.com/

I am not connected in any way to the site, but it is a favorite resource for me.

[Ambrosia Blasier-McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jane Austen Embroidery is a wonderful book for historical fashion enthusiasts, as well as embroiderers looking to expand their skill set. Be warned; you'll want to have at least a working knowledge of basic embroidery stitches and sewing techniques before undertaking the projects in this book. For the seasoned stitcher, however, this book is a treasure trove of beautiful Georgian-inspired accessories. From heirloom napkins to a beautifully quilted tablet case, each project is a work of art. Whether you're a fan of Jane Austen or simply a lover of Georgian fashion, this book is sure to delight.

I received an advance review copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ainee Beland · Rating 4 out of 5]

As much as Jane favored taking up her pen to try and resolved ideas and quirkiness around her; she also favored stitching and was quite good at this as I have come to find out from the book: Jane Austen’s embroidery.
This book is written by Jennie Batchelor and Alison Larkin; published by Pavilion Books in 2020. This book offers 15 authentic embroidery projects from Jane Austen’s era; while bringing embroidering patterns (up-to-date) for modern stitches’. The book also includes historical background about Jane Austen, embroidery, and Lady’s Magazine article that offered proof of Austen’s stitches.

[Sabina · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I requested this book I was really looking forward to putting Jane Austen era embroidery into the modern lifestyle. I imagined lots of temporary uses of lovely patterns, but the book turned out to be more useful for those who are interested in embroidery from the historical point of view therefore you will find many patterns for aprons, table cloths etc. Together with lots of information connected with the craft from Austen's times.

[Nicolette Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved that this book took you beyond the embroidery and included the history of the craft and the author. The embroidery is well photographed and the instructions are well explained.

Jennie Batchelor has modernised the Georgian patterns and included them on things like tablet cases so you can take your love of Jane Austen everywhere.

This book would make the perfect gift for that classic crafter in your life.