Priscilla Filet Crochet Pattern Book

This 1910s Priscilla Filet Crochet Pattern Book gives a wide variety designs in Filet Crochet designs for pillows, doilies, centerpieces, bedspreads, towels, etc. Many illustrations of finished work are given, showing the beautiful effects possible. Most patterns are carried out in block effect so that they can be easily copied, with their full working directions. All designs in the book can be equally adapted to cross-stitch beads and canvas.

This book, together with the Priscilla Filet Crochet Pattern Book No. 2, forms a most comprehensive library on this charming work.

Book Excerpt:

The definition frequently given of Filet Crochet is, "crocheting in imitation of Filet". While that is true, yet it is, in a way, misleading. The word "imitation" may be objected to because it usually carries with it a meaning of inferiority. Always, a substitute, a pretence, a sham comes to mind when an imitation of the "real" is mentioned.

Rather let us define it a "Crocheting in the style of Filet", for if Filet Crochet is rightly done it is no less a "real" piece of work than the Filet which it is like. It requires no less skill, no less care, and perhaps no less time to crochet a good piece of Filet than it does to net the fabric and darn or weave or embroider through it the pattern. Those who have done both can testify to the truth of this.

Our grandmothers did more or less crocheting, using this principle, so that it is nothing new; and yet, possibly, it has remained for this twentieth century to bring forward and perfect the work, adapting it to more uses and larger designs, and carrying out the designs in finer threads.

It is, like Irish Crochet, at its very best when done with fine thread and the very finest needle. And yet it may be done with coarse thread and a suitable needle and produce a very handsome piece of work, always providing that the crocheting is firm and evenly done.