Full Instructions In Needle-Work of all kinds   I forgot to document the source of this information. It was from a Godey's, Harpers, or Authurs, sometime between 1855 and 1873 Will post the documentation next time I study the books.     COTTONS

 

Knitting Cotton - A soft, but twisted cotton, used for a variety of purposes.  Sold by the pound.

Crochet Cotton - It is a particularly firm, even, and well-twisted material, and washes extremely well.  The numbers run from 1 to 150.  It is the cotton in which all the crochets and other designs in the different periodicals are worked, and therefore should always be procured if it is of consequence to produce articles exactly similar to the pattern.

Tatting Cotton - A soft, yet strong cotton, suited for this work.

Mecklenburgh Thread - This is a linen thread, used in many designs.  It should also find a place in the workbox of every lady, as it should be used in mending linen, cambric, & c.

Royal Embroidery Cotton -  This is used for the very fashionable embroidering and Broderie Auglaise on muslin, long-cloth, or French cambric. It is sold in packets, each containing a dozen skeins.

Moravian Thread - is a soft, untwisted cotton, varying in the number of threads composing a strand.

Patent Glace Thread - This thread has a perfectly smooth and shining surface, and is particularly adapted for sewing.

Colored Cottons - These are French.  They are scarlet, rose, greens, browns, lilacs, blues, and black; but the scarlet, rose, and black are the only colors that will really wash well.
 
 
 

BRAIDS (SILK)  

Russian Braid - is flat, and with even edges.  Each knot is of one color only.  The best is firm, even, and glossy.

Alliance Braid - This is the same plait as the Russian, but of two colors, one at each edge.  It is considerably dearer than the Russian.

Sardinian Braid - The same plait, but of two or more colors blended, and not, like the Alliance, each one-half the width of the braid.

Star Braid - This braid appears like a succession of diamonds.  The edges, therefore, are in points.  It is an extremely pretty braid.

Eugenie Braid - This appears as if crimped, or waved with irons.

Albert Braid - is more properly a fine fancy cord.  For sofa cushions and ottomans, it has a much richer effect than flat braid, especially if two shades or colors are laid on close together.

Soutache - A French name for very pretty ornamental braids, often combining gold and silver with chenilles, silk, & c.  They are made in every variety of shade and pattern.  Sold in pieces of about thirteen yards long.
 
 

COTTON BRAIDS  

French White Cotton Braid - The term French applies to the plait, which looks as if woven.  The best comes from Paris, and is very firm, even, and close; varies in size from No. 1 (very narrow) to No. 14.

Mohair Braid - Narrow, closely woven, brown or black silk braid, for chains.

Russia Cotton Braid - is plaited like the hair formed into what is called the Grecian plait.  It is used for children's dresses.

Waved Braid - is another variety, used for the same purpose.

Eugenie Tape - is a cotton braid, crimped like the Eutenie braid.  It is nearly one-third of an inch wide.

Italian Braid - Used in making or mending Italian point lace.

Maltese Braid - The same, made with a dotted edge.

Worsted Braid - That usually sold is narrow, and intended for braiding antimacassars, & c.  It is in various colors, and washes well.  It can also be had wider for children's dresses.