Hello darlings!
I’ve recently got into crochet and, naturally, for my first major project I wanted to make a sontag.
Sontags are shawls that were worn in the Victorian era, most notably in the 1860s when both the sleeves and skirts were large which made wearing conventional outerwear quite tricky. They’re characterised by a cross-over front that ties at the back, the ties keeping the back panel in place.
When looking for a contemporary pattern on the internet I kept coming across the same two/three patterns, so I thought I’d share some other Victorian crochet patterns that I came across in my search.
I found all of these on the internet archive, which is an excellent resource when looking for vintage periodicals.
Harper's Bazaar
1867-11-30: Vol 1 Iss 5
This edition has two patterns, one for women and one for young girls.
Illustrations: p.72
Instructions: p.68
Petersons Magazine
1866 Vol 49
This one also has two styles.
P.223
P.402
This is the pattern I'm currently following thanks to this video on YouTube. As a new crocheter with an interest in historical fashion, Just Vintage Crochet is currently my favourite channel.
Although this is available for free on the internet archive, she does have the pattern up on Etsy if you wanted to support her and encourage her to make more videos!
Peterson Magazine
1862-05: Vol 41 Iss 5
P.412
This one is knitted and not crocheted, but it was such a cute design I had to include it!
~
Victorian patterns, from what I've seen so far, seem to be quite loosey-goosey in terms of how detailed they are and you're kind of forced to make things up as you go; I imagine that's what the Victorian housewife had to do too. It also doesn't help that modern abbreviations are different to vintage crochet abbreviations.
Are you a crocheter? Do you have any tips for a newbie like me?
Until next time,
Aisha x
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