Best Antique & Collectible Textiles & Costumes Books of 2026

The Crochet Mega Bundle 8 Books in 1 is a comprehensive guide for both beginners and experienced crocheters. With clear step-by-step instructions, helpful tips and tricks, and a wide range of beginner-friendly designs, this guide has everything you need to take your crochet skills to the next level. The book also includes recommendations for the best materials and tools, tips on how to make the most of your limited time, and ideas for portable projects. As an added bonus, the book includes three extra bonuses worth $50. Overall, this guide is a must-have for anyone looking to master the art of crochet.

Celebrate the life of Queen Elizabeth II, the longest reigning British monarch with this majestic paper doll collection. The book features two dolls of Elizabeth, one as a young woman and the other as a more mature matriarch, along with dozens of royal outfits including her stunning coronation gown designed by Norman Hartnell. The book also includes a doll and wardrobe for Prince Philip. Written by Eileen Rudisill Miller, an accomplished artist who has designed dolls and giftware for companies such as Lenox and The Franklin Mint, this book is a great addition to any royal enthusiast's collection.

The Cricut Design Space Handbook for Newbies is a comprehensive guide for anyone struggling to navigate the digital design program. The book provides step-by-step instructions, pro tips, and everything you need to know about layers and the Canvas interface. This all-in-one resource makes it easy for even those who have never worked with a design program before to confidently use Design Space for their Cricut crafting. The book is a must-have for anyone looking to master the program and turn their craft ideas into reality.

The book "Style & Society: Dressing the Georgians" provides a fascinating insight into the fashion and dress of Georgian Britain. Through the unique collection of the Royal Collection, the book presents a wide range of clothing, accessories, and jewelry from the era, including both high fashion and non-elite dress. The book also explores the connection between fashion and revolution, shedding light on the political and social context of the period. The author, Anna Reynolds, provides an enchanting guide to Georgian dress and fashion, making this book a must-read for anyone interested in the history of fashion and the social history of Britain.

The "Cricut: 11 books in 1" is a comprehensive guide that can help both beginners and experienced users of Cricut machines to master their skills. The guide offers 51 tips, hacks, and hidden features, making it easier for users to operate their machines. It also includes beginner's guides, advanced tips, and tricks, and cheat sheets to help users create projects faster and easier. With over 3000+ video tutorials, this guide is a perfect tool for anyone looking to exploit the full potential of their Cricut machine. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to improve their Cricut skills.

Macramé For Beginners: Step-By-Step Instructions and High Quality Illustrations for Home and Garden DIY Projects is a comprehensive guide designed for anyone who wants to learn the art of macramé. The book covers all the essential basics and provides great ideas for your projects. It includes a complete section to renovate your home, ideas for making macramé jewelry, and even how to start up a business with macramé. The updated version comes with brand new illustrations, making it easy to follow along. Overall, this book is an excellent resource for anyone looking to master the art of macramé.

The Aloha Shirt: Spirit of the Islands is a beautifully illustrated book that tells the story of the Hawaiian shirt, a cultural icon that captures the essence of the watermen lifestyle. The author draws from interviews, archives, and personal memorabilia to document the industry's history from its beginnings to its current revival. This book is both an art book and a fascinating chronicle of the world's love affair with Hawaii. The New York Times praised the book as a "lovely hardcover," while the authors put the lie to stereotypes about Hawaiian shirts. Overall, this book is an excellent addition to any fashion lover's collection.

This informative guidebook titled "Historic Costumes and How to Make Them" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in creating period costumes for theatrical productions or historical reenactments. The book contains authentic patterns and detailed instructions for creating costumes from the fifth century to the late 1800s. The diagrams have been accurately drawn to scale from working patterns, and detailed notes for making costumes include suggestions for the most suitable colors and textures to be used for costumes of particular historical periods. Overall, this book is a must-have for students of costume design, home tailors, and community drama groups.

Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle is a unique and fascinating book that chronicles the history of sewing, embroidery, and needlework. Clare Hunter takes readers on a journey through time and across continents, exploring how people have used this craft to express their identity, protest, memory, power, and politics. The book features little-known stories and covers topics ranging from the Bayeux Tapestry to the pink pussyhats of the Women’s March. Hunter's writing is clear and lyrical, making this a thoughtful work of history and craft. Overall, this book is a celebration of the age-old, universal, and underexplored beauty and power of sewing.