This site is dedicated to the sharing of information and examples of needlework done on Perforated Paper.
What is perforated paper for needlework? Perforated paper, often called punched paper, is a material similar to lightweight cardboard with evenly spaced holes punched in it. This punched paper was an affordable stitching "fabric" option for people in Victorian times. In the mid to late 1800's, perforated paper projects were popular in England, Europe, and the United States. Magazines offered patterns for many small projects and bookmarks. Girls and boys stitched traditional samplers on paper. By 1880, a rectangular God Bless Our Home or Home Sweet Home motto hung on many parlor walls.
This website will show you the variety and history of perforated paper needlework. Perforated paper for needlework first became popular in the 1840's, and its popularity with Victorian needleworkers continued into the early 1900's. Then for about 75 years, paper was not being manufactured. In about 1980, the paper we have today appeared, and modern stitchers began to find new creative ideas for its use. Needleworkers have enjoyed using this unique "fabric" for many different types of projects.
This website will feature three types of perforated paper needlework: Samplers [1840 - 1870], Smalls [1850 - 1900], and Mottoes [1870-1900]. There is some history here for you to read, and there are lots of examples for you to see. We hope you enjoy learning about the variety of projects created using perforated paper. You will find here a sampling of many types of paper needlework.
Images shown on this website are of samplers that are in museums or private collections.
All images are displayed here with permission of the owners and are copyright protected.