Pattern for Muffs (Handwarmers?)

[Anna Kraus]

I was wondering if there were any patterns for muffs that anyone was aware of. I have been searching all over and cannot find any instructions (the only ones I have found have been from 1869 and later). I have seen some photos and plates but nothing that would tell me how to contstruct the muff or the materials mostly used. The impression that im getting is that crochet/knitted and fur ones were most common and velvet was used much later (??)

I would love one made of fur or velvet but will accept any patterns offered.

Thank you

[markj]

Re: Pattern for Muffs (Handwarmers?)

Hi Anna,

I presume you have already looked through "Godey's Lady's Book," "Peterson's Magazine," and "Arthur's Home Companion?" If not, check out Vicki Betts' online index to "Godey's" covering 1855-1865:

http://www.uttyl.edu/vbetts/godey_intro.htm

I just checked it and got five "hits" when I used the keyword "muff." You might also want to try using words like "warmer," "hand-warmer," or "comfort." I believe there was a pattern for "ladies mittens" in the March 1862 number.

I also currently have in my possession three bound volumes of original "Godey's" issues (all of 1861 and a good chunk of 1862). If all else fails, I can peruse those and see what pops up. You might also try contacting folks like Karin Timour or Glenna Jo Christen and they may be able to help you as well. I actually have conducted systematic searches through all of the aforementioned publications (covering, in sum, roughly 1845-1871) but was focused on men's items. However, I did include some interesting ladies patterns as well.

Regards,

Mark Jaeger

[Virginia Mescher]

Re: Pattern for Muffs (Handwarmers?)

[QUOTE=Anna Kraus]I was wondering if there were any patterns for muffs that anyone was aware of. I have been searching all over and cannot find any instructions (the only ones I have found have been from 1869 and later).

Anna,

I found several knitted or crocheted muff and one velvet muff. All the instructions came from Godey's. There were also mentions of fur muffs but they were generally purchased. I could not find any mention of handwarmers.

Feb. 1847.
A KNITTED MUFF IN IMITATION OF SABLE.


Cast on seventy or eighty stitches.

First, second and third rows— plain knitting.

Fourth row— bring the wool forward,- knit two together, taken at the back; continue the same to the end of the row.

Repeat these four rows until the piece be about eighteen inches long, admitting that the shading comes in correctly.

Two No. 19 needles are required, and double German wool, in four distinct shades to match the color of sable. Commence with the lightest shade— then the second, third, and darkest, reversing them again to the lightest, as represented in the engraving.

ANOTHER MUFF.


Cast on forty-five stitches.

Every row is worked the same, with a slip stitch at the beginning; knit one; pearl one; repeat to the end of the row.

It will require a piece of about twenty inches long to make a moderate-sized muff, which must be lined with gros de Naples and stuffed with wool, and a sufficient quantity of horsehair to retain it in shape. Cord and tassels to match the color of the muff may be sewn at the end; or it may be drawn up with ribbons.

Feb. 1856
BRAIDWORK.- LADY'S MUFF.


Materials.— Brown or any other velvet of a dark color, fourteen inches in width and twenty-two ditto in length; a similar quantity of gros de Naples, or any other color to suit the taste, and a piece of black braid.

DRAW the design upon the velvet and sew on the braid; quilt the gros de Naples for the lining, and trim with ermine or any other fur. The prettiest materials for trimming are in colors, curled or shaded taffetas or terry velvet; the partridge-eye plush appears to bear the palm for novelty. These muffs may be made of any fashionable color in satin; and of any size to suit the taste of the wearer.



Feb. 1863
CROCHET MUFF.

(See engraving, page 129.)


BEFORE giving directions for the muff we will explain the stitches. For the fur stitch, pick up three stitches in one row, then three in the under row, then three in the first row, arid so on to the end of the row, just as you would do Afghan stitch; you will have all the stitches on your needle. Then make a chain of three and pull it through one stitch, then a chain of three and pull it through the second stitch, and so continue; this makes the fur part of the muff.

In Gobelin stitch you make the first row of Afghan stitch; then after that you pick up between the stitches instead of taking up the stitch.

To widen, you pick up between the stitches, besides taking up the regular stitches.

DIRECTIONS FOR MUFF.


The muff consists of two pieces, an outside and lining.

Set up with No. 5 needle 49 stitches with white zephyr for the under part of the fur, and work 53 rows of Afghan stitch. In each stitch of white work one stitch of the fur (as we explained) with chinee worsted. For the pink lining of the muff set up 41 stitches, and work in single Gobelin stitch 60 rows with No. 4 needle.

A piece of muslin with wadding is placed between the lining and muff; they are sewed together, and on the ends the muff and lining are caught together with a row of plain crochet, then a row of open crochet or holes, through which are run cords and tassels.

[Anna Kraus]

Re: Pattern for Muffs (Handwarmers?)

Thank you guys very much for the information. I have NO idea how to knit yet (though I intend to learn soon !!) but will keep these directions in my folder for future reference. But the crocheted one is very helpful and I do appreciate it. I will have to take a look at it and see if I can replicate it (all i really know is the basic single crochet right now and that is the most of it though i have been practicing the others)

thank you so much !!

[tmattimore]

Re: Pattern for Muffs (Handwarmers?)

Most of the ones I am familiar with are fur or hair on hide(horse or cow) to match buggy robes. Try the Carriage Association of America in stony brook N.Y. The publish a magazine that shows old paint schemes and history of vehicles etc. It would take about two coyotes to make a fair sized muff.