Victorian crochet patterns could be ambitious! A Victorian needleworker would think nothing of crocheting borders for her curtains and other linens, or making entire outfits for her children from crochet. A common use of crochet was to create elegant detachable collars to accompany one's gowns. In catalogs today I've seen "crocheted" necklaces, so again, the more things change...

Additional Hints in Crochet, by Ann S. Stephens (Peterson's, 1856)

Bead Purse in Crochet, by Mrs. Pullan (Peterson's, 1856)

Honiton Lace Sprigs in Crochet, by Ann S. Stephens (Peterson's, 1856)

Knit & Crochet Patterns (Peterson's, 1856)

Polka Jacket in Crochet, by Emily H. May (Peterson's, 1856)

Strawberry Card Basket, by Mlle. Defour (Peterson's, 1856)

Our Dictionary of Needlework: Crochet, by Mrs. Jane Weaver (Peterson's, 1858)

Crochet Dressing-Slipper, by Mrs. Jane Weaver (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Crochet Trimming and Fringe, by Mrs. Jane Weaver (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Daisy Pattern for a Crochet Couvrette, by Mrs. Jane Weaver (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Tidy in Crochet, by Mrs. Jane Weaver (Peterson's Magazine, 1865)

Crochet Jacket for a Greyhound (Godey's, 1873)

Too cute to pass up -- and proof that decorating dogs in silly-looking outfits has a long history...

Crochet for Little Workers (Girl's Own Paper, 1880)

A basic primer on crochet stitches, leading up to a round antimacassar.

Wool Crochet (Girl's Own Paper, 1881)

Another basic guide to stitches.

Crochet Work in Wool (Girl's Own Paper, 1882)

A variety of more advanced stitches.

Fancy Braid Crochet (Girl's Own Paper, 1883)

A method of making a sort of "mock" crochet items, such as doilies, using fancy braid.

New Crochet Designs, by Josie Purdy (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1888)

New Crochet Designs, by Frances Ana Gaylord (Ingalls' Home Magazine, 1889)

Crocheting as a Graceful Art (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

Several different crochet projects.

Crochet Lace Edging (Girl's Own Paper, 1892)

Crochet Lace Mantel Border (Girl's Own Paper, 1892)

Crochet Pillow Case Insertion, Diamond Pattern (Girl's Own Paper, 1892)

Knitting and Crocheting (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

Designs for a variety of knit and crochet projects.

The Latest Novelty in Crochet Work, by Margaret Sims (Ladies' Home Journal, 1892)

On the use of various shape "moulds" to create crocheted items. I want these!

Pillow Case Insertion, Greek Pattern (Girl's Own Paper, 1893)

Modern Crochet Work, by Ellen T. Masters (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1894)

Crochet Trimmings (Girl's Own Paper, 1895)

Drawn Work in Crochet, by Margaret Sims (Ladies Home Journal, 1896)

Five Crochet D'Oyleys (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

Ornamenting: Wool Crochet Patterns (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

A Pretty Bed-Quilt (Girl's Own Paper, 1896)

The Newest Tatting and Crochet, by Ellen T. Masters (Cassell's Family Magazine, 1896)

A Silk Purse in Crochet Work (Girl's Own Paper, 1900)

New and Pretty Brise-Bise Curtains, by Leirion Clifford (Girl's Own Paper, 1902)

Beautiful Crochet on Household Linen, by Flora Klickmann (Girl's Own Paper, 1912)

A full e-book of marvelous crochet patterns, produced by the editor of The Girl's Own Paper and published by the GOP offices. 115 pages - this is a large download, so be patient!