1914 Reprint · 88 Pages · 60 Working Diagrams

The knowledge for making vestments was nearly lost. This book is what survived.

Most modern guides skim the surface. They show you a finished chasuble and leave you to guess at the shape of it. Lilla B. N. Weston did not guess. In 1914 she wrote down the working measurements, the cutting lines, and the reasons behind them, for every garment worn at the altar.

We reprinted it because it was going out of the world. Copies were sitting in a few libraries and nowhere else.

Get the book, $14.99 Look inside

$14.99 $33.99 over half off  ·  paperback reprint  ·  ships from Minnesota

Copies of Vestments and How to Make Them stacked on gold Fairford brocade, with one standing to show the cover
Photographed on our gold Fairford brocade. The reprint is a paperback with the original 1914 cover.
What is actually in it

Sixty diagrams, drawn to be cut from

These are not illustrations of finished garments. They are working patterns with measurements marked on them, the kind you lay out and cut against. Here is the book open on the table.

The book lying open to two pages of vestment cutting diagrams
Open to the cutting diagrams
A chapter page beside a full chasuble pattern diagram
Instructions facing the pattern
An illustrated page showing clergy in vestments
Plates of the vestments in use
A single copy of the book resting on gold Fairford brocade
The cover, gilt on deep red
Several copies of the book fanned across gold Fairford brocade
Printed in small runs, in Minnesota
A stack of copies with one turned to show the cover
88 pages, paperback

And two of the diagrams themselves, scanned from the reprint so you can read the measurements.

Chasuble back showing the IHS monogram with rays
Fig. 33, chasuble back, vesica of rays
Mitre pattern diagram with measurements
Fig. 51, the mitre

The chapters

  • The patterns, and how to enlarge and use them
  • Embroidery designs and their placement
  • Chasuble, with orphrey and monogram arrangements
  • Dalmatic and tunicle
  • The mitre
  • Cope, stole, maniple, burse and veil
  • Notes on the origin and symbolism of each vestment
The book's index listing sixty numbered diagrams
The book's own index of diagrams
Order the reprint

Vestments and How to Make Them

By Lilla B. N. Weston, first published 1914. Reprinted by Ecclesiastical Sewing so it stays in circulation. 88 pages, paperback.

$14.99 $33.99 over half off, no code needed
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Ships from Minnesota. Books are final sale, as noted in our refund policy.

22,000+
orders shipped
500+
five-star reviews
1914
first published

Ecclesiastical Sewing is a family business in Baxter, Minnesota. We reprint the old working manuals of church needlework because the people who need them are still sewing.

From our customers

What makers say about Ecclesiastical Sewing

These are verified reviews left for our shop and for our other reprinted books. We have not yet collected reviews for this title, so we are showing you the ones we have.

★★★★★

"I am so happy with this purchase - it's rich in history and details, including some great pictures and diagrams. This is a fabulous resource for me (for embroidery and sewing purposes) but I also find this topic fascinating and love to read about it. All the books I have bought from this website have a special place in my bookshelf - I refer to them over and over again."

Norma M. · on our reprint of Historic Dress of the Clergy
★★★★★

"for a novice ecclesiastical seamstress, your encouragement is welcome. Knowing I can call for help makes all the difference in confidence. Cutting and sewing instructions are thorough and clear. Fabric is amazing quality."

Judith S.
★★★★★

"Wonderful service! Great people. The history and facts shared is invaluable. Thanks so much."

Mary J.
★★★★★

"Excellent resource! It will get lots of use!"

Angela F.
★★★★★

"Lots of traditional patterns ranging from ornate to simple. Thank you!"

Joann R. · on our Embroidery Design Book
★★★★★

"The books atr high quality. The delivery was very efficient."

Adele B. · on our reprinted books
★★★★★

"The folks at Ecclesiastical Sewing are just wonderful! They are so helpful and responsive when I have questions about products or shipping. Their fabrics and patterns are top quality. I love making vestments and supporting a business like this one in the process. I would leave more stars if I could!"

Raisa
★★★★★

"Nice book with wonderful patterns to choose from."

Sandra B. · on our Embroidery Design Book
★★★★★

"perfect inspirational to the service of worship"

Judith S.
★★★★★

"Quality of the items ordered is always exceptional and the shipping is fast."

Katherine M.
Add the other two

The three books most vestment makers end up owning

Weston tells you how to cut and construct. The other two answer the questions that come next: how the embroidery is worked, and where the garments came from. We reprinted all three from our own vintage library.

The three book bundle: Church Needlework, Historic Dress of the Clergy, and the Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design Book

Vestment Makers Starter Bundle

  • Church Needlework by Hinda Hands, on how the embroidery is actually worked
  • Historic Dress of the Clergy by Rev. George S. Tyack, on where each garment came from
  • Ecclesiastical Embroidery Design Book, 180 designs from our vintage library
$58.98 $86.67 save 30%

Four books in total for $73.97.

One last thing

It was written for someone standing where you are

Weston wrote for the parish worker with a table, a pair of shears, and a garment to make before a feast day. That reader has not changed. The measurements still hold.

Get the book, $14.99

$14.99 instead of $33.99. The discount is already taken off, no code needed. Over 22,000 orders shipped and more than 500 five-star reviews. US family owned since 2014, in Baxter, Minnesota.