Convivio delle Belle Donne, page 19 (verso) 1532

This page, from Nicolò Zoppino’s "Convivio delle Belle Donne," printed in Venice in the early 16th century, gives us a glimpse into the world of early pattern books. It’s made from a woodcut, a relatively accessible printing method at the time, allowing for the broad dissemination of designs. Here, the material quality of the print—its graphic black and white contrast, the almost pixelated texture of the patterns—directly reflects its function. These aren't artworks in the traditional sense but templates. They provided visual ideas for needleworkers, allowing them to reproduce fashionable designs on textiles for clothing and domestic use. The very act of printing these patterns democratized access to design. In a society increasingly structured around commerce and consumption, a relatively inexpensive pattern book allowed more people to participate in the creation of a well-appointed home. So next time you think of craft as simply a quaint, old-fashioned pursuit, remember that it has always been intertwined with social aspiration.