New Künstlichs Modelbuch (Page 39 recto) 1600

This is page 39 from ‘New Künstlichs Modelbuch,’ a book of embroidery patterns created by Bernhard Jobin in the 16th century. During this period, pattern books democratized design, making intricate patterns accessible beyond the aristocracy. Books such as these, had a profound impact on women’s domestic lives. Embroidery was not only a creative outlet, but also a crucial skill that reflected a woman’s social standing and domestic capabilities. The patterns were tools for self-expression and social identity, as women adapted and interpreted designs through their needlework. Each stitch, each choice of color and material, became a statement of personal taste, cultural affiliation, and economic status. The geometric precision of Jobin's patterns contrasts with the intimate, personal nature of embroidery. While Jobin provided the blueprint, the act of stitching transformed it into something deeply personal and culturally significant. The act of embroidery, which these patterns facilitated, continues to resonate today as a means of expressing identity and reclaiming agency through craft.