Textiles and Clothing 

This book is in the public domain, so you can download it from several sites on the web. This book was first published in 1906, the printed version has 138 pages and has pictures in it, the e-book versions have no pictures. The book is easy to read and tells you about the history of different kind of fabrics, it also has chapters on more practical isues, such as: what kind of clothes are suitable for kids and how to take care of textiles. This practical part is dated but parts of it are still useful today.

The contents of this book is:

Primitive Methods, Weaving, Fiber, Cotton, Wool, Flax, Silk, Modern Methods, Weaving, Weaves, Bleaching and Dyeing, Printing, Finishing, Cotton Goods, Linens, Woolens and Worsteds, Silks, Names of Fabrics, Bibliography on Textiles, Hand Sewing, Ornamental Stitches, Hems, Tucks and Seams, Plackets, Sewing on Band, Fastenings, Patching, Darning, Mitering Embroidery, Joining Lace, Machine Sewing, Dressmaking, Patterns, Making Seven-Gored Skirt, Making Shirt Waist, Lined Waist, Sleeves, Collars, Seamless Yoke, Pressing, Construction and Ornament in Dress, Ornament of Textiles, Color, Children's Clothes, Care of Clothing, Cleaning, Repairing

Bibliography on Sewing and Dressmaking
References: History of Costume; Ornament and Design
Program for Supplemental Study
Index