This pattern is from The Workwoman’s Guide by A Lady, published in 1838 by Simpkin, Marshall, & Co., London. In keeping with many early published patterns, the pattern is largely intuitive and there is no recommendation of needle size or type of wool, although black “wool” is suggested, as is “red” or a contrasting colour. The size of the finished pen wiper is up to the knitter who would, no doubt, have been familiar with the usual measurements for an object such as this or would have made it to the specifications of the future owner.

The interior pattern for the pen wiper appears in the same book. A short length of ribbon is also needed to complete its construction.