IT beeing my chance ( right Worshipfull ) to lighten vpon certaine paternes of cutworks , and others brought out of forrein countries , which haue bin greatly accepted of by diuers Ladies and Gentlewomen of sundrie nations , and consequentlie of the common-people : this seemed vnto mee a sufficient instance and Argument , to bestowe likewise some paines for the publishing thereof . But beeing in suspence of the dedication : two causes induced me to imbolden my selfe to present it vnto your acceptation and patronage . First , because that rare deuises and inuentions are for the most part more agreeable and gratfuller accepted , then ordinarie and common thinges , although of great price and value . Secondlie , because these workes belong chiefly to Gentlewomen , for to passe away their time in vertuous exercises . Wherefore to fit and accomodate the dedication aright to the contentes and subiect of the booke , I thought it not amisse to offer it vnto your Worship , in token of thankfulnes for so many benefites which I haue receiued so bountifullie at your hands , assuring my selfe moreouer , that as these paterns will bring sufficient contentment and profite to all welwillers that are desirous of this art , so they shall for euer acknowledge themselues to be beholden chiefly vnto you , being the chiefest occasion of the publishing and setting forth thereof . And therefore vppon hope that you wil take these inuentions in good part , which in time I am purposed ( if God permit ) to increase and augment with more new paternes of workes : In the meane time I pray God giue to your Worship , a happie , prosperous , and a long life , with a full accomplishment of all your vertuous desires .

HAuing framed a body of the best & rarest maner in true perfection , of sundrie sortes of deuises or workes , aswell for frame workes , as other Needle workes : I deuised with all dilligence and industruous studie to satisfy the gentle mindes of virtuous women , by bringing to light thinges neuer before as yet seene , nor committed to print : All which deuises are so framed in due proportion , as taking them in order , the one is formed or made by the other , & so proceedeth forward , whereby with more ease they may bee sewed & wrought in cloth , and keping true accompt of the threads , maintaine the bewty of the worke . And more , who desyreth to bring the worke into a lesser form , let them make the squares lesse , and if greater , then enlarge them , and so may you worke in diuers sortes either by stitch , pouncing or pouldering vpon the same as you please . Also it is to be vnderstood , that these squares serue not onely for cut workes , but also for all other manner of sewing or stitching : noting withall , that they are made to keepe the worke or deuise in good order , and euen proportion . And if yee will that the squares be greater , make of two one , and of foure two , and so they will be larger : And in this maner may you proceed in all .