The collection consists of about a hundred hand-drawn nineteenth century embroidery patterns that Greta Brown (1891-1965) inherited from female family members. Only one pattern is dated (1853). One pattern, with the monogram "SDP" contains the signature of Margaretta Lammot du Pont (1807-1898). Another group of patterns are labeled "Mrs. Henry du Pont." There are some patterns with the name "Alice" and "ADP" which may have been done for Alice du Pont (1863-1937), the aunt of Brown. Other patterns are marked "Sophie," "GMS," "AB," "GJS," "GB," "JSS," "Pauline," "Gabrielle," "Julia," "ARDP," and "MVDP." The patterns, used for embroidering cuffs, collars, and tablecloths, consist of monograms, floral and other elaborate designs. Many of the patterns were heavily used and still contain thread. The patterns typify the type of fancy sewing that middle- and upper-class women presented as gifts and which served as a means of displaying their skills.

The collection also contains several needlepoint color commercial printed patterns dating from 1910 to 1915; handwritten crocheting instructions; a visiting card of Rev. and Mrs. Dudley D. Smith; a business card of George Williams's Floral Establishment; calendars for 1871 and 1872; a handwritten thank you note addressed to Mrs. Hamilton Barksdale from Isabella C. Harkins.