Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Grosgrain | Silk
Indian Gold WorstedIn The Proceedings of the Old Bailey of 1753, "John Jettea . . . was indicted . . . [with others] did steal . . . one scarlet everlasting waistcoat with a gold binding". Both 50/3 or 80/3 orange yellow linen thread match this tape well. 3/8" $2.75/yd. |
 |
Natural White WorstedIn The Virginia Gazette of 1770, "Run away. . . AN apprentice lad. . . had on a light coloured frieze coat, with a small cape to it, and bound with ferreting". Off white 35/2 or 60/2 linen thread match this tape well. 3/8" $2.75/yd. |
 |
Natural White Worsted TapeNatural white worsted lace was used as trim on British sergeant's coats. White worsted tape may also be used on civilian clothing. In 1745, in The Virginia Gazette, "RAN away from the Subscriber, living in . . . Maryland . . . Two Servant Men; one of them is a Convict . . . a Smith by Trade; had on, or with him . . . a red Cloth Jacket and Breeches, with white Trimming". Off white 35/2 or 60/2 linen thread match this tape well. 1/2" wide $2.85/yd. |
|
Red Worsted TapeIn 1752 "a white Servant Man" ran away as advertised in The Virginia Gazette. He "had on when he went away, a blue Cloth Coat and Breeches, faced, lined and trimmed with Red . . . he's an Englishman, and hath been in the Country about a Year; and pretends to be a Coachman". Scarlet 35/2 linen thread will match this for hand sewing. 1/2" wide $2.85/yd. |
 |
Blue Worsted TapeIn 1785 the General Carleton, an English ship, sank off the coast of Poland. One blue wool (faded on the outside to brown in the sea water) double breasted sailor's jacket was excavated from the wreck between 1995 and 1996. This sailor's jacket had 1/4" blue wool binding enclosing all outside raw edges. Navy blue 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing. 1/2" wide $2.85/yd. |
 |
Yellow Worsted TapeIn New Jersey in 1776 a slave ran away with "a short light coloured coat, with binding of the same colour". Canary yellow 50/3 and 80/3 linen thread is a shade lighter than this tape but will blend well when hand sewing. 1/2" wide $2.85/yd. |
 |
Gold Worsted TapeIn 1767 The Proceedings of the Old Bailey had an entry with "Elizabeth Jones was indicted for stealing 1296 yards of worsted binding, value 4 l." Both 50/3 or 80/3 orange yellow linen thread match this tape well. 1/2" wide $2.85/yd. |
 |
Black Worsted TapeIn the Pennsylvania Gazette of 1772, "Run away . . . an indented servant woman . . . says she was born near the city of Armagh, in Ireland . . . had on, and took with her . . . a blue cloth cloak, with a cap to it, tied at the neck with a narrow worsted tape". When hand sewing this linen try 60/2 black linen thread. 1/2" wide $2.85/yd. |
 |
Green Worsted TapeIn 1750 a theft was brought before the court of the Old Bailey in London. "I keep a chandler's shop, and sell binding, and such things . . . and upon the floor I found a piece of green binding; I saw the prisoner . . . and I went in to see if he had taken away any thing; I soon miss'd some binding". Green 35/2 linen thread matches this tape when hand sewing. 5/8" $2.85/yd. |
 |
Black Worsted TapeIn The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London in 1773 a man "went to a public house to take a description of the man; they said he was dressed in a white waistcoat with black binding". When hand sewing this linen try 60/2 black linen thread. 5/8" $2.85/yd. |
|
Natural White Worsted TapeIn 1752, in The Virginia Gazette, "RAN away . . . Two Convict Servants . . . an English Man, who understands Farming . . . he has stolen several Things, viz. a Suit of fine Broad Cloth Cloaths, dark Drab, about half worn and full trimm'd". Off white 35/2 or 60/2 linen thread match this tape well. 7/8" $3.50/yd. |
|
Red Worsted TapeIn The Virginia Gazette in 1772, "RUN away . . . a Negro Man . . . He had on when he ran away . . . a Negro Cotton One [waistcoat] with a small Cape bound with red, also the Sleeves". Scarlet 35/2 linen thread will match this for hand sewing. 7/8" $3.50/yd. |
|
Gold Worsted TapeIn a court case in the Old Bailey in 1783, a constable was brought to the stand as a witness in a theft case. The constable said, "here is one green coat with gold binding, which I have seen on his back, or something similar to that; I make no doubt but it is the same." Both 50/3 or 80/3 orange yellow linen thread match this tape well. 7/8" $3.50/yd. |
|
Blue Worsted TapeIn the Pennsylvania Gazette of 1773, "Run away . . . a servant man . . . born in Ireland . . . had on . . . a blanket coat, bound with blue ferreting, half worn". Navy blue 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing 7/8" $3.50/yd. |
|
Black Worsted TapeIn The Proceedings of the Old Bailey of 1785, "JOHN ALLEN and SARAH ALLEN were indicted for feloniously stealing . . . twenty yards of black binding, value 6 d." When hand sewing this linen try 60/2 black linen thread. 7/8" $3.50/yd. |
|
Natural White Worsted Wool Hat BraidIn the Newport Mercury in 1776 "DESERTED . . . from Capt. Aimelech Rigg's company, in Colonel William Richmond's regiment, a private . . . had on . . . a black hat bound with white". Off white 35/2 or 60/2 linen thread match this tape well. 1 3/4" wide $5.65/yd |
 |
Black Worsted Wool Hat BraidIn 1776 in a New Jersey ad a runaway servant with "a new felt hat, bound with black worsted binding" is recorded. When hand sewing this try 60/2 black linen thread. 1 3/4" wide $5.65/yd |
 |
Natural Worsted Wool Hat BraidThis picture is magnified to show weave. In 1771 The Virginia Gazette included an ad with, "Run away . . . two new Negroes . . . a Fellow . . . he had with him . . . a tolerable good bound Hat". Unbleached 35/2 linen thread matches this tape when hand sewing. 1 3/4" wide $5.65/yd |
 |
Drummer's Lace Heavy navy blue and white braid featuring the "fleur de lis" emblemThis lace is made to British Ministry of Defence specifications and was used during the War of 1812. Livery suits were often bound with lace featuring a part of the coat of arms of the house and this lace is reversable. In The Virginia Gazette of 1774 in "YORK Town . . . MY Mulatto Fellow . . . ran away . . . he carried with him . . . an old blue Livery Cloth Suit." Navy blue and off white 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing 5/8" (16mm) or 3/4" wide $3.00/yd. Please indicate size |
 |
Dutch Linen TapeLinen tape, finely woven in a natural color is a strong tape which takes to dyeing when necessary. Use the 3/4" for binding the tops of petticoats it will hold both pleats or gathered edges well. Allow enough to tie at the sides to close the pocket slits. Use the 1/2" as stay tape and for binding pockets and stays, the 1/4" may be used for stay lacing and tieing the back of breeches. Directions for securely sewing linen tape on to a garment are found in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book II. In 1757 in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London "John Mungotroid was indicted for stealing . . . 3038 yards of linen tape, 175 yards of quality binding." 1/4" $1.00/yd. Add Dutch Linen Tape by the Yard to Cart 1/4" $32.40/36 yd. roll save 10% |
 |
Cotton TapeCotton tape rolled into convenient 10 yard rolls in many sizes. The 1/8" and 1/4" may be used as ties for ladies caps, and bonnets, stay laces, and to tie the back of breeches. The 3/8", 1/2", come in white and natural and work well for tying petticoats, aprons, and cloaks. Directions for securely sewing cotton tape on to a garment are found in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book II. In 1783 in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London "WILLIAM HATCHMAN was indicted for feloniously stealing . . . 24 yards of cotton tape, value 4 s." 1/8" $2.00 each please specify white, or natural |
 Cotton tape in 1/8" and 1/4" widths.  Cotton tape in 3/8" and 1/2" widths. |
|
One inch cotton twill tape is sold in 10 yard rolls. Cotton twill tape of this size is often used for binding the bottom of linen or cotton petticoats. $4.50 Dark navy blue or blue. |
 |
|
We also have one inch cotton twill tape in white, natural, and black sold in 10 yard rolls. Cotton twill tape of this size is often used for binding the bottom of linen or cotton petticoats. |
 |
Hooks and EyesHooks and eyes made of blackened wire are available and sold by the set. Directions for securely sewing hooks and eyes are found in The Lady's Guide to Plain Sewing Book II. These were used to close garments such as men's coats and to cock hats. They may be used in conjunction with a pair of ties to help keep a women's cloak shut as well and there is an unusual sample from 1738 The Virginia Gazette of a "RUN away . . . a Servant Man . . . he is an Irishman . . . He carried . . . one Half thick Wastecoat, with Hooks and Eyes, instead of Buttons". In 1774 in >The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London during the trial of some highwaymen a witness stated, "I am a taylor: I made this coat for the prosecutor; I finished it on the 9th of April; I am sure it is the same; I made it myself; I know my own work perfectly well; the hooks and eyes are taken out, here are the marks where they were." Add Wire Hook and Eye Set to Cart Large or medium $1.00/set |
Each medium hook and eye is 1/2" long and linked they are 7/8" long. Each large is 5/8" long and linked they are 1 1/4" long.  |
Hemp WebbingStrong 100% hemp webbing is plain weave and unbleached. Hemp webbing may be used for canteen and camp kettle bag straps, bayonet and cartridge box carriages, knapsacks, voyageur tumplines, &c. 1" $4.25/yd. |
 |
Metallic Gold LaceDuring the 18th century each officer went to his own tailor for clothing. Therefore there was no regulation officer's lace. The same gold lace on an officer's coat could be found on civilian clothing. For example in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey in 1775 there was a trial for three thieves who "were indicted for stealing . . . a blue silk waistcoat, trimmed with gold lace, value fifteen shillings". $3.95/yd. |
1/2" Bias & Stand metallic gold lace  |
Metallic Soutache BraidAs cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls in 1783 The Royal Gazette of New York included within an ad a "Description of Charles Broescke, Quarter-Master to Colonel de Linsing's battalion of Hessian Grenadiers, who absconded . . . Had on before he went away, a blue coat, with lappels, the buttons holes trimmed with a small silver lace". $4.00/yd.. |
Metallic soutache braid-silver color
 |
100% Silk Grograin Ribbon and Cotton Blend Grosgrain RibbonWe carry two types of grosgrain ribbon. Pure silk grosgrain ribbon has been specifically woven for historical reenactor's use and is only available in white. The grosgrain may be used as is but is prepared for you to dye to a color that suits your needs. The less expensive kind is made of cotton and rayon blend and is a good substitute for an authentic look when a natural fiber is required. Black grosgrain ribbon was used for both 18th and 19th century bonnets and to tie around the neck (especially of French women) often with a gold of silver heart or cross hung from the center. It may also be used to adorn women's chip (aka straw) hats, caps, and gowns. In The Pennsylvania Packet of 1775, "Ran away . . . an indented servant Irish woman . . . She had on a black pasteboard bonnet, trimmed with ribbon and lace". Cotton blend comes in three widths: 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" $0.40/yd. Pure silk grosgrain comes in two widths: 5/8", & 1" $3.00/yd. |
 |
1/2" Silk Satin RibbonNecklaces of black silk ribbon with a cross below are often seen especially on French women and girls but ribbons were also simply tied around the neck. Half inch silk ribbon may also be used to decorate gowns, hats, and caps. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1770 "Edward Holmes, Hannah Riddal, and Eliz. Soddi, spinsters, were indicted for making an assault on Elizabeth, wife of Michael Pever, in a certain field and open place, near the King's highway, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and taking from her . . . a silk ribbon, value 5 d." and later in the same proceeding "Soddi took my necklace and ribbon off." Comes in seven colors $1.45/yd. Add 1/2 Inch Light Blue or Black Silk Ribbon to Cart Add 1/2 Inch Red, Peach, or Light Pink Silk Ribbon to Cart |
Half inch wide silk ribbon in light blue, and black. 
Half inch wide silk ribbon in red, peach, and light pink. 
Half inch wide silk ribbon in deep pink, olive green, and light olive green. |
5/8" Silk Satin RibbonFive eights inch silk ribbon is a good size to decorate gowns, hats, and caps. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1775 "DANIEL DELAFORCE and ISAAC LUMLEY were indicted, for that they in the king's highway, on Mary Bignell, widow, did make an assault, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and stealing from her . . . a linen cap, value four-pence; a silk ribbon, value one penny". $1.45/yd. |
Five eights inch wide silk ribbon in pale blue. |
3/4" Silk Satin RibbonSilk ribbon of 3/4" (18 mm) width has many uses such as accenting a chip (aka straw) hat, cap, or gown. But 3/4" silk ribbon may also be tied around the neck. For example look at this 1769 maid servant's use of silk ribbon in both her cap and around her neck from The Lewis Walpole Library Digital Collection. In The Virginia Gazette of 1751 "RAN away . . . a white Servant Woman . . . has a little of the Irish Brogue, but denies that Country . . . having stole an Ash colour'd Camblet Gown, tied at the Sleeves with blue Ribbons". Comes in eight colors $2.15/yd. Add 3/4 Inch Pale Blue, Blue, or Peach Silk Ribbon to Cart Add 3/4 Inch Red, Pink, or Gold Silk Ribbon to Cart |
Three quarter inch wide silk ribbon in pale blue, blue, and peach. 
Three quarter inch wide silk ribbon in red, pink, and gold. 
Three quarter inch wide silk ribbon in green and olive green. |
1" Silk Satin RibbonSilk ribbon of 1" (2.4 cm) width has many uses such as decorating a native American Indian rap skirt or accenting a chip (aka straw) hat. In The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1772 "Run away . . . an indented servant woman . . . had on, and took with her . . . a clean cap, with a black sattin ribbon, tied round her head, and brought under her chin" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Comes in ten colors $2.65/yd. Add 1 Inch Burgundy, Dark Green, or Navy Blue Silk Ribbon to Cart Add 1 Inch Violet, Brown, or Blue Silk Ribbon to Cart Add 1 Inch Olive Green, Pink, or Yellow Silk Ribbon to Cart |
One inch wide silk ribbon in burgundy, dark green, and navy blue. 
One inch wide silk ribbon in violet, brown, and blue. 
One inch wide silk ribbon in olive green, pink, and yellow. 
One inch wide silk ribbon in olive, ivory, and scarlet red. |
1 1/2" Silk Satin RibbonSilk ribbon of this width has several uses including to accent chip (aka straw) hats or for the sash of girl's white gowns. For example cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1773, "Run Away . . . an Irish servant girl . . . had on, and took with her . . . a chip hat, with a red ribbon round the crown of it". Comes in three colors blue, dark red, and pink $3.95/yd. |
 |
Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Grosgrain | Silk
