Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
Yellow WorstedIn The Boston News-Letter of 1765, included the description of a horse theif "He had on when I bought the Horse of him . . . a light-colour'd lapell'd Coat, with narrow Binding and Velvet Cape" as cited in personal communication with Mike Barbieri. We have no thread that matches this well but 50/3 or 80/3 cannary yellow linen thread would blend well for hand sewing. 3/8" (10 mm) $2.75/yd. |
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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" (10 mm) $2.75/yd. |
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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" (10 mm) $2.75/yd. |
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Brown Worsted TapeBrown worsted lace was used as trim on civilian clothing. In 1766, in The Virginia Gazette, "RUN away . . . four convict servant men (ENGLISHMEN) . . . [one of them] by trade a baker . . . had on when he went away . . . double-milled drab coloured broadcloth breeches bound with worsted binding". Brown 35/2 linen thread match this tape well. 1/2" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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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" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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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" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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Dark Indigo 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" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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Blue Worsted Tape
In 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. Medium blue 80/3 linen thread will work well for hand sewing. 1/2" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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Light Blue Worsted Tape
In 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. Light blue 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing. 1/2" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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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" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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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" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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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" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. When hand sewing this linen try 35/2 black linen thread. 1/2" (13 mm) wide $2.85/yd. |
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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 35/2 black linen thread. 5/8" (15 mm) $2.85/yd. |
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Brown Worsted TapeIn 1770, in The Virginia Gazette, "RUN away . . . a Mulatto fellow . . . [he had on] a dark coloured coat and waistcoat bound". Brown 35/2 linen thread match this tape well. 7/8" (22 mm) $3.50/yd. |
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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" (22 mm) $3.50/yd. |
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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" (22 mm) $3.50/yd. |
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Dark Indigo 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" (22 mm) $3.50/yd. |
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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". Medium blue 50/3 linen thread will work well for hand sewing 7/8" (22 mm) $3.50/yd. |
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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 35/2 black linen thread. 7/8" (22 mm) $3.50/yd. |
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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" (44 mm) wide $5.65/yd |
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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 35/2 black linen thread. 1 3/4" (44 mm) wide $5.65/yd |
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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 |
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Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
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, tieing the back of breeches and for inserting in button shanks. Directions for securely sewing buttons into a garment using 1/4" linen tape are found in The Workman's Guide to Tailoring Stitches. 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" $1.25/yd. Add Dutch Linen Tape by the Yard to Cart 1/4" $40.50/36 yd. roll save 10% |
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Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
Narrow Cotton TapeCotton tape rolled into convenient 10 yard rolls are available 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 1/4" may be used for inserting in button shanks the directions for this method are found in The Workman's Guide to Tailoring Stitches. 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 |
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For each of the following please specify white or natural |
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Wide Cotton TapeOne inch cotton twill tape is sold in 10 yard rolls in white, natural, and black or in 100 yard rolls in white and natural. Cotton twill tape of this size is often used for binding the bottom of linen or cotton petticoats. $3.50 Please specify white or natural. $4.50 Black. Add White or Natural Cotton Twill Tape to Cart |
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Heavy 1 1/4" Cotton Twill Tape for Galuses/Braces/SuspendersOne and 1/4 inch heavy cotton twill tape similar to belting is sold by the yard. We worked with Kannik's Korner to be sure this is what they would like to see used for galuses on their trousers pattern. |
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Hooks and EyesHooks and eyes made of blackened wire are available and sold by the set. We also provide hand made solid brass hooks and eyes. 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 Small Wire Hook and Eye Set to Cart Add Wire Hook and Eye Set to Cart Add Brass Hook and Eye Set to Cart small 3 sets for $0.50 |
Brass hook and eyes are at the top and are about 3/4" long and hooked they are about 1 1/2". Each medium hook and eye is 1/2" long and hooked they are 7/8" long. Each large is about 3/4" long and hooked they are 1 3/8" long.  The small hook is 1/2" (1.3 cm), the eye is 1/4" (6.4 mm) long. Linked they are just short of 3/4" long.  |
Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
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. |
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Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
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 lace for comparison against madder red wool.  |
Metallic Silver LaceDuring the 18th century each officer went to his own tailor for clothing. Therefore there was no regulation officer's lace and there was a considerable amount of variation. The same silver lace on an officer's coat could be found on civilian clothing. For example in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1732 during a trial it was recorded that two suspects, "were indicted for stealing . . . a Cloth Coat with Silver Lace, value 10 l . . . a Silk Waistcoat with Silver Lace, value 5 l." This vintage silver lace is the real thing. Often sold by the ounce, you will notice the difference as soon as it touches your hand. This retains the brilliant finish of sterling silver. $20.00/yd. |
3/8" vintage sterling for comparison against madder red wool.  |
Metallic Silver & Gold AnchorsThese metallic anchors are 1 3/4" (45 mm) long and 1 1/2" (4 cm) wide. They are made of vintage thread on a fabric backing. Metallic anchors were used in various parts of navel uniforms particularly on caps, epaulettes and the turn backs of coats. To see a very similar anchor on a pair of captain's epaulettes see the National Maritime Museum's collections. A livery suit of a servant of a navel officer could also have a metallic anchor on it. $10.00 each. |
Two silver and one gold anchors.  |
Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
Torchon LaceTorchon is of Belgian origin by tradition and is now made all over the world as primary lace since it includes all of the structures of bobbin laces. Other named laces adopted specific structures as their trademarks. Built on a 45 degree angle, it is perfect for geometric designs. Totchon lace was inexpensive and strong. Our Torchon lace is hand made of white 120/2 linen thread by Kate Henry in the Illinois Territory and is reproduced from originals used during the early to late 18th century. This lace may be used as an edging or insertion. This would make a subtle but striking edging on a woman's cap, shift, gown or handkerchief. For example in The Pennsylvania Ledger in 1775 "Run away . . . an Irish Servant Woman . . . Had on and took with her . . . a lace cap with a white ribbon round it" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. $2.00/inch |
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Cluny LaceCluny lace is sold by the inch and was named for Cluny, France. Charecteristics of Cluny lace are a heavy bobbin lace made of ivory-white heavy threads. Our Cluny lace is hand made of off white 80/2 linen thread by Kate Henry in the Illinois Territory and is a reproduction of a type used in the early to late 18th century. This would make a bold edging on a woman's cap, gown or handkerchief but was more common on houshold items such as table and bed linens. For example in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London in 1767 "Catharine Saunders and Mary Gibbons, spinsters, were indicted for stealing nine yards of linen lace, value 20 s. and ten yards of linen edging lace, value 8 s." $2.00/inch |
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Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
100% Silk Grosgrain 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. |
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Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
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 $2.00/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". $2.00/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 $2.50/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 $3.25/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 Add 1 Inch Black Silk Ribbon to Cart Add 1 Inch Dark Olive Green, Ivory and Scarlet Red 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 dark olive green, 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 $4.80/yd. |
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Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | Bobbin Lace| Grosgrain | Silk
