The sign of the unicorn. A fabric shop for 18th century reenactors and historians.

Wool Broadcloth

Broadcloth in the 18th century was a 100% wool, plain weave fabric made from the best carded wool and used to make men's breeches, waistcoats, jackets, and coats. We always keep a selection of broadcloths in stock because of the demand for them. These are described with pictures below. In addition to our permanent stock, we keep a large rotating selection of fabrics. Most of these are 100% wool, 60" wide and start at $10/yd. Please ask us for colors and availability. We have 100% linen thread to match most colors in different weights. Much of the information on these pages is gathered from Swatches: A Guide to Choosing 21st Century Fabrics for 18th Century Clothing which has swatches you can feel and for a wider view of fabrics imported to the Americas try Textiles in America 1650-1870.

Bag Hose | Broadcloth | Worsted | Flannel | Bay | Jean Cloth/Virginia Cloth | Specialty Weaves

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Wool broadcloth for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Olive, 58" wide, 15-18 oz., $22/yd.
WWB 821

The easiest green to dye are shades of olive. This would make a very nice man's coat, waistcoats, breeches, jacket or woman's cloak. For example in a London trial of two house theives recorded in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey of 1731 one of the theives was described as wearing a number of items but "sometimes an olive-colour'd Suit." Green 50/3 linen thread is just a bit lighter than this fabric.

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Green, 15-18 oz., 56" wide, $22.00/yd.
WWB 822

This hunter green has a slight hint of blue. Green was less common than blue and brown but it does frequently turn up. For example "RUN away . . .  an apprentice lad . . .  by trade a tailor . . .  had on, and took with him . . .  a green broadcloth coat." was originally published in The Virginia Gazette of 1773. Green Linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing matches this fabric very well.

Add Broadcloth Green WWB 822 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Mixed Blue, 60" wide, $23/yd.
WWB 810

Mixed blue is the color of modern cadets but was sometimes used in the 18th century for working class garments. An advertised in The Virginia Gazette of 1775 includes "RUN away . . .  two indented SERVANTS, one a Scotchman . . .  by Trade a Gardener . . .  had on, and took with him . . .  a mixed blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, lined and trimmed with black". Medium blue linen thread 50/3 is a bit lighter than this wool but is the best match.

Add Broadcloth Mixed Blue WWB 810 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Dark Gray (Charcoal), 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $22/yd.
WWB 831

new New!

This fabric is charcoal but I try to name these after period names. Charcoal I have not found. Dark gray broadcloth is a period term and was used for hundreds of years by laboring people into the 19th century. For example advertised in The Virginia Gazette of 1776 but from Maryland "RUN away . . .  an indented servant . . .  by profession a farmer . . .  had on a dark gray coat". Black linen thread 60/2 for hand sewing matches this fabric best. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool broadcloth for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Mixt Grey, 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $25/yd.
WWB 807

Mixt gray broadcloth was used for hundreds of years by farmers, sailors and other laboring people up to and including the 19th century. This wool was used to make English civil war army coats, some Continental regimentals such as the 3rd New York Reg't of 1775, late War of 1812 US Rifle Regiment Coatees and War of 1812 British Army enlisted trousers. The use of this cloth continued in both armys well into the 1830s. For example advertised in The Virginia Gazette of 1775 "RUN away . . .  two Irish Servant Men . . .  [one] had on, when he went away, a gray Mixture Broadcloth Coat trimmed with black". Unbleached linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing matches this fabric best and for sewing button holes you might try gray silk button hole twist.

Add Broadcloth Mixt Grey WWB 807 to Cart

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Woolen beaver coating for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Beaver Coating, 70% wool, 15% Mohair, 15% Nylon, Drab Coloured, 56" wide, 15-18 oz., $20/yd.
WWN 122

Beaver coating has a heavy nap on one side and was often used for greatcoats. Drab is both the name of a fabric and a color and was a common color for greatcoats especially in Pennsylvania. This is a drab colored beaver coating which was often used by laboring people up to and including the 19th century. For example advertised in Pennsylvania Packet of 1775 "Ran away . . .  an Irish servant girl . . .  had on and took with her . . .  an old cloth cloak of a drab colour" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Unbleached linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing matches this fabric best.

Add Beaver Coating, Drab Coloured WWN 122 to Cart

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Woolen broadcloth fabric for colonial costume.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Light Drab, 61" wide, 15-18 oz., $22/yd.
WWB 832

new New!

Light drab broadcloth was another common color used for men's coats, greatcoats, waistcoats, breeches, jackets for women's cloaks. For example "Deserted from the Service of the Colony of Connecticut . . .  belonging to the 7th Company of the 6th Regiment . . .  Had on . . .  a Pair of Drab Breeches" advertised in The Norwich Packet of 1775 from personal communication with Mike Barbieri. Unbleached linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing matches this fabric best. For hand sewing button holes try the beigh quilter's thread or tan buttonhole twist.

Add Broadcloth, Light Drab WWB 832 to Cart

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Woolen broadcloth for colonial costume.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Light Drab, 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $25/yd.
WWB 830

new New!

Light drab broadcloth was another common color used for men's coats, greatcoats, waistcoats, breeches, jackets for women's cloaks. For example published in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls a 1775 ad in The Pennsylvania Packet included "Ran away . . .  an Irish servant girl . . .  had on and took with her . . .  an old cloth cloak of a drab colour". Unbleached linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing matches this fabric best. For hand sewing button holes try the beigh quilter's thread or tan buttonhole twist.

Add Broadcloth, Light Drab WWB 830 to Cart

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Melton wool for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Brown, 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $25/yd.
WWB 828

new New!

This wool has woven into the salvedge "finest wool melton designed for Britannia Woollen". Brown broadcloths are very commonly described in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This broadcloth is tightly woven with a fine nap and is very well suited in makeing a man's coat, waistcoats, breeches, jacket or woman's cloak. In the 1775 Connecticut Journal an ad includes, "Runaway . . .  two indented Servant Men, one . . .  a weaver by trade . . .  had on a short brown coat, and brown breeches . . .  The other . . .  a labourer . . .  had on when he went away, a short brown coat, and breeches of the same" from personal communication with Mike Barbieri. Unbleached 35/2 linen thread will be the best match for hand sewing and both 1/2" and 7/8" brown worsted wool tape compliments this fabric. For hand sewing button holes try the beigh quilter's thread or cinnamon buttonhole twist.

Add Brown Broadcloth WWB 828 to Cart

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Melton wool for colonial costume.

Broadcloth, 95% wool, 5% Mohair, Brown, 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $22/yd.
WWB 833

new New!

Brown broadcloths are very commonly described in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This broadcloth is a soft woolen with a full nap and would make a very nice man's coat, waistcoats, breeches, jacket or woman's cloak. In the 1774 Virginia Gazette it is advertised, "RUN away, from Baltimore . . .  born in Wales, and speaks on the Welch dialect . . .  he took with him . . .  a dark coloured cloth coat, trimmed with brass buttons, and brown binding, a brown broadcloth jacket." Unbleached 35/2 linen thread will be the best match for hand sewing and both 1/2" and 7/8" brown worsted wool tape compliments this fabric. For hand sewing button holes try the beigh quilter's thread or cinnamon buttonhole twist.

Add Brown Broadcloth WWB 833 to Cart

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Melton wool for colonial costume

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Brown, 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $25/yd.
WWB 826

new New!

This wool has woven into the salvedge "finest wool melton designed for Britannia Woollen". Brown broadcloths are very commonly described in the 18th and early 19th centuries. This broadcloth has a tight weave with a good nap on both sides and would make a very nice man's coat, waistcoats, breeches, jacket or woman's cloak. From personal communication with Mike Barbieri an ad published in a 1775 edition of The Connecticut Journal included, "Run away . . .  an apprentice lad . . .  had on and took with him a . . .  brown broadcloth jacket". Black35/2 linen thread will be the best match for hand sewing and both 1/2" and 7/8" brown worsted wool tape compliments this fabric. For hand sewing button holes try the brown quilter's thread or dark brown buttonhole twist.

Add Brown Broadcloth WWB 826 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth fabric for colonial costume.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Deep Indigo Blue, 26 oz., 54" wide, $60/yd.
WWK 106

Deep Indigo Blue could also be called Federal Blue since it was used on Federal period US Army uniform coats and trousers from 1806 up to the 1840s. Royal Artillery samples from early to mid 19th century match this blue as well. This shade was likely used by many Continental units with blue regimental coats prior to the 1778 French contracts. Deep indigo blue was also used on coats worn by famous revolutionary leaders such as Peter Gansevoort and Matthew Tilghman and was very common for civilian outer garments. For example advertised in The Newport Mercury of 1781 "DESERTED . . .  [a militia man] who inlisted himself as a soldier to serve in the Continetal service, in Colonel Green's regiment for three years or during the war . . .  carried with him a blue great coat, much wore." This was taken from Sweet, John Wood. Runaways, Deserters, and Notorious Villains . . .  Picton Press, Rockport, ME 2001. Navy blue 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing matches this fabric best. For sewing button holes try navy blue silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Thanks to the hard work of James Kochan and Sean Phillips this broadcloth is museum quality woven in England today to specific standards and has the same appearance, drape, weave, milling, finish and hard hand as broadcloth made in the late 18th century. This broadcloth holds a raw edge better than any other broadcloth available.

Add Broadcloth Deep Indigo Blue WWK 106 to Cart

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Woollen broadcloth for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, British Royal Blue, 26 oz., 54" wide, $60/yd.
WWK 102

This is museum quality reproduction wool used to make Royal artillery coats and facings of Royal Regiments of Foot of the late 18th century. This blue is lighter than deep indigo (Federal) blue and darker than French royal blue. It may also be used to make 18th and early 19th century civilian clothes. For example advertised in The Virginia Gazette of 1773 "Run away . . .  three English convict servants, viz. John Eaton, by trade a shipcarpenter . . .  had on, and took with him, a blue broadcloth coat and breeches". Navy blue 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing matches this fabric best. For sewing button holes try navy blue silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Thanks to the hard work of James Kochan and Sean Phillips this broadcloth is museum quality woven in England today to specific standards and has the same appearance, drape, weave, milling, finish and hard hand as broadcloth made in the late 18th century. This broadcloth holds a raw edge better than any other broadcloth available.

Add Broadcloth British Royal Blue WWK 102 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Navy Blue, 24 oz. 60" wide, $25/yd.
WWB 750

This wool was intended for the New York City police department which has very strict quality standards. Every yard of this fabric has been stamped with chalk once inspected but it will easily brush out. Navy Blue was a very common color for wool throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. For example in The Virginia Gazette of 1774, "Run away . . .  an Irish Servant Man . . .  wears . . .  a blue Broadcloth Coat". For hand sewing, navy blue 35/2 linen thread would work very well. For sewing button holes try navy blue silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool broadcloth fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 85% wool/15% nylon, Sky Blue, 21 oz., 60" wide, $25.00/yd.
WWW 108

This sky blue broadcloth is often used for the 1862-1871 US army infantry trousers but can be used for civilian clothing as well. For example in The Kentucky Gazette of 1794, "Run away . . .  a negro fellow . . .  had on when he went away, a half worn sky blue broad cloath coat". Hand sewing in 50/3 pale blue linen thread is a good weight and color match. For sewing button holes try blue silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Claret Red, 60" wide, 18-24 oz., $25/yd.
WWB 829

new Soft and tightly woven!

Claret could be dyed with the madder root and was therefore a less expensive shade of red than scarlet. This tightly woven soft wool has a good nap on both sides and work well for men's coats, greatcoats, waistcoats, breeches, and jackets and women's cloaks. For example in The Providence Gazette of 1770 "RUN away . . .  an Apprentice Lad . . .  had on . . .  a Coat, Jacket and Breeches, of a dark Claret Colour, with yellow flowered Buttons". Claret red Linen thread 50/3 for hand sewing matches this fabric fairly well. For sewing button holes try claret silk quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Claret Red WWB 829 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Red, 60" wide, 18-24 oz., $20/yd.
WWN 120

This red is a bit darker than scarlet and is good for men's coats, jackets, breeches or greatcoats or women's cloaks. For example in The Virginia Gazette of 1751, "The said Runaway went off with the Wife of the Subscriber . . .  She is a neat Woman in Sewing, Spinning, and knitting Stockngs, and can do almost any Manner of Taylors Work, but is oblig'd to use Spectacles when at Work . . .  a red Cloak". Red 35/2 linen thread and both 1/2" and 7/8" worsted wool tape matches this fabric. For sewing button holes try scarlet silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Red WWN 120 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Red, 57" wide, 18-24 oz., $25/yd.
WWB 825

This red is the shade used for most British officer uniforms although it is not as fine a wool and nowear near as pricey. Scarlet red was a more expensive dye obtained from an insect called Cochineal. Because of this scarlet was usually used in more expensive garments and officer's uniforms. Nonetheless it was used by the poor as well. This broadcloth will make a nice man's coat, jacket, breeches or greatcoat or woman's cloak. For example in The Kentucky Gazette of 1795, "Ran away . . .  Three Negroes . . .  The fellow . . .  had on when he went away, a scarlet jacket". Red 35/2 linen thread and both 1/2" and 7/8" worsted wool tape matches this fabric. For sewing button holes try scarlet silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Red WWB 825 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, light purple, 60" wide, $20/yd.
WWB 730

Less common than other colors purple was sometimes seen for example in the 1773 Virginia Gazette, "Run away . . .  a Country born Negro Woman . . .  She carried with her . . .  a purple Cloth Cloak" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Ask us for matching Linen thread 50/3 for hand sewing.

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, purple, 60" wide, $25/yd.
WWB 827

new New!

Less common than other colors purple was sometimes seen for example in The Virginia Gazette, of 1774 "RUN away . . .  by trade a joiner, an indented servant man . . .  is a Scotchman . . .  his dress is uncertain, though it is supposed he has on and with him a suit of purple broad cloth with twist buttons". Ask us for matching Linen thread 50/3 for hand sewing. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 80% wool/20% cashmere, black, 60" wide, 15-18 oz., $23/yd.
WWB 700

new New!

The small amount of cashmere in this broadcloth gives it a very soft feel. As advertised in The Virginia Gazette in 1770 "RUN away . . .  a yellowish Negro man . . .  had on when he went away . . .  a black broadcloth jacket . . .  He is a very good cooper and shoemaker." Black linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing and 1/2", 5/8", and 7/8" worsted wool tape matches this fabric. Matching tape is usually what is seen for ties of women's cloaks. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Black WWB 700 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 85% wool/15% nylon, dark navy blue, 21 oz., 60" wide, $25.00/yd.
WWW 101

Navy blue was used for many U.S. military uniforms from the Revolution to the Civil War. This was also one of the most common colors of civilian clothes during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls "Run away from the . . .  Province of Pennsylvania, a Dutch servant man . . .  Had on . . .  a blue Dutch made coat and jacket, with a great quantity of buttons on both" was advertised in New York Journal of 1770. Navy blue linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing and 1/2" and 7/8" blue worsted wool tape is a pretty good match to this fabric. Matching tape is usually what is seen for ties of women's cloaks. For sewing button holes try navy blue silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Dark Navy Blue WWW 101 to Cart

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Scarlet wool broadcloth swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 85% wool/15% nylon, scarlet red, 21 oz., 60" wide, $27.50/yd.
WWW 102

Scarlet red was a more expensive dye obtained from an insect called Cochineal. Because of this scarlet was usually used in more expensive garments and officer's uniforms. Nonetheless it was used by the poor as well. For example in 1775 in The Virginia Gazette, "RUN away . . .  a servant man, by trade a joiner . . .  had on a . . .  scarlet waistcoat, and crimson breeches". Scarlet red linen thread 50/3 for hand sewing and 1/2" and 7/8" red worsted wool tape matches this fabric. Matching tape is usually what is seen on women's cloaks which were commonly red in England and Virginia and probably other areas. For sewing button holes try scarlet silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Scarlet Red WWW 102 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth for 18th century, and early 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 100% wool, Madder Red, 26 oz., 54" wide, $60/yd.
WWK 103

This shade of madder red is the most common found for extant British military coats of the mid to late 18th century and matches the color of several extant coats of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. This shade also matches an original pattern swatch for circa 1820 British infantry coats found in War Office records. It may also be used to make 18th and early 19th century civilian clothes. For example advertised in The Providence Gazette of 1785 "MADE his Escape . . .  in the State of Massachusetts . . .  Had on a red Coat". Madder red 50/3 linen thread for hand sewing matches this fabric and for sewing button holes try madder red silk button hole twist.

Thanks to the hard work of James Kochan and Sean Phillips this broadcloth is museum quality woven in England today to specific standards and has the same appearance, drape, weave, milling, finish and hard hand as broadcloth made in the late 18th century. This broadcloth holds a raw edge better than any other broadcloth available.

Add Broadcloth Madder Red WWK 103 to Cart

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Madder red wool swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century reenactors, nautical historians and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 85% wool/15% nylon, madder red, 21 oz., 60" wide, $25.00/yd.
WWW 103

Madder red comes from a dye extracted from the root of a plant and was therefore much less expensive than red obtained form Cochineal. Because of this, madder was the red of choice for British enlisted soldiers and of the poor. Although red broadcloth could be used for any garment it seems to be common to find red waistcoats. For example in 1770 in The Virginia Gazette, "RUN away . . .  an English servant man . . .  a plaisterer by trade, and a very artful sensible fellow. He had on a . . .  red cloth waistcoat". Madder red 50/3 linen thread is an almost perfect match and for sewing button holes try madder red silk button hole twist.

Add Broadcloth Madder Red WWW 103 to Cart

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Woolen broadcloth fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 85% wool/15% nylon, natural white, 21 oz., 60" wide, $27.50/yd.
WWW 104

White wool was used for the small clothes of many military regiments and is a common color for civilian clothes. This is a good choice for clothing the lower sort since no expense was spent on dye. For example in 1776 an apprentice from New Jersey ran away with "a white cloth coat". Off white linen thread 60/2, 50/3, and 35/2 for hand sewing and 1/2" and 7/8" white worsted wool tape matches this fabric. Matching tape is usually what is seen for ties of cloaks. For sewing button holes try ivory silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth White WWW 104 to Cart

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Wool broadcloth fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.

Broadcloth, 85% wool/15% nylon, green, 21 oz., 60" wide, $25.00/yd.
WWW 107

This green is used by the loyalist regiments including 1st Americans and Butler's Rangers. Green was also sometimes worn by civilians. For example in New Jersey in 1780 a man broke out of jail wearing "a green coat". Hand sewing in 50/3 dark green linen thread is a good weight. For sewing button holes try green silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

Add Broadcloth Green WWW 107 to Cart

Bag Hose | Broadcloth | Worsted | Flannel | Bay | Jean Cloth/Virginia Cloth | Specialty Weaves

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