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

Worsted Wool

In the 18th century there were many types of worsted wools mostly produced in Norwich, England and because of this they were often refered to as Norwich goods. Worsted wools are a good wool summer cloth. Being lightweight worsteds are made of long opposed to short staple fibers, are strong wearing, but poor insulators. 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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Natural White Serge, 100% Wool, 60" Wide, $49/yd.
WWK 105

Serge is a light weight twill with a worsted warp and a woolen filling that was usually used as a lining material. Serge was used to line the body and skirts of British Foot Guards, horse units, and NCO's during the American Revolution. It was also used by the French and Continental Armies. In 1802 serge replaced bay as the lining for British standing army regiments of foot. Serge was sometimes used to make outside garments for civilian use primarily women's petticoats but sometimes men's jackets, coats and breeches. In 1764 The Providence Gazette published, "Run away . . .  a Negro Man . . .  had on . . .  a Jacket of light-colour'd Serge, and a Pair of Breeches of the same" cited in Taylor and Sweet, Runaways, Deserters, and Notorious Villains From Rhode Island Newspapers Volume 2, 2001. Off white 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing matches this fabric.

Thanks to the hard work of James Kochan and Sean Phillips this serge is museum quality woven in England today to specific standards and has the same appearance, drape, weave, milling, and finish as serge linings found in extant 18th century British regimentals.

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

Yellow Irish Stuff, 58% Silk/42% Wool, 61" Wide, $16/yd.
WWN 114

Luxuriously soft Irish stuff was specifically intended for women's gowns. Despite its name it was mostly woven in Norwich and Spitalfields, England. It has a plain weave of silk warp and worsted weft. This combination makes a very soft and lightweight but durable fabric that will make very nice gowns, jackets, and petticoats. In The Pennsylvania Packet of 1778, "Broke Gaol . . .  A Negro wench . . .  had on a yellow stuff short gown" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing yellow silk quilter's thread is a vary good match.

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Worsted wool and silk fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Yellow Camlet, 75% Wool/25% Mohair, 61" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 132

Mohair has been added to worsted since before 1530 to provide a softer hand. This plain weave Norwich stuff is a very lightweight and durable fabric that will make very nice gowns, jackets, and petticoats. In The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1773, "Run away . . .  an Irish servant woman . . .  had . . .  a yellow under petticoat, with red binding" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing both canary yellow 80/3 linen thread and yellow silk quilter's thread are a vary good match to this fabric.

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Worsted wool and silk fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Blue Cross Bar Irish Stuff, 58% Silk/42% Wool, 61" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 124

Sumptuously soft Irish stuff was intended for women's gowns. Despite its name it was mostly woven in Norwich and Spitalfields, England. This Irish stuff is blue mixed with black with a lighter bluish gray cross bar woven into it making a lightweight and durable fabric that would be gorgeous as a gown, jacket, or petticoat. In The Boston Evening Post of 1774, "Run away . . .  a Maid Servant . . .  . . .  carried with her a long dark Gown of cross-barr'd Stuff, with some Linen" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing navy blue 35/2 linen thread is a fairly good match or navy blue silk quilter's thread is a vary good match.

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Worsted wool and silk fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Green Cross-Barred Stuff, 52% Wool/48% Silk, 60" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 127

This green durable twill summer wool is fine and soft. A double stripe of brown crossbars its surface. Worsteds off all sorts were called Norwich goods were sometimes used for men's breeches, waistcoats, jackets and coats, but very frequently for women's gowns, jackets, and petticoats. In The Pennsylvania Chronicle of 1771, "Ran away . . .  a Dutch servant girl . . .  Had, and took with her . . .  a cross-barred, and two striped flannel petticoats" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing green 35/2 linen thread is a fairly good match or green silk quilter's thread is a vary good match.

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Worsted wool and silk fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Light Brown Cross-Barred Stuff, 100% Wool, 60" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 137

In Textiles in America 1650-1870 plate D-30 includes "Silk and worsted dress fabrics called Irish stuffs. From the Holker manuscript, ca. 1750." This cross bared plain weave fabric is similar. Luxuriously soft the earthy brown with a hint of green and light blue cross bars give this Irish stuff an ellegant look. Being lightweight and durable this will make a very nice gown, jacket, or petticoat. In The Pennsylvania Chronicle of 1771, "Ran away . . .  a Dutch servant girl . . .  Had, and took with her . . .  a cross-barred, and two striped flannel petticoats" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing beigh silk quilter's thread is a vary good match.

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Worsted wool and silk fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Light Brown Cross-Barred Stuff, 100% Wool, 60" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 129

This light brown durable plain weave summer wool is very fine and soft. Several stripes of different colors intersect to make the cross bars. Worsteds off all sorts were called Norwich stuffs or goods and were sometimes used for men's breeches, waistcoats, jackets and coats, but very frequently for women's gowns, jackets, and petticoats. In The South Carolina Gazette of 1778, "Run away . . .  a negro wench . . .  had on when she went away a cross-bar check [petti]coat" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing unbleached 35/2 linen thread matches well ortan silk quilter's thread matches well.

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Worsted wool and silk fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Pink Stripe Twill Worsted, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 125

The soft pink has a thin gray stripe at one inch intervals. Striped worsteds were often died in bright colors and being a lightweight twilled worsted is similar to cantaloon. This fabric is beautiful for women's gowns, jackets, and petticoats. Men sometimes had waistcoats made of worsted. In New York The Royal Gazette of 1781 reported "Run away, a likely Mulatto Wench . . .  had on when she went away, a . . .  pink petticoat" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Surprisingly, the orange 80/3 linen thread is a better match than the pink since the pink is a bit too dark.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Brown Worsted, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 126

This is a very fine light weight wool! It is a dark brown that is a durable plain weave summer wool. A very good weight for women's gowns, and petticoats, either men's or women's jackets, and men's waistcoats, coats and breeches. In The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1776, "Run away . . .  an Irish servant woman . . .  had on, when she went away, a dark brown worsted petticoat". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Try black 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Brown Worsted, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 135

This is a fine light weight twill wool that is a durable summer wool. A very good weight for women's gowns, jackets, and petticoats, and men's jackets, waistcoats, coats and breeches. In The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1776, "Run away . . .  two Irish servants, viz. . . .  the man . . .  had on and took with them a brown worsted coat and jacket of the same". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Brown 50/3 linen thread is a shade lighter or you could use black 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing. The brown silk quilters thread and buttonhole twist are a pretty good match.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Dark Brown Toys, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 130

Toys (or tooi) was first produced in Norwich in 1639 and is a twill worsted with contrasting dark and light colors. Toys like many other Norich goods was used for fine dress fabric including women's gowns, jackets, and petticoats. Men sometimes had jackets, and waistcoats made of worsted. In The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1775, "Run away . . .  a servant girl . . .  had on, and took with her . . .  a brown worsted quilt[ed petticoat]". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Try black 35/2 linen thread or black silk quilters thread for hand sewing.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, and museum interpreters.
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Brown Toys, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 128

Toys (or tooi) was first produced in Norwich in 1639 and is a twill worsted with contrasting dark and light colors. Toys like many other Norich goods was used for fine dress fabric including women's gowns, jackets, and petticoats. Men sometimes had jackets, and waistcoats made of worsted. In The New London Gazette of 1773, "Ran away . . .  a Negro Woman . . .  carried with her a coarse purple and white chintz Gown, a strip'd linnen, and a brown worsted Ditto". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Try unbleached 35/2 linen thread or black silk quilters thread for hand sewing.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, and museum interpreters.
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Pink Worsted, 100% Wool, 60" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 134

This is a soft, fine and durable plain weave summer wool. Worsteds off all sorts were called Norwich goods and were sometimes used for men's breeches, waistcoats, jackets and coats, and frequently for women's gowns, petticoats, and jackets. In New York The Royal Gazette of 1781 reported "Run away, a likely Mulatto Wench . . .  had on when she went away, a . . .  pink petticoat" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. The pink 80/3 is a shade too light and the dark pink 80/3 is a shade too dark so it is your choice.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, and museum interpreters.
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Reddish Colour'd Worsted, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 123

This is a very soft, fine and durable plain weave summer wool. For the tailors familiar with fine Italian wools it is known in the modern garment industry as a super 120. Worsteds off all sorts were called Norwich goods and were sometimes used for men's breeches, waistcoats, jackets and coats, and frequently for women's gowns, petticoats, and jackets. In The Pennsylvania Mercury and Universal Advertiser of 1775, "Run away . . .  an English woman . . .  now a servant . . .  had on, a[n] . . .  old patched reddish colour'd gown". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Try claret 50/3 linen thread for hand sewing.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Blue Worsted, 100% Wool, 62" Wide, $18/yd.
WWN 131

This plain weave Norwich good is very fine and durable. A very good weight for women's gowns, and petticoats, either men's or women's jackets, and men's waistcoats, coats and breeches. In The New York Journal of 1774, "absented from her master, a Scotch indented servant girl . . .  had on . . .  a blue worsted skirt". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Try black 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Blue Irish Stuff, 48% Wool/42% Silk, 61" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 113

Luxuriously soft Irish stuff was specifically intended for women's gowns. Despite its name it was mostly woven in Norwich and Spitalfields, England. It has a plain weave of silk warp and worsted weft. This combination makes a very soft and lightweight but durable fabric that will make very nice gowns, jackets, and petticoats. In The Pennsylvania Packet of 1778, "Broke Gaol . . .  A Negro wench . . .  had on a yellow stuff short gown" as cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. For hand sewing yellow silk quilter's thread is a vary good match.

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Worsted wool fabric swatch for 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Blue Worsted, 100% Wool, 59" Wide, $19/yd.
WWN 107

This twill Norwich good is fine and durable. A very good weight for women's gowns, and petticoats, either men's or women's jackets, and men's waistcoats, coats and breeches. In The New York Journal of 1774, "absented from her master, a Scotch indented servant girl . . .  had on . . .  a blue worsted skirt". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Try black 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing.

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

Flannel was in common use by the second half of the 17th century and was made of a plain or (arguably) twill weave wool. Flannel continued to be made purely of wool into the 19th century when, like so many other fabrics, cotton flannel began to replace it. Wool flannel was used as an insulating layer usually worn close to the skin for garments like women's shifts (probably of white flannel), gowns and under petticoats and for men's shirts, drawers, under jackets, and waistcoats and for lining outer garments. Sometimes flannels were used to make outer garments like gowns and breeches. In London in 1761, Richard Rolt, published his book A New Dictionary of Trade and Commerce. In this book Rolt stated "some use it [wool flannel] for waistcoats, drawers, shirts, and shifts, and women most commonly for under petticoats."

Flannel is related to baize and plains. Baize and plains are cheaper than flannel and usually not as soft. These flannels may therefore be used in place of baize or plains. 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.
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Brown and Black Check Flannel, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 136

Check flannels were used for men's shirts and as a lining material throughout the 18th century but is very difficult to find today. In the 1773 Providene Gazette, "RUN away . . .  an Apprentice Boy . . .  had on . . .  a check Flannel Shirt" cited in Taylor and Sweet, Runaways, Deserters, and Notorious Villains From Rhode Island Newspapers Volume 2, 2001. Black 35/2 linen thread or unbleached 35/2 linen thread will both work well for hand sewing this fabric.

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Wool stirpe flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Sheep's Black and Gray Stripe Flannel, 100% Wool, 57" Wide, $17/yd.
WWN 103

This looks and feels like a homespun made of natural color wools. Although hard to find today in the 18th century striped flannels were very commonly used for men's waistcoats, jackets, and shirts and women's petticoats. It was also used for women's gowns and jackets and linings. In the 1776 Pennsylvania Gazette, "Run away . . .  a Dutch servant Woman, hath been about two years in the country, speaks very broken English. . .  had on, when she went away, a striped flannel jacket, patched with striped flannel of a darker colour, a petticoat of the same, striped with sheep's black and yellow" cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Black 35/2 linen thread, unbleached 35/2 linen thread, or gray 50/3 linen thread will all work well for hand sewing this fabric and provide subtle different looks. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool stirpe flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Brown Stripe Flannel, 100% Wool, 54" Wide, $25/yd.
WWN 101

This beautiful flannel is luxuriously soft and firm. Although hard to find today in the 18th century it was very commonly used for men's waistcoats, jackets, and shirts and women's petticoats. It was also used for women's gowns and jackets and linings. In the 1773 Providence Gazette, "RUN away . . .  a Negro Man Servant . . .  had on . . .  a striped flannel shirt . . .  a dark striped Waistcoat" cited in Taylor and Sweet, Runaways, Deserters, and Notorious Villains From Rhode Island Newspapers Volume 2, 2001. Brown 50/3 linen thread will work well for hand sewing this fabric. For sewing button holes try brown silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool stirpe flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Blue Gray Stripe Cassimere, 90% Wool/ 10% Cashmere, 59" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 111

This luxuriously soft and firmly woven striped flannel weight cashmere blend was called cassimere and patented in 1766. It begins to be seen in descriptions in about 1782. It is well suited for lining material, men's jackets, shirts and waistcoats, and women's petticoats, gowns and jackets. The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, of 1782 "MARY CLARKE was indicted for stealing . . .  a cassimere waistcoat, value 6 d." Navy blue 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing this wool. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Blue Gray Stripe Cassimere, 90% Wool/ 10% Cashmere, 57" Wide, $20/yd.
WWN 133

This luxuriously soft and firmly woven striped flannel weight cashmere blend was called cassimere and patented in 1766. It has subtle irregularities in the even 1/2 inch stripes where one will be left out or an extra added almost like a mistake. It is well suited for lining material, men's jackets, shirts and waistcoats, and women's petticoats, gowns and jackets. The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, of 1782 "MARY CLARKE was indicted for stealing . . .  a cassimere waistcoat, value 6 d." Navy blue 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing this wool. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Brown Light Brown Plaid Flannel, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $10/yd.
WWC 301

Scottish plaid made entirely of shades of brown can be made using natural undyed wools. This wool is not a clan tartan since the clan tartans began in the 19th century. Prior to this time there was a great abundance of tartans as may be seen for example in this detail of David Allan's The Highland Wedding painted in 1780. Wool plaids were popular in the early to mid 19th century although uncommon in 18th century America. Nonetheless it is occasionally mentioned for example in The New York Journal of 1774, "Ran away . . .  two Scotch indented servants, viz. a woman . . .  it is very probable she may change her dress, as she took with her, a green gown, and one of Scotch plaid, with several short gowns of Scotch stuff." As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Unbleached 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing this wool. This pattern is identical to the gray black plaid below.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Brown Plaid Flannel, 100% Wool, 61" Wide, $10/yd.
WWC 300

Plaid made entirely of shades of brown can be made using natural undyed wools. Plaids were common in the 19th century for men's trousers, coats, jackets and vests. Although plaid was not common in early America it is occasionally mentioned. For example in The New York Journal of 1774, "Ran away . . .  two Scotch indented servants, viz. a woman . . .  it is very probable she may change her dress, as she took with her, a green gown, and one of Scotch plaid, with several short gowns of Scotch stuff." As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Plaids like this were common in the early to mid 19th century. Unbleahced 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing this wool. This pattern is identical to the brown light brown plaid above.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Gray Plaid Flannel, 100% Wool, 60" Wide, $15/yd.
WWC 102

Scottish plaid like this may be made of all natural dyestuffs and common in the Highlands but was not common in early America but it does occasionally show up. This twill besides gray and black has red, blue, and tan in the warp and blue in the weft. For example in The New York Journal of 1774, "Ran away . . .  two Scotch indented servants, viz. a woman . . .  it is very probable she may change her dress, as she took with her, a green gown, and one of Scotch plaid, with several short gowns of Scotch stuff." As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Black 35/2 linen thread will work well for hand sewing this wool.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Scarlet Red Flannel, 100% Wool, 11.5 oz., 60" Wide, $17.00/yd.
WWL 304

Scarlet red wool flannel was died with the shell of a beetle and therefore more expensive than the duller reds obtained from the madder root. Red shirts were taken with the Voyage of Discovery in the early 19th century but these should be looked at as unusual for the 18th century. Red flannel jackets for men and petticoats for women were common in both England and New England. In The Pennsylvania Packet of 1773 "Ran away . . .  a mulatto wench . . .  had on and took with her . . .  a red flannel quilted petticoat". As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls. Scarlet red linen thread 50/3 for hand sewing and 1/2" and 7/8" worsted wool tape matches this fabric. Matching tape is usually what is seen on petticoats and bedgowns. This flannel is a twill. For sewing button holes try scarlet silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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White Flannel, 100% Wool, 11.5 oz., 60" Wide, $18/yd.
WWL 305

White wool flannel was the most common color of flannel during the 18th and early 19th centuries. White flannel was especially used to make shirts, shifts and petticoats in the 18th century. For example, in February, 1774, "an Indian girl" was advertised in Rhode Island and the ad continued, "had on when she went away a flannel shift" as advertised in Rhode Island. Off white 60/2 or 35/2 linen thread and 1/2" and 7/8" worsted wool tape matche this fabric well. Matching tape is often seen on the hems of petticoats and bedgowns. This flannel is a plain weave and not a snow white but more of a natural creamy white. For sewing button holes try white silk button hole twist.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Navy Blue Flannel, 100% Wool, 11.5 oz., 60" Wide, $17/yd.
WWB 801

A soft twill wool commonly used next to the skin, as in women's under-petticoats, and gowns. For men it was typically used for drawers, underjackets, and waistcoats. This fabric works well for a lining. Navy blue linen thread 35/2 for hand sewing and 1/2" and 7/8" blue worsted wool tape matches this fabric well. Matching tape is often seen on the hems of petticoats and bedgowns. For sewing button holes try navy blue silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Wool flannel fabric swatch for 14th century, 15th century, 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, and 19th century re-enactors, military historians, and museum interpreters.
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Black Flannel, 100% Wool, 60" Wide, $17/yd.
WWT 310 Not pictured

As cited in Wenches, Wives and Servant Girls "Run Away . . .  an Irish servant girl . . .  had on, and took with her . . .  a black and white linsey petticoat, black quilt[ed petticoat], a flannel ditto [petticoat]" was advertised in The Pennsylvania Gazette in 1773. Black 50/3 linen thread or 35/2 linen thread for hand sewing and 1/2", 5/8, and 7/8" worsted wool tape matches this fabric. Matching tape is usually what is seen on the hems of petticoats and binding of bedgowns. This flannel is a plain weave. For sewing button holes try black silk button hole twist or quilter's thread.

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Bay

Bay was used from the 17th century up to the early 19th century when it was being replaced by cotton fabrics. Bay was a coarse, open, plain weave wool made of worsted warp and woolen weft threads. Bay was mostly used as a lining for British and German soldiers' uniforms up to 1802 and habits of monks and nuns. Bay was also used by some specialized craftsmen to use behind looking glasses to preserve the tin and as a lining in cases for example. Much of the information on bay is gathered from Textiles in America 1650-1870.

Thanks to the hard work of James Kochan and Sean Phillips our bay is museum quality reproduction bay woven in England today to specific standards and has the same appearance, weave, milling, and finish as bay made in the late 18th century.

Our bay is out of stock until further notice.
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Bag Hose | Broadcloth | Worsted | Flannel | Bay | Jean Cloth/Virginia Cloth | Specialty Weaves

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