Olive Sprigged Muslin WCN 129

100% cotton, 42" wide

Sprigged muslin like this has cream and light olive green sprigs on a cream ground. Muslin began being imported to Europe in the 17th century and some said they were so fine you could hardly feel them in your hand. Sprigged muslin first appears toward the end of the American War for Independence and soon was used in making empire style gowns, handkerchiefs and chemisettes. At a shop in London called Walker, a trade card published between 1757 to 1758 included "plain sprig'd and strip'd muslins". Off white linen thread for hand sewing will match this fabric.

In the center of the picture behind the muslin are a pair of sleeve buttons to show how sheer this cotton is. The sprigged muslin sits atop a black backing to better show detail.

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