Black Manchester Velvet, WCN 341

100% Cotton, 53" Wide

Cotton velvet spread rapidly after about the 1750s (possibly much earlier) and were known as "Manchester goods". In 1768, Cuthbertson wrote to officers System for the Complete Interior Management and Oeconomy of a Battalian, "Black stocks, besides having a more soldierly appearance than white ones, are a saving to the men in point of washing, and do not shew the dirt of a shirt so much, after a day’s wear: two will be necessary for each man; one of horse-hair for common use; the other of Manchester velvet for dress: and it will contribute much to the smartness of both, to edge them with scarlet cloth". Black velvet was also used in the 18th century for women's cloaks and men's waistcoats and jackets but became especially popular for men's breeches. Velvets were also used for cuffs, collars and facings on coats and for women's shoes. In the early 19th century velvet was used for women's outerwear such as spencers but also in trims and accessories. For example in the 1776 Connecticut Journal an ad included, "ranaway, a Frenchman, lately from Canada . . .  had on . . .  black velvet breeches" cited in personal communication with Mike Barbieri. Black linen thread matches this fabric as will black quilter's thread for sewing button holes.