Black Manchester Velvet, WCN 348

100% Cotton, 53" Wide

Cotton velvet spread rapidly after about the 1750s (possibly much earlier) and were known as "Manchester goods". Black velvets were 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.