Saturday, April 26

1920s Fabric Terminology

While deciding which publications to release from my fashion history library, I have been browsing through a myriad of great bits and pieces of information on early 20th century clothing (and back!). 

One of the projects I've had in mind for this blog is to create sections of terminology common to vintage clothing and textiles.  So to start things off, I'm posting this Table [of] Common Domestic Materials which is found in the booklet:  Plain Dressmaking by Mary Brooks Picken 1921 published by the Woman's Institute of  Domestic Arts & Sciences. During the teens era and into the 1920s this series of instruction manuals was available for the home sewers, aka dressmakers.   Each booklet covered a different aspect and was profusely illustrated.   Anyone who sews modern clothing, re-creates period costumes or just loves vintage clothes will benefit from collecting these booklets! 

This Table is a great quick reference period guide to fabric names and descriptions!  Although there are no fabric pictures, just having a quick reference glossary can be very helpful. 

Click image for full size

Pg 1: Batiste, Bedford cord, Bobbinet, Buckram, Calico, Cambric, Canvas, Chambray, Cheesecloth
Pg 2: Chintz, Cotton challis, Cotton crepe, Cotton or Canton flannel, Cretonne, Crinoline, Damask, Denim, Dimity, Drilling, Duck, Flannelette, Galatea
Pg 3:  Gingham, Grenadine, Huckaback, Khaki, Lawn, Linon, Long cloth, Madras, Mull, Muslin, Nainsook, Organdie / Organdy
 Pg 4:  Outing flannel, Percale, Percaline, Pique, Sateen, Scrim, Seersucker, Silesia, Silkaline, Soisette, Swiss, Tarlatan, Ticking, Velveteen, Voile



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