Quilted Petticoat Fragment

Date1745-1760

MediumSilk (fabric, thread), wool (backing, batting, binding)

DimensionsLength: 35 1/4" Width:56 1/4"

Credit LineGift of Anonymous Donors

Object number1971-1554

DescriptionWoman's quilted petticoat fragment of light blue-green ribbed silk, quilted in both running and spaced or half-back stitches using silk thread to dark navy blue glazed worsted backing, with wool batting. Design consists of border at the bottom third with scrolling vines set beneath peaked or ogival arches, all against diagonal quilting ground. Upper portion of fragment is quilted in small (3/4 to 7/8") diamonds. Bottom bound with silk twill tape. One pocket slit 7" long, bound with silk. Upper heading unquilted.

Construction History:
1. 1745-1760: Initial Construction
2. at some later point it was deconstructed
3. 2007: pleated into a twill waistband by Kathie Ballentine (possibly undone)Label TextFragment of Petticoat
England, 1745-1760
Gift of an anonymous donor
The fine lines and intricate design initially suggest that the garment was done on a machine, but the petticoat was entirely hand quilted using needlework stitches that attest to the quilter's skill. The floral border was quilted using half-backstitches, or backstitches spaced slightly apart, a technique that allowed quilters to create dense curving designs with precise outlines. The geometric upper portion was worked with running stitches that more typically were used for quilting.
Technical Information:
Silk ribbed face fabric
Wool fiber filling
Worsted wool twill backing
26 silk spaced backstitches per inch
13 to 14 silk running stitches per inch
1971-1554
ProvenanceEx. Collection Ginsburg and Levy.