1810s Whitework muslin scarf
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1810-1825 Whitework muslin scarf
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The scarf laid flat
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Detail of a pine motif at one end
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Detail of the middle of one side where the embroidered trail changes direction
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Enlarged detail of the pulled threadwork on the end of a pine motif
Description
A long narrow shawl was called a scarf if it was at least three times as long as its width
This scarf is in cotton muslin with embroidery in white cotton.
The design in the main border at each end has three flowery versions of pine motifs based on the typical designs of Kashmir shawls, with some drawn-thread work. The motifs face opposite directions each end.
The field is covered with tiny circles in a polka dot formation which has been done rather unevenly. All the borders are leafy trails, with two rows of circles round the edges, and the trails change direction half way along the scarf. The main borders are 9¼" deep and the borders are 1⅛" wide.The muslin is hand-woven and has an uneven banded appearance.
One long side is the selvedge of the muslin, and the other side and the ends have hems of about ⅛".
The scarf is 17¼" wide and 106" long.
Contemporary illustrations
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Fashion plate in La Belle Assemblée, February 1824
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Fashion plate in The Lady's Magazine, 1825
Contemporary items
1812 White cotton dress, pink, blue pattern
More scarves from the Hopkins Collection can be seen in Shawls, available from the Hopkins Costume Trust bookshop.