Black Wide Corded Linen Dimity - $14.00 yd.

Black Wide Corded Linen Dimity

Linen cloth, such as this Black Wide Corded Linen Dimity, was woven of flax fiber in many grades and weaves. Used in every aspect of living, from clothing, to household needs, to furnishings, to the shroud made for the corpse, linen was so common that a tax was proposed as a source of easy revenue on the coarser sorts being imported into the US towards the end of the 18th century.

"Dimity" encompasses any number of harness-loomed patterned fabrics made of linen, linen/cotton, and cotton. Most often left white, we have studied samples of dimity in Manchester swatch books, The Foundling Museum collection, and extant gowns, children's garments, accessories, breeches and jackets in various collections. In our research, we have found striped dimity to be most common, ranging from a very light textile to a quite stout textile. It was a highly desired textile, especially for summer wear, due to its light color, weight, and easy cleaning. There are many advertisements of colored dimities which could cover a wide range, although we have not seen a specific reference to black dimity in the 18th century. There are, however, 18th century examples of German or Flemish Holland woven to compete with English worsted in black with stripes.

• Our Black Wide Corded Linen Dimity is lightweight with wide cording.
• Suitable for  women’s gowns, lightweight jackets, aprons, accessories and petticoats; men’s lightweight jackets, linings and waistcoats and children’s garments.
  

• 100% Irish Linen, 60 inches wide.