Embroidered Hand Towel by A. M., an Unknown Maker

Date1830-1845

MediumSilk and cotton embroidery threads on a linen ground

DimensionsOL(plus fringe): 51"; OW: 17"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1954-734

DescriptionThis is a linen hand towel embroidered in silk and cotton threads in red, cream, and blue. At the left side is a selvage; at the right side is a 1/8" to 1/4" inch flat hem, and at top is a 1/8" to 1/4" inch flat hem. There are two buttonhole stitched loops at top corners for hanging towel. The top section contains the initials "A M"," four eight-pointed stars, and floral motifs. The lower 5 1/2" of the towel consists of four rows of pulled work including a 2 1/2" knotted self fringe.

Stitches: cross, running stitch, drawn
Label TextThis hand towel was embroidered in red and blue cross-stitched designs and signed "AM" by an unknown maker. The eight-pointed stars and floral motifs are typical of designs found on Pennsylvania German embroideries. The bottom of the towel consists of four rows of drawn-work and knotted self fringe.

The custom for young, unmarried women to decorate hand towels with embroidery was common in both Germany and Pennsylvania, especially in Mennonite families. Making a hand towel was part of mastering sewing skills and developing self control--important lessons for young women who were soon to become wives, housekeepers, and mothers. More often they were made in anticipation of marriage as part of the household linens required to set up housekeeping. Intended to beautify a home rather than for actual use, decorated hand towels were usually hung for display on the living-room side of doors between the kitchen and living room, or stove room. Frequently painted blue or red, these doors showed off the prettily embroidered white towels to their best advantage.
MarkingsIn cross-stitch: "A.M."
ProvenancePurchased in Tarrytown, New York in 1954; nothing more is known of towel's provenance.