Uncut Waistcoat Panel

Date1700-1750

MediumWhite tabby cotton quilted and embroidered with linen thread through tabby linen backing; stuffed with linen.

DimensionsL: 64 ";W: 44 1/2"

Credit LineAnonymous gift

Object number1971-1339

DescriptionMan's unmade sleeved waistcoat in the process of being stitched. Off-white cotton backed with linen and embroidered and stuffed with white linen. Unfinished embroidered shapes include two lower fronts and front and back sleeve cuffs worked with back stitch, French knots, and cord quilting in a pattern of large exotic flowers on intertwining leafy vine with more leaves. Tapes sewn to outside edges were probably for tacking the flat piece into an embroidery frame.
Label TextThis flat piece was intended as a sleeved waistcoat with full skirts, of the style 1740 or earlier. The piece shows the order in which this type of needlework was done. First, the outlines and French knots are worked, and then, the cord stuffing is threaded in from behind after the other needlework has been done.
ProvenanceEx Coll. Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen