Images(4)

Maternity Quilted Petticoat

Date1780-1795

OriginEngland

MediumCotton quilted to cotton with linen thread, cotton batting, linen tape

DimensionsL: 34 1/2"; waist 30 1/2"; circumference 100"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1936-666,1

DescriptionPetticoat belonging to a three-piece maternity gown of quilted white cotton. Full quilted skirt is gathered to waistband, fastening with tape ties at pocket slits on hips. Quilting is done in ground pattern of small diamond lozenges with border around hem and on each side of center front seam showing compartments formed by undulating floral bands. Thin cotton batting and coarse backing. Made from an old bed quilt.

Construction History:

1. 1780-1795: Initial Construction
2. February 17, 1954: Repairs by Ernest LoNano
Label TextThis petticoat, or skirt, was worn with the jacket and vest 1936-666, 2-3. The ensemble was made from a white cotton bed quilt, cut up and reused to make the three-piece outfit. The original quilt's undulating borders were positioned to ornament the petticoat's hem, and the quilt sides brought together and seamed down the center front, forming a subtle panel effect. The petticoat's tied waistband could be expanded at the pocket slits for a larger waist or overlapped to make the waist smaller.