Images(2)

Pincushion

Date1770-1780

OriginGreat Britain

MediumWool embroidery thread (fiber identification by eye)

DimensionsOH 3" x OW 3 3/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1952-326

DescriptionThis is a small, rectangular, padded pincushion worked in Irish stitch. One side is worked in red, pink, brown, gray, and black embroidery threads while the other is worked in black and gray.
Label TextIn the eighteenth century a wide variety of pincushions existed to contain valuable pins that were needed for holding clothes and other textiles together. This cushion is decorated with Irish stitches, a fast moving stitch that is known today as "flame stitch."

ProvenanceThis pincushion was previously in the collection of Mrs. DeWitt Clinton Cohen.