Quilted Petticoat

Date1740-1760, waist alteration probably in the 1870s

OriginEngland; worn in America, New Hampshire

MediumSilk (fabric, thread); wool (lining, batting); cotton (waistband) worsted backing; woolen batting; silk quilting thread; cotton waistband.

DimensionsLength: (front) 36 3/4"; Length (back) 37 1/2"; Circumference: 109"; Waist: 26 1/4"

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number2004-101

DescriptionPetticoat of pale blue-green silk, quilted with running stitches in floral border design concentrated in the bottom half. Reading up from hem, the border design consists of 3 straight lines, a straight half-feather band, a wide band of dense flowers and leaves, and an undulating wide feather band. The top half of the petticoat is quilted in intersecting ovals. Original portion of petticoat still retains two pocket slits bound with silk ribbon. Top of petticoat is now stitched and partially gathered to a new cotton band that is pleated to a 1 1/2-inch wide waistband. Two hand-worked buttonholes are positioned at center-back. Waistband fastens with single large-size hook and eye. The skirt fullness is concentrated at the center-back, giving a bustle effect. Quilt backing fabric is green plain-woven glazed worsted with creases from folding during the glazing process. The batting is undyed wool. Running-stitch quilting at 11 to 12 per inch.

Construction History:
1.1740-1760: Initial Construction
2. c. 1870: Petticoat was altered. gathering was concentrated at the center back for a bustle effect and cotten waistband added.
ProvenanceAccording to vendor, the petticoat came from an auction near Concord, New Hampshire