Under Petticoat

Date1750-1770

MediumLinen, wool

DimensionsLength: 30 ¼” Side/back: 33” Circumference: 79 ½” Waist: 32”

Credit LineGift of Titi Halle

Object number2014-176

DescriptionWoman’s petticoat (skirt) constructed with a band of decorative crewel wool embroidery around the hem. The full petticoat is pleated to a narrow linen tape waistband that extends to form ties at the center-back opening. The upper portion of the petticoat has linen warps and wefts that alternate between off-white linen and yellow wool to give the appearance of dimity. Along the bottom of the petticoat, a decorative border features curvilinear floral vines stitched with “crewel” wool thread in blues, greens, yellows, and pinks. The embroidered areas are backed with plain-woven linen. Linen tape is folded over and stitched to the hem to finish it.
Label TextPetticoats typically tied around a women's waist and had slits in the sides to allow access to a separately worn pocket. This petticoat with the embroidered lower border may have been used as an under petticoat. In the colder months, women could wear several petticoats to stay warm and often had floral borders along the hem.