Red Crossbar Corded Silk

Chinese, Indian, Persian, English & French “taffety” or taffeta, such as this Red Crossbar Corded Silk, were commonly advertised in the 18th and 19th centuries. Woven plain, they were made in a variety of colors, some changeable, some “chine” or warp printed, some with stripes, checks and patterns. All were woven in a like fashion varying only in their width or number of silk yarns in the warp and weft. After the American Revolution great quantities of silk came to the colonies directly from China, including taffetas, satins and lustrings. Simple patterns could be woven, such as stripes or checks and extra float yarns introduced to create patterns as simple as dots and as elaborate as flowers, vines and lace motifs. Silk was available to all social classes in varying qualities; for instance, those with less wealth might have purchased cheaper silks or found silks from the second hand market. The Victoria & Albert holds  which shows a variety of silks including simple patterned ones such as these, which could be left plain or embroidered over.

• ThisRed Crossbar Corded Silk is suitable for Gowns, Skirts, Jackets, Mantles, Pelisses, Men's Wrapping Gowns, Waistcoats, Linings and Accessories, and household applications, such as bed or window treatments.
• This Red Crossbar Corded Silk displays occasional slubbing. This characteristic is found in a variety of 18thc silks we have examined
• Red Crossbar Corded Silk is 100% Silk, 54 inches wide.