Textiles

The 50,000 objects in the textile collections fall into two main categories: raw fibers, yarns, and fabrics, and machines, tools, and other textile technology. Shawls, coverlets, samplers, laces, linens, synthetics, and other fabrics are part of the first group, along with the 400 quilts in the National Quilt Collection. Some of the Museum's most popular artifacts, such as the Star-Spangled Banner and the gowns of the first ladies, have an obvious textile connection.

The machinery and tools include spinning wheels, sewing machines, thimbles, needlework tools, looms, and an invention that changed the course of American agriculture and society. A model of Eli Whitney's cotton gin, made by the inventor in the early 1800s, shows the workings of a machine that helped make cotton plantations profitable in the South and encouraged the spread of slavery.

Brussels bobbin lace motifs applied to handmade Droschel bobbin lace net from the early 19th century.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Brussels bobbin lace motifs applied to handmade Droschel bobbin lace net from the early 19th century.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1800-1815
ID Number
TE.L7016
Early 18th century Binche bobbin lace cuff made by gathering the laceCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Early 18th century Binche bobbin lace cuff made by gathering the lace
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700-1725
ID Number
TE.L7297A
catalog number
L7297.00A
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
late 19th to early 20th C
ID Number
TE.T15033
catalog number
T15033.000
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.T14376
catalog number
T14376.000
accession number
278083
Coarse Greek Reticella type needle lace with bobbin lace added to one end. It is possibly two cuffs sewn together.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Coarse Greek Reticella type needle lace with bobbin lace added to one end. It is possibly two cuffs sewn together.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.L6911
catalog number
L6911.000
accession number
50762
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
2013.0121.45
accession number
2013.0121
catalog number
2013.0121.45
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.E331764C
catalog number
E331764.00C
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.E247149
catalog number
E247149.000
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.T13747
catalog number
T13747
accession number
262265
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
3rd quarter, 19th century
ID Number
TE.T11790
catalog number
T11790.000
accession number
198210
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.T11863
catalog number
T11863.000
accession number
198210
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.T15449.368
catalog number
T15449.368
T.15449.368
Alencon needlelace collar or collar edging. Off white linen. Meander pattern. One straight edge, one scalloped.Currently not on view
Description
Alencon needlelace collar or collar edging. Off white linen. Meander pattern. One straight edge, one scalloped.
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.T16269
catalog number
T16269.000
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1832
ID Number
TE.T13489
catalog number
T13489.000
accession number
254382
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
ca 1925
ID Number
TE.T16122
catalog number
T16122.00S
accession number
299421
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.E372209L
catalog number
E372209.00L
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1700-1730
ID Number
TE.T16268
catalog number
T16268.000
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
ID Number
TE.T11998.00B
catalog number
T11998.00B
Currently not on view
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Late 19th - early 20th C
late 19th to early 20th C
ID Number
TE.T15031A
catalog number
T15031.00A
accession number
287953
Old Binche bobbin lace border fragment. Separately made edges are added to each sideCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Old Binche bobbin lace border fragment. Separately made edges are added to each side
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1650-1700
ID Number
TE.L7032B
catalog number
L7032.00B
ID Number
TE.T11830
accession number
198210
Border, Point d'Angleterre bobbin lace with Droschel ground going in different directions. Linen. Mid 18th C. Floral motifs with 6 3/4" length pattern repeat. Scalloped border with picots.Currently not on view
Description
Border, Point d'Angleterre bobbin lace with Droschel ground going in different directions. Linen. Mid 18th C. Floral motifs with 6 3/4" length pattern repeat. Scalloped border with picots.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
Mid 18th C
ID Number
TE.T14364
catalog number
T14364.000
Mechlin bobbin lace border from the second quarter of the 18th centuryCurrently not on view
Description (Brief)
Mechlin bobbin lace border from the second quarter of the 18th century
Location
Currently not on view
date made
1725-1750
ID Number
TE.L7330C
catalog number
E007330.00C
accession number
83674
Darned filet lace flounce in 17th or 18th Century style, but probably made during 19th C. Unusual straight netting. Finished on all sides.Currently not on view
Description (Brief)
Darned filet lace flounce in 17th or 18th Century style, but probably made during 19th C. Unusual straight netting. Finished on all sides.
Location
Currently not on view
date made
early 19th century
Associated Name
Pinchot, Mary Eno
maker
unknown
ID Number
TE.L6510
catalog number
L6510.000
accession number
48717
113420

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