ANTIQUE 1820's HAND STITCH CORDED PETTICOAT OLD SCRIPT SIGNATURE SARAH W BART

This is a very old corded petticoat. The fabric is loom woven corded cotton.

The garment is completely hand stitched. I believe it to date from the mid 1820's. It definitely predates hoops and bustles. The cording was meant to stiffen the bottom portion of the petticoat, keeping the petticoat from folding thereby adding some volume at the lower portion of the dress. To me it appears this petticoat would be the correct shape for a mid 1820's dress, flatter in the front and more flared at the back.

The cotton fabric that this is made from is woven in a damask check pattern below a striped pattern. The fabric was made specifically for this purpose as it transitions from stripe to check, and the cords are actually woven into the lower portion of the fabric. The front of the petticoat has a single panel sewn in place with just the striped pattern. That front panel is also not drawn so tightly at the waist, which allows the fabric to fall flatter in the front. The gathering at the waist is tighter on the back and sides, and the fabric has the checked pattern on the back and sides which makes it just a bit stiffer in body.

It is in the vertically striped area at the front where very long ago a name, likely that of the owner, is written in pen and ink script. Bart, which I believe may be short for Sarah W. I should mention that this is from an estate in Farmington, CT and the Bartholomew name goes beck some time in that area. This early petticoat is in overall very good condition. There are four sets of corded rows toward the bottom of the petticoat.

It is interesting that each of the the cords meet in alternating rows where the seams are sewn. The waistband has been taken in in a couple of areas, sewn in little squares as photographed. Those little square stitched areas are the only machine stitching on the petticoat.

There are a couple of stains and slight discoloration from age. I have not tried washing this. There is also a little tearing at the waistband which could be easily reinforced from the inside.

There are no visible methods of closure at the waist. No evidence of hooks and eyes or buttons. This is a great early garment and a rare survivor! I will be listing other antique petticoats from this estate.