Digital Collections

Petticoat

Object/Artifact

Fine white cotton bodiced petticoat, entirely hand stitched. Bodice has wide neckline with a small amount of cloth gathered above each breast into the wide binding; side back seams, short puffed sleeves, inset waistband. Back is lined with thinner cotton. Back edges are doubly corded with small eyelets for lacing; base of slit is neatly reinforced with stitching. Remains of ties anchored by a knot in top eyelets; one is a plied cotton string, the other a narrow woven tape attached to a plied cotton string. Neckline has a loop for a small button (missing.) Pair of brass hooks and eyes on waistband. Topstitched seams. Slim skirt has side gores and tight gauging in back; set onto inner wide tape waistband. Hem finished with modest broderie anglaise border; evidence of a knee-level deep tuck, now removed. The quality of all the sewing is superb. Would this be for a French dress?

G2006.078

Bruce and Susan Greene Costume Collection

1825 - 1830

bodice petticoat

hand stitched

puff sleeves

eyelet lacing

broderie anglaise

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