The sign of the unicorn. A fabric shop for 18th century reenactors and historians.

Tape and Lace

Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace | grosgrain | Silk

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Worsted Wool Lace

Worsted wool lace was called worsted ferret in the 18th century and was used for regimental lace, general clothing binding, petticoat and gown trims and hems, pocket book binding, tying women's cloaks, garters, bed hangings, slipcovers, Native American Indian garments, and trimming for hats. Because of the chevron design it works well when hand sewing and turning curves and corners. Wool binding is very durable for home furnishings or clothing. Sample swatches are available on request.

Worsted wool tape in narrower widths work very well for holding stockings up. In fact for women, leather buckled garters do not appear to be used in the 18th century. Cotton and silk are too slick whereas wool catches and holds. Approximately 1 1/2 to 2 yards allow you to rap the tape several times around the leg tie them as is seen in period prints.

Indian Gold Worsted

In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey of 1753, "John Jettea . . .  was indicted . . .  [with others] did steal . . .  one scarlet everlasting waistcoat with a gold binding".

3/8" $2.75/yd.

Add 3/8" Indian Gold Worsted Wool Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

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Natural White Worsted

In The Virginia Gazette of 1770, "Run away. . .  AN apprentice lad. . .  had on a light coloured frieze coat, with a small cape to it, and bound with ferreting".

3/8" $2.75/yd.

Add 3/8" White Worsted Wool Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

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Natural White Worsted Tape

Natural white worsted lace was used as trim on British sergeant's coats. White worsted tape may also be used on civilian clothing. In 1745, in The Virginia Gazette, "RAN away from the Subscriber, living in . . .  Maryland . . .  Two Servant Men; one of them is a Convict . . .  a Smith by Trade; had on, or with him . . .  a red Cloth Jacket and Breeches, with white Trimming".

1/2" wide $2.85/yd.

Add 1/2" White Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors, museum interpreters, and military historicans.
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Red Worsted Tape

In 1752 "a white Servant Man" ran away in Virginia. He "had on when he went away, a blue Cloth Coat and Breeches, faced, lined and trimmed with Red . . .  he's an Englishman, and hath been in the Country about a Year; and pretends to be a Coachman".

1/2" wide $2.85/yd.

Add 1/2" Red Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Blue Worsted Tape

In 1785 the General Carleton, an English ship, sank off the coast of Poland. One blue wool (faded on the outside to brown in the sea water) double breasted sailor's jacket was excavated from the wreck between 1995 and 1996. This sailor's jacket had 1/4" blue wool binding enclosing all outside raw edges.

1/2" wide $2.85/yd.

Add 1/2" Blue Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Yellow Worsted Tape

In New Jersey in 1776 a slave ran away with "a short light coloured coat, with binding of the same colour".

1/2" wide $2.85/yd.

Add 1/2" Yellow Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted braid for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Gold Worsted Tape

In 1767 The Proceedings of the Old Bailey had an entry with "Elizabeth Jones was indicted for stealing 1296 yards of worsted binding, value 4 l."

1/2" wide $2.85/yd.

Add 1/2" Gold Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactor's clothing.
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Black Worsted Tape

This worsted tape is plain weave whereas all the others are twill. It has a slightly different look but may otherwise be used the same. In the Pennsylvania Gazette of 1772, "Run away . . .  an indented servant woman . . .  says she was born near the city of Armagh, in Ireland . . .  had on, and took with her . . .  a blue cloth cloak, with a cap to it, tied at the neck with a narrow worsted tape". When hand sewing this linen try 60/2 black linen thread.

1/2" wide $2.85/yd.

Add 1/2" Black Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic re-enactors and museum interpreters.
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Green Worsted Tape

In 1750 a theft was brought before the court of the Old Bailey in London. "I keep a chandler's shop, and sell binding, and such things . . .  and upon the floor I found a piece of green binding; I saw the prisoner . . .  and I went in to see if he had taken away any thing; I soon miss'd some binding".

5/8" $2.85/yd.

Add 5/8" Green Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Black Worsted Tape

In the proceedings of the Old Bailey, London in 1773 a man "went to a public house to take a description of the man; they said he was dressed in a white waistcoat with black binding". When hand sewing this linen try 60/2 black linen thread.

5/8" $2.85/yd.

Add 5/8" Black Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Natural White Worsted Tape

In 1752, in The Virginia Gazette, "RAN away . . .  Two Convict Servants . . .  an English Man, who understands Farming . . .  he has stolen several Things, viz. a Suit of fine Broad Cloth Cloaths, dark Drab, about half worn and full trimm'd".

7/8" $3.50/yd.

Add 7/8" Natural White Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Red Worsted Tape

In Virginia in 1772, "RUN away . . .  a Negro Man . . .  He had on when he ran away . . .  a Negro Cotton One [waistcoat] with a small Cape bound with red, also the Sleeves".

7/8" $3.50/yd.

Add 7/8" Red Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Gold Worsted Tape

In a court case in the Old Bailey in 1783, a constable was brought to the stand as a witness in a theft case. The constable said, "here is one green coat with gold binding, which I have seen on his back, or something similar to that; I make no doubt but it is the same."

7/8" $3.50/yd.

Add 7/8" Gold Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Blue Worsted Tape

In the Pennsylvania Gazette of 1773, "Run away . . .  a servant man . . .  born in Ireland . . .  had on . . .  a blanket coat, bound with blue ferreting, half worn".

7/8" $3.50/yd.

Add 7/8" Blue Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Black Worsted Tape

In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey of 1785, "JOHN ALLEN and SARAH ALLEN were indicted for feloniously stealing . . .  twenty yards of black binding, value 6 d." When hand sewing this linen try 60/2 black linen thread.

7/8" $3.50/yd.

Add 7/8" Black Worsted Tape to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Natural White Worsted Wool Hat Braid

In the Newport Mercury in 1776 "DESERTED . . .  from Capt. Aimelech Rigg's company, in Colonel William Richmond's regiment, a private . . .  had on . . .  a black hat bound with white".

1 3/4" wide $5.65/yd

Add 1 3/4" White Worsted Wool Hat Braid to Cart

Worsted wool hat briad for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Black Worsted Wool Hat Braid

In 1776 in a New Jersey ad a runaway servant with "a new felt hat, bound with black worsted binding" is recorded. When hand sewing this try 60/2 black linen thread.

1 3/4" wide $5.65/yd

Add 1 3/4" Black Worsted Wool Hat Braid to Cart

Worsted wool hat briad for historic re-enactors and museum interpreters.
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Natural Worsted Wool Hat Braid

This picture is magnified to show weave. In 1771 The Virginia Gazette included an ad with, "Run away . . .  two new Negroes . . .  a Fellow . . .  he had with him . . .  a tolerable good bound Hat".

1 3/4" wide $5.65/yd

Add 1 3/4" Natural Worsted Wool Hat Braid to Cart

Worsted wool hat briad for historic reenactors' reproduction clothing and museum interpreters.
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Drummer's Lace Heavy navy blue and white braid featuring the "fleur de lis" emblem

This lace is made to British Ministry of Defence specifications and was used during the War of 1812. Livery suits were often bound with lace featuring a part of the coat of arms of the house. In The Virginia Gazette of 1774 in "YORK Town . . .  MY Mulatto Fellow . . .  ran away . . .  he carried with him . . .  an old blue Livery Cloth Suit."

5/8" (16mm) or 3/4" wide $3.00/yd. Please indicate size

Add Fleur de Lis Braid to Cart

Worsted wool tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Linen Tape

Dutch Linen Tape

Linen tape, finely woven in a natural color is a strong tape which takes to dyeing when necessary. Use the 3/4" for binding the tops of petticoats it will hold both pleats or gathered edges well. Allow enough to tie at the sides to close the pocket slits. Use the 1/2" as stay tape and for binding pockets and stays, the 1/4" may be used for stay lacing and tieing the back of breeches. In 1757 in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London "John Mungotroid was indicted for stealing . . .  3038 yards of linen tape, 175 yards of quality binding."

1/4" $1.00/yd.
3/8" $1.15/yd.
1/2" $1.40/yd.
3/4" $1.90/yd.


Add Dutch Linen Tape to Cart

Linen tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters' clothing.
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Cotton Tape

Cotton Tape

Cotton tape rolled into convenient 10 yard rolls in many sizes. The 1/8" and 1/4" may be used as ties for ladies caps, and bonnets, stay laces, and to tie the back of breeches. The 3/8", 1/2", come in white and natural and work well for tying petticoats, aprons, and cloaks. In 1783 in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London "WILLIAM HATCHMAN was indicted for feloniously stealing . . .  24 yards of cotton tape, value 4 s."

1/8" $2.00 each please specify white, or natural
1/4" $2.00 each please specify white, natural, or black
3/8" $3.00 each please specify white or natural
1/2" $3.00 each please specify white or natural


Add Cotton Tape to Cart


Stay tape is used for the inside construction of garments. Throughout the 18th century stay tape was most likely made of linen but today cotton is considerably less expensive. Our stay tape is white 1/2" plain weave cotton in approximately 55 Yard Rolls. In 1793 in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London "HENRY OLIVER was indicted for stealing . . .  four yards of stay tape, value 1 d."

$10.00/roll


Add Aprox. 55 Yard Roll Cotton Stay Tape to Cart

Cotton tape selection in narrow widths for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Cotton tape in 1/8" and 1/4" widths.

Cotton tape selection in medium widths for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Cotton tape in 3/8" and 1/2" widths.

Cotton stay tape for tailors and mantua-makers.

Approximately 55 yard roll of cotton stay tape.

One inch cotton twill tape is sold in 10 yard rolls. Cotton twill tape of this size is often used for binding the bottom of linen or cotton petticoats.

$4.50 Please specify light brown, pink, light green, dark navy blue, blue, or light blue.

Add Light Brown, Pink, or Light Green Cotton Twill Tape to Cart

Add Dark Navy Blue, Blue, or Light Blue Cotton Twill Tape to Cart


Cotton tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
Cotton tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

We also have one inch cotton twill tape in white, natural, and black sold in 10 yard rolls. Cotton twill tape of this size is often used for binding the bottom of linen or cotton petticoats.

$3.50 Please specify white or natural.

$4.50 Black.

Add White or Natural Cotton Twill Tape to Cart

Add Black Cotton Twill Tape to Cart


Cotton tape selection of one inch width in ten yard rolls for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Hook and Eye Tape

These metal fasteners are spaced 1" apart and is perfect for closing the front of your gown. Available in white or black cotton and sold by the inch. Hook and eye tape was not available in the 18th century but this is a lot easier to use than hiring a servant to sew you into a gown.

$0.40/inch.

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Hook and eye tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Hooks and eyes made of wire are also available and sold by the set. These were used to close garments such as men's coats and to cock hats. They may be used in conjunction with a pair of ties to help keep a women's cloak shut as well and there is an unusual sample from 1738 The Virginia Gazette of a "RUN away . . .  a Servant Man . . .  he is an Irishman . . .  He carried . . .  one Half thick Wastecoat, with Hooks and Eyes, instead of Buttons". In 1774 in The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London during the trial of some highwaymen a witness stated, "I am a taylor: I made this coat for the prosecutor; I finished it on the 9th of April; I am sure it is the same; I made it myself; I know my own work perfectly well; the hooks and eyes are taken out, here are the marks where they were."

Large $1.00/set
small 3 sets for $0.50

Add Large Wire Hook and Eye Set to Cart

Add Small Wire Hook and Eye Set to Cart

Each large hook and eye is 5/8" long and linked they are 1 1/4" long.
Hook and eye tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
The small hook is 1/2", the eye is 1/4" long. Linked they are just short of 3/4" long. Hook and eye tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Hemp

Hemp Webbing

Strong 100% hemp webbing is plain weave and unbleached. Hemp webbing may be used for canteen and camp kettle bag straps, bayonet and cartridge box carriages, knapsacks, voyageur tumplines, &c.

1" $4.25/yd.
1 1/2" $4.25/yd.
2" $4.25/yd.

Add Hemp Webbing to Cart

Hemp tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Metallic Lace

Metallic Gold Lace

During the 18th century each officer went to his own tailor for clothing. Therefore there was no regulation officer's lace. The same gold lace on an officer's coat could also be found on civilian clothing. For example in the proceedings of the Old Bailey in 1775 there was a trial for three thieves who "were indicted for stealing . . .  a blue silk waistcoat, trimmed with gold lace, value fifteen shillings".

$3.95/yd.

Add Metallic Gold Lace to Cart

1/2" Bias & Stand metallic gold lace
Metallic gold lace for historic reenactors, military uniforms, and museum interpreters.
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Metallic Soutache Braid

In 1783 The Royal Gazette of New York included within an ad a "Description of Charles Broescke, Quarter-Master to Colonel de Linsing's battalion of Hessian Grenadiers, who absconded . . .  Had on before he went away, a blue coat, with lappels, the buttons holes trimmed with a small silver lace".

$4.00/yd..

Add Metallic Soutache Braid to Cart

Metallic soutache braid-silver color Silver tape for historic reenactors, military uniforms, and museum interpreters.
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Grosgrain Ribbon

Grosgrain Ribbon

Grosgrain was originally silk, which is no longer manufactured, so this cotton and rayon blend is the best substitute for an authentic look when making black bonnets for both 18th and 19th century wear. In The Pennsylvania Packet of 1775, "Ran away . . .  an indented servant Irish woman . . .  She had on a black pasteboard bonnet, trimmed with ribbon and lace".

Comes in three widths: 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" $0.40/yd.

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Grosgrain tape for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.
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Silk Ribbon

1/2" Silk Satin Ribbon

Necklaces of black silk ribbon with a cross below are often seen especially on French women and girls but ribbons were also simply tied around the neck. Half inch silk ribbon may also be used to decorate gowns, hats, and caps. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1770 "Edward Holmes, Hannah Riddal, and Eliz. Soddi, spinsters, were indicted for making an assault on Elizabeth, wife of Michael Pever, in a certain field and open place, near the King's highway, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and taking from her . . .  a silk ribbon, value 5 d." and later in the same proceeding "Soddi took my necklace and ribbon off."

Comes in seven colors $1.45/yd.

Add 1/2 Inch Light Blue or Black Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 1/2 Inch Red, Peach, or Light Pink Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 1/2 Inch Deep Pink, or Olive Green Silk Ribbon to Cart

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Half inch wide silk ribbon in light blue, and black.

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Half inch wide silk ribbon in red, peach, and light pink.

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Half inch wide silk ribbon in deep pink, and olive green.

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5/8" Silk Satin Ribbon

Five eights inch silk ribbon is a good size to decorate gowns, hats, and caps. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1775 "DANIEL DELAFORCE and ISAAC LUMLEY were indicted, for that they in the king's highway, on Mary Bignell, widow, did make an assault, putting her in corporal fear and danger of her life, and stealing from her . . .  a linen cap, value four-pence; a silk ribbon, value one penny".

$1.45/yd.

Add 5/8 Inch Pale Blue Silk Ribbon to Cart

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Five eights inch wide silk ribbon in pale blue.

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3/4" Silk Satin Ribbon

Silk ribbon of this width has many uses such as accenting a chip (aka straw) hat, cap, or gown. But 3/4" silk ribbon may also be tied around the neck. For example look at this 1769 maid servant's use of silk ribbon in both her cap and around her neck from The Lewis Walpole Library Digital Collection. In The Virginia Gazette of 1751 "RAN away . . .  a white Servant Woman . . .  has a little of the Irish Brogue, but denies that Country . . .  having stole an Ash colour'd Camblet Gown, tied at the Sleeves with blue Ribbons".

Comes in eight colors $2.15/yd.

Add 3/4 Inch Pale Blue, Blue, or Peach Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 3/4 Inch Red, Pink, or Gold Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 3/4 Inch Green or Olive Green Silk Ribbon to Cart

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Three quarter inch wide silk ribbon in pale blue, blue, and peach.

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Three quarter inch wide silk ribbon in red, pink, and gold.

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Three quarter inch wide silk ribbon in green and olive green.

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1" Silk Satin Ribbon

Silk ribbon of this width has many uses such as decorating a native American Indian rap skirt or accenting a chip (aka straw) hat. In The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1772 "Run away . . .  an indented servant woman . . .  had on, and took with her . . .  a clean cap, with a black sattin ribbon, tied round her head, and brought under her chin".

Comes in ten colors $2.65/yd.

Add 1 Inch Burgundy, Dark Green, or Navy Blue Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 1 Inch Violet, Brown, or Blue Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 1 Inch Olive Green, Pink, or Yellow Silk Ribbon to Cart

Add 1 Inch Black Silk Ribbon to Cart

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

One inch wide silk ribbon in burgundy, dark green, and navy blue.

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

One inch wide silk ribbon in violet, brown, and blue.

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

One inch wide silk ribbon in olive green, pink, and yellow.

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1 1/2" Silk Satin Ribbon

Silk ribbon of this width has several uses including to accent chip (aka straw) hats or for the sash of girl's white gowns. For example in The Pennsylvania Gazette of 1773, "Run Away . . .  an Irish servant girl . . .  had on, and took with her . . .  a chip hat, with a red ribbon round the crown of it".

Comes in three colors blue, dark red, and pink $3.95/yd.

Add 1 1/2" Silk Ribbon to Cart

100% silk ribbon for historic reenactors and museum interpreters.

Wool | Linen | Cotton | Hemp | Metallic Lace

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