
WoolsWool was the most common fabric in New England in the 18th century and used to make all garments because of its durability. It was not only used for warmth but, worsteds, due to their absorbency and ability to breathe, are cool when used in the summer. It accepts dyes easily and is available in many colors. Bag Hose | Linsey Woolsey | Broadcloth | Worsted | Flannel | Jean Cloth | Specialty Weaves |
Bag HoseBag hose fabric was used to make both Scottish trews and hose as may be seen in this detail of the 1780 The Highland Wedding and this picture of a 1744 Highland soldier. Bag hose fabric may be purchased by the bolt at wholesale prices so please contact us. This is in a limited supply (this is a one time weaving of this hard to find fabric). When the fabric is fulled it will shrink to about 53" wide. It takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 yards of bag hose fabric to make a pair of size 9 bag hose. Directions for well fitting bag hose may be found in the book Baghose: The construction of (diced or otherwise). Off white linen thread of 35/2 will work well for this fabric when hand sewing. If you like this fabric you might also be interested in these other plaid wools. The books Tartan: The Highland Habit and The Black Watch at Ticonderoga may also be of interest. |
Bag Hose Fabric, 100% wool, 58" wide.
|
Bag Hose Fabric, 100% wool, 58" wide. |
Linsey WoolseyLinsey Woolsey
|
WLW 100 natural whiteIn The Virginia Gazette of 1772 "RUN away from the Subscriber [in] Maryland, the five following SERVANT MEN . . . All the above Servants had on under Jackets of white Linsey". |
![]() |
WLW 101 blackIn 1775, The Pennsylvania Gazette reported, "RAN away . . . a Dutch servant man . . . speaks no English . . . had on, and took with him . . . a new homespun lead coloured cloth jacket, lined with lincey, and wooded buttons". When hand sewing this linsey try 60/2 black linen thread. |
![]() |
WLW 103 natural stripeIn The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London in 1741 a woman "was indicted for stealing 2 flaxen Sheets, value 3 s. 2 Linsey Wolsey Bed Curtains, value 3 s." |
![]() |
WLW 105 natural stripeIn The Virginia Gazette of 1774, "RUN away . . . two convict Servants [one of them] . . . a Welsh Woman . . . had on, and took with her, a . . . new striped Country made Linsey Bed Gown and Petticoat . . . She is smart and active, and capable of any Business, can read and write". |
![]() |
Hazel wearing the Fig Leaf Open Robe ca. 1771 gown made with the closed robe option of blue linsey woolsey (WLW 106) while she measures natural stripe linsey woolsey (WLW 105). |
WLW 106 blueIn The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London, in 1806, "MARY STAFFORD was indicted for feloniously stealing . . . a child's frock, value 1 s. and a child's petticoat, value 6 d . . . the child (she is three years old) . . . had only a little smock and linsey petticoat on then". |
![]() |
WLW 107
|
![]() |
WLW 108 Madder red
|
![]() |
WLW 109 Grey StripeIn 1778 advertised in the Pennsylvania Packet, "Ran away . . . living in Germantown, a . . . servant girl . . . She had on and took with her . . . three or four homespun linsey petticoats, one of them white, some blue and white striped, and some of a dirty sheep's grey striped, two or three bed gowns of the same". |
![]() |
WLW 110 GreyIn New Jersey of 1780, a male slave ran away with a "grey linsey woolsey waistcoat, much worn". |
![]() |
WWW 828 BrownIn The Virginia Gazette of 1776, "RUN away . . . a slim black fellow . . . I know not what clothes he took with him; but if he has his new waistcoat and breeches, they were of Virginia wool and cotton cloth of kersey weaving." |
![]() |
WWW 829 OxfordIn The Virginia Gazette of 1744 to 1745, "RUN away . . . an Apprentice Lad . . . being a Mustee . . . Had on a Virginia Cloth Jacket, Kersey-wove, and the Sleeves plain". |
![]() |
WWW 821 Silver GreyIn The Virginia Gazette of 1773, "RUN away . . . an English convict servant . . . by trade a house carpenter and joiner . . . Took with him a . . . a Virginia cloth waistcoat, kersey wove, of black and white". |
![]() |
Green Virginia Cloth
|
![]() |
Blue Virginia Cloth
|
![]() |
Specialty Weaves |
Cloth Colored Welsh Cotton, wool, 60" wide, $15.00/yd.
|
![]() |
Green Welsh Cotton, wool, 60" wide, $15.00/yd.
|
![]() |
Gray Herringbone, 100% wool, 60" wide, $10.00/yd.
|
![]() |
Bag Hose | Linsey Woolsey | Broadcloth | Worsted | Flannel | Jean Cloth | Specialty Weaves