Cotton Book Muslin, WCN 110

100% Cotton, 61″ Wide

White cotton book muslin is now called organdy but was historically referred to as book muslin because when folded on a bolt it has the appearance of pages of paper. This fine stiff cotton was used to make shirt and shift ruffles, women’s caps, aprons, and handkerchiefs starting in the 1760s and continuing to the present. Book muslin has a crisp look and holds its shape well. In The Proceedings of the Old Bailey, London of 1770, a number of villains “were indicted, the first for breaking and entering the dwelling-house of James Wood . . .  and stealing . . .  a pair of book muslin ruffles, value 3 s.” For hand sewing 60/2 off white linen thread will work well.