Natural White Linen Buckram, WLG 170

100% Linen, 54″ Wide

Buckram (aka taylors linen and interfacing) is used in the lining of garments to keep them stiff and hold their form. WLG 170 is a little finer and smoother than WLG 172 besides being a creamy white. It is also used in the body of women’s gowns. Most extant buckram is unbleached but this creamy buckram might be preferable in light colored garments. Being 54 inches (1 m 37 cm) wide a quarter yard is enough for most applications. Buckram is a very old fabric and has been used at least since the 17th century and probably well before. This linen made in Ireland is stiffened with gum and should be used along the button stand and button holes in men’s coats, jackets, waistcoats and military regimentals. If interfacing is not used the front of the coat will flop and not hold it’s shape especially if metal buttons are being used. In some extant 18th century garments several layers of interfacing is used.

Buckram interfacing is often listed within newspaper ads as being for sale. For example in The New-Hampshire Gazette, in 1775 an ad included “To Be Sold, By George Craigie, At his Store in Portsmouth, A General Assortment of English Goods, Exceeding Cheap for Cash . . . white and brown Buckram” shared with permission from Mike Barbieri. Hand sewing this fabric would work best using 35/2 off white linen thread.