Item 26-231

We found this a beautiful example of antique whitework linen trimming with needle-made eyelets in the south of France.

It measures 80 x 7cm. 

This type of edging was especially popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries when decorative whitework was considered an essential accomplishment for young women preparing a trousseau.

The decoration along the edge consists of a repeating series of hand-worked loops and eyelets created directly in the linen. The technique is related to French jours and lingerie embroidery in which the maker has cut or opened the fabric edge and reinforced it with closely worked buttonhole stitches to create the decorative scalloped pattern.

Based on the fabric, workmanship, and style, we would estimate it was made c. 1880–1920

It was most likely produced for:

• Trousseau linens

• Pillowcases

• Sheets

• Nightgowns

• Petticoats

• Infant clothing

This would have been considered respectable middle- to upper-middle-class household linen.