Know Your Vintage Linens!

I was inspired to write this guide when I saw four lovely embroidered Tea towels listed as Napkins on ebay. It is worthwhile to do some research before you list your items. Hand-embroidered Tea Towels are very distinct from Napkins.

When listing linens the following should be considered:

Item Name- (example: Tea Towel)
Size and Shape- (example: 6 x 8" rectangle)
Color- (example: White with Pink Embroidery)
Fiber Content- (example: 100% cotton, linen, blend)
Type of Decoration- (example: Embroidered, Cutwork, Drawnwork, Tatting)
Condition- (example: Mint, Worn, Rust spots, Yellowing)

A Basic Guide To Item Names

Napkins: from 6" to 20" square, usually adorned in one corner

Luncheon Napkins: from 3 x 5" rect. to 5" sq. usually come in sets of 4 with small tablecloth

Cocktail Napkins: from 3 x 5" to 4 x 6" rect. often with an all over printed design and sets of 6 or more

Handkerchiefs: square with all over printed design sometimes edged in lace or embroidered in corners, 12- 14" sq. Rarer are round hankies.

Tea Towels: approx. 13 x 20" rect. with embroidery, cutwork or lace trim at bottom edge.

Runners: also called dresser scarves, are rect. and vary in size. They can be lace, cutwork and embroidered.

Doilies: round or oval shaped pieces, from 4 to 14" usually embroidered, cutwork or edged with lace

Centerpieces: round or square, about 20" just a larger doily but often with more elaborate embroidery, cutwork or lace.

Tablecloths: come in all sizes and shapes, from 28" sq and rounds to 80 x 100" rect. and ovals. Any large piece that tops a table. Oftem embroiderd, cutwork, drawnwork, cross-stitched crocheted lace, etc.

Piano Scarves: large pieces edged on three or four sides now often used to make valances or bedskirts. About 26 x 84" with cutwork, embroidery and lace edging.

Pillow Cases: usually come in pairs, fit standard size pillows. Embroidery or lace edge on one end and on top.

Pillow Covers: varying sizes and shapes. Usually the design is all over. Embroidery kits for pillow covers were very popular in the mid-1900's.

Pillow: Pillow cover with insert included.

Bedcover: very large piece with all over embroidery or cutwork. 90 x 110" common.

Duvet Cover: bedcover sewn into a giant pillow case for down comforter.

Embroidered Sheet: Bed Sheets with decoration at top edge. Embroidery or lace edging most common.

General Types of Decoration

Embroidery: white or colored stitching in floral or other natural and abstract designs

Lace edging: attached to the edge of fabric, machine or handmade

Tatting: edging made with a shuttle, simple circular design

Cutwork: embroidered designs with fabric cut away into open spaces

Drawnwork: threads are pulled out of weave to make design

Applique: fabric or lace designs sewn on top of piece

Lace

There are two basic types of lace: needlepoint and bobbin. Bobbin lace, also called pillow lace was made on a pillow and woven with bobbins. Needlepoint lace was made with just needle and thread.

Types of Bobbin lace: Binche, Bruges,Brussels, Chantilly, Cluny, Duchesse, Filet, Point de Paris, Torchon, Valenciennes

Types of Needlepoint lace: Alencon, Rose Point, Battenburg, Hardanger

Lace can also be crocheted or knitted.