Textiles of Colonial Life
Textiles make up many everyday objects; from dresses to gloves, to sheets and napkins, textiles are essential in everyday life, and were often produced here, at Mount Vernon. Explore this page to learn more about 18th century textile production.
Sheep Sheering
Sheep were very important at Mount Vernon. Their thick wool helps keep them warm during the cold winters. In the 18th century, sheep's wool was used to create items like clothing and blankets.
Sheep at Mount Vernon
Creating Yarn
Wool is spun to create yarn, which is then used for knitting and weaving. At Mount Vernon, yarn was used to create different textiles.
From Wool to Yarn
Dying Wool
Did you know that wool can be dyed? At Mount Vernon, different ingredients, such as wood, roots, and indigo, helped make the wool different colors.
Coloring the WoolMake your own loom
Create your own loom with this easy guide.
Explore the Spinning Room
Weaving Accounts
George Washington's Farm Manager wrote down what was woven and produced at Mount Vernon in this account book. Click the link to explore more.
Receipt for Sewing Needles
This receipt shows that Martha Washington purchased 1000 sewing needles from William Buckler in July of 1795. She paid £1.2.6 for them.
A Waistcoat
This waistcoat was worn by George Washington. It was most likely imported from France or England and was made of silk velvet. It was used for a long time and was often repaired at Mount Vernon with a simple needle and thread.
Available Resources
Interested in researching colonial textiles? Explore these sources!
- Weaving Report, 1777
- Spinning And Weaving Records, 1768
- Washington's Weaving Accounts from 1767-1771
- George Washington's Waistcoat
- Presidential Coat
- Martha Washington's Dress
- Receipt for Making and Mending Clothes, 1792
- Receipt for 1000 Needles, 1795
- A Letter asking for Needles by the Thousand
- Spinning Report, 1793
- George Washington on Spinning
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