Historic Weaving

For those that think historic reproduction or repair is a piece of cake. It is not. This has been the end result of my weekend experiments.

I feel that I know the structure - stitches used to make the object, but neither copy makes the same size with the same number of stitches. That tells me that the main thread is size is somewhere between the two.

My first sample was using 10/4 cotton and a 1.5 mm hook. The second sample was using two strands of 10/4 cotton and a 2.5 mm hook. (Two strands of 10/4 is equivalent of a 5/4 cotton). The second copy was easier to stitch than the first. The first used a smaller hook, and had more split plying issues that required frogging to remove.

I can see that the original stitching is "tight", presumably to create a dense fabric with no holes for steam to get through. This can be achieved best through tension and wet finishing. This piece was been originally stitched most likely in one session, as the stitches are consistently tense throughout. Even my second piece required two sessions. Did you know that your mood affects the result? Different mood yields a different amount of tension in the string on the hook. The stitch sizes change with a change in tension.

Likely this was made with a 3/4 cotton thread unmercerized. The resulting fabric is soft and "well bloomed" after years of use. I'll have to look around to see if this thread is even available in my stash at the shop. It was not available while I was camping which is why I used two balls of different color thread.

Often these pieces would have been made in the afternoon or evening when things were quiet around the house. This piece, once the pattern is memorized is easy to work in dim light. The are few rules required to make it. It has a 45 stitch base, needs to be square, and the end result should be a 7 1/2 inch square after wet finishing. It was not made by a beginner, as there would be more tension issues in the final product. The hands that hooked this had tension down to a fine art. This only comes with muscle control and that requires practice.

We have seen objects that looked like this in our grandmothers home if you are in the same generation as I am. They were daily use objects. Not a doily for show when company comes, but something used for moving a warm teapot, or gripping a pot handle on the stove. There was no need for fancy decoration, just function.

Can a new crocheter make this? Yes. But it may have ripples in it if there are yarn tension issues. It would make a lovely gift for a holiday for a family member. Back in the day, when money was tight, we had to make things rather than buy them. Turns out hand made is worth more.

Answering the question I am always asked, How long does it take you to make that? Time for an experienced crocheter to make, is about 8 hours of stitching time. The longest part of the time is in the main fabric, the trim stitching was completed in about an hour. To add it up, 16 hours of hook in hands to make the two copies this weekend, but additional days and hours building the skills needed to execute the instructions well.

The antique potholder reproduction, has a time value if I were to make $10 per hour one of these this worth $80. Question, would someone pay for that? Highly unlikely if it were for its functional value alone. If it were to preserve a historical record of how the item is produced, perhaps.

There is a third copy to be made to confirm the size of thread used, and then I will generate the pattern needed for others to make their own. There is great benefit in being able to "read" historic fabrics and know how they are made. There is more benefit in being able to construct them yourself.

Do you value your learning time? Do you make room for you to be able to make things multiple times before getting a result you are pleased with? For me it is rare that something works out perfectly the first time. I value the experience, I am able to look at the object I made and say, next time I will change this part and each time I repeat the task my results improve.

It is amazing how life works.

Step into spring in your Derby finest! 🌹

Join us for Derby Day 2026 at the Belmont Senior Center on May 2 — an afternoon of food, fun, and fabulous hats.

Enjoy the buffet, cheer on the Vintage Hat Fashion Show, and cast your vote for the People’s Choice Award.

🎟️ Tickets are just $20 — available at the Belmont Senior Center, World Museum of Mining, or by scanning the QR code.

All proceeds support two beloved Butte institutions: the World Museum of Mining and Belmont Senior Center.

Let’s make this Derby Day one to remember! 💃🐎