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Antique Redwork Tablecloth

Posted on December 3, 2011December 3, 2011 by Martha

This is an item I purchased on ebay ages ago, and although it was advertised as a tablecloth, I thought it might actually be a quilt top. I was wrong, though, because it is hemmed all around, it’s only one layer (so probably not meant to be a summer spread), and the seams are finished on the back.

The tablecloth was listed as a cutter on ebay and very inexpensive.  I haven’t done any research on the cloth so I’m not sure about the age, but a couple of my favorite squares represent figures from the 1800s:  Jumbo (1861 – 1885) and Admiral Dewey (1837 – 1917).  If anyone has a better idea of the date, I would love to hear from you.

The motifs appear to be hand drawn and the random nature of the subjects reminds me of the old “penny square” designs.  All of the drawings are directional and all but three are set the same (the 5th square in the last three rows is upside down).  I would have fixed this if I were the maker, but now I find it charming.

The cloth has been well used, but is in relatively good shape for its age, being a little thin with some broken threads and a few worn spots.  The worst damage is to poor Red Riding Hood, who suffered a bad tear and was rather crudely repaired.

Antique Redwork Tablecloth
Hand embroidered and hand sewn
Unknown Maker (M.K.)
Late 1800s or early 1900s
72″ x 80″






10 thoughts on “Antique Redwork Tablecloth”

  1. Karen Beigh says:
    December 3, 2011 at 5:44 pm

    I have always like the story of Red Riding Hood. So, that is my favorite block on your table cloth.

    Reply
  2. Chris Jurd says:
    December 3, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    What a beautiful cloth Martha. It would make a lovely quilt too.

    Reply
  3. Jan says:
    December 4, 2011 at 1:39 pm

    How interesting! It seems like it is probably contemporary to Admiral Dewey, but interesting that only that square is labeled. I love the peacock feather! Such a simple design, but really evokes the real thing!

    Reply
  4. Jan says:
    December 4, 2011 at 1:40 pm

    Oops! After another look, I see Red Riding Hood is also labeled, but surely she would be known, especially in ‘red’ work!

    Reply
  5. Allie says:
    December 4, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    I’ve seen many of those designs – mainly on free sites, I believe, although my memory isn’t as good as it once was! May have been on hoop love on flickr. Nice find, Martha!

    Reply
  6. Ann Champion says:
    December 5, 2011 at 7:24 am

    This is a fabulous piece! Lucky for you it was listed as a tablecloth. Otherwise the quilters may have bid the price up?
    The motifs sure seem to fit the date you’ve guessed at.

    Reply
  7. Teresa says:
    December 5, 2011 at 8:54 am

    That is such a charming piece of handwork! I feel good knowing that someone who could appreciate it rescued it.

    Reply
  8. Cathi says:
    December 5, 2011 at 12:15 pm

    What a find — it is so beautiful! The redwork is so lovely! And I agree — it’s great that you were the one to rescue it!

    Reply
  9. Luann says:
    December 6, 2011 at 2:30 pm

    What I really think is interesting is the one animal embroidered upside down. if you map out where the worn spots are it may tell you if this was really used as a table cloth. areas like the table edges and where people would sit or put things should show more wear, while corner areas would show less. if used like a blanket the wear would be more even overall.

    Reply
  10. Pratima says:
    December 9, 2011 at 4:17 pm

    These drawings are charming and look so sweet in their simplicity. Thank you for sharing 🙂

    Reply

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