Unfinished, Partially Embroidered Pocket Fronts
Item
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Title
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Unfinished, Partially Embroidered Pocket Fronts
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Rights
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Victoria & Albert Museum, England. All Rights Reserved ©Victoria & Albert Museum.
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Creator
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Hannah Haines
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Date
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1718-1720
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Description
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Partially embroidered, this in progress tie-on pocket shows an ink design that was probably hand-drawn onto linen that was being embroidered. From the Hannah Downes collection of needlework that consists of the work of four generations of British women, the pocket has been identified as the work of Downes daughter, Hannah Haines, between 1718-1720. Once the embroidery had been completed, the pocket would have been cut out, lined and sewn to the back piece. The edges would then be bound and the ties attached. Tie-on pockets were widely used though the 18th and 19th Centuries as pockets were not sewn into women’s clothing. Often made at home from a variety of materials, the quality and design of tie-on pockets not only reflected the wealth and class of their owner, but also fashion and aesthetics. Worn under the outer dress and skirts, tied around the waist, they were accessed through openings in the outer garment.
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Format
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Linen, hand sewn with silk and linen thread. Ink design (probably hand-drawn). Length 38.5cm (15.16 inches), width 24 cm (9.84 inches).
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Publisher
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Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
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Contributor
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Quinn Kassing
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Identifier
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Victoria and Albert Museum, London. T.41&A-1935.
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Subject
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Pockets; clothing; fashion; accessories; embroidery; women's fashion.
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Source
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Victoria & Albert Museum, England.
October 20, 2025
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Pocket Fronts
