TEXTILES

What do we mean by textiles?

Generally the term textile refers to woven fabrics. In heritage collections, however, the term has a broader meaning and covers materials which are produced by other means, including:

• the interlacing of yarns, such as knitting, lace making and netting;

• other needlework techniques worked through a woven base, such as embroidery and canvas work.

Some examples of textiles that you may find in your collections are:

• costume, uniforms;

• millinery;

• tapestries;

• ecclesiastical textiles;

• carpets and rugs;

• dolls, parasols and fans;

• patchwork and applique;

• flags and banners;

• quilts;

• teddy bears;

• needlework;

• curtains, upholstery;

• ethnographic textiles;

• samplers;

• non-woven materials such as felt; and sometimes, fur.