Object number
59/7
Description
Needlework clamps were in common use until the mid 19th C. to keep material taut while stitching.
Needlework clamps were in common use until the mid-nineteenth century to keep material taut while stitching. The clamp would be attached to the tabletop and the material pinned to cushion – the material could then be held taut with one hand while the other was free to sew. Needlework clamps were sometimes offered as love tokens. This clamp is made of metal, with a decorated surface, a heart-shaped screw and a blue cushion.
Physical description
1 clamp: metal, textile
Archival history
MERL ‘Associated information’ form – ‘[insert] 59/7 CRAFTS Textile clothing sewing [end insert] Name of Object: SEWING CUSHION ['[2]' scored through] [insert] CLAMP, needlework [end insert] // Age…: - Neg 60/2779 // Name and address of present owner: [...] Dorking, Surrey // Description of use to which it was put…: [pencil sketch] 6 inches high. Made of metal. Blue cushion. // Ref: MERL 5820 History of Needlework Tools by Sylvia Groves.’
Object name
Material
Dimensions
Associated subject
External document
- L:\MERL\Objects\JISC 2012\60 series negatives\60_2779.tif - High resolution image
