Waistcoat

Silver spangles (sequins) and drawn-thread and pulled-thread work adorn this woman's linen waistcoat. In this type of needlework, strands of the woven linen are cut and pulled away. The remaining warp or weft threads are then embroidered together to create an openwork effect, in this case a grid of squares and circles. Spangles arranged in a diaper pattern further enhance the geometric pattern of the needlework. The waistcoat's simple style with a high waist and elbow-length, full sleeves is characteristic of the 1630s.